DEATH VALLEY, California — With BMW's X6 Active Hybrid safely in its development process, the appearance of the 2009 BMW X5 hybrid in the California desert is not entirely unexpected.
Spinning off the hybrid technology on the X5's largely related platform seems a no-brainer in this increasingly fuel-conscious environment. And if the huge hood bulge isn't enough of a hybrid giveaway, the neon green warning sticker affixed to the X5's backlight confirms the vehicle's content, stating, "Caution! Hybrid-Prototype (High Voltage on Board)."
Earlier this year at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, BMW unveiled an X5 Hybrid concept using a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel. This prototype's exhaust tips looked like they were taken from BMW's X5 3.0d diesel, generating speculation that BMW might be preparing to go to production with the first diesel hybrid. But spy photographers' latest detail shots seem to put the diesel hybrid rumors to rest. The interior photo does not mention a diesel fuel requirement, and the X5 hybrid's 6,500-rpm redline also signals a gasoline-based power plant.
Engine photos display a variety of wires and high-voltage compartments that hide most of the X5 hybrid's gas engine.
What this means to you: The times they are a-changin' as even performance brands like BMW head farther down the green path. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
Spinning off the hybrid technology on the X5's largely related platform seems a no-brainer in this increasingly fuel-conscious environment. And if the huge hood bulge isn't enough of a hybrid giveaway, the neon green warning sticker affixed to the X5's backlight confirms the vehicle's content, stating, "Caution! Hybrid-Prototype (High Voltage on Board)."
Earlier this year at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, BMW unveiled an X5 Hybrid concept using a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel. This prototype's exhaust tips looked like they were taken from BMW's X5 3.0d diesel, generating speculation that BMW might be preparing to go to production with the first diesel hybrid. But spy photographers' latest detail shots seem to put the diesel hybrid rumors to rest. The interior photo does not mention a diesel fuel requirement, and the X5 hybrid's 6,500-rpm redline also signals a gasoline-based power plant.
Engine photos display a variety of wires and high-voltage compartments that hide most of the X5 hybrid's gas engine.
What this means to you: The times they are a-changin' as even performance brands like BMW head farther down the green path. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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