BMW Drops X6 ActiveHybrid from U.S. Lineup after Poor Sales

At a time when automakers are presenting one hybrid after the other, BMW has is doing the exact opposite: the Bavarian company is killing the ActiveHybrid X6 SUV from its U.S. line-up. Dave Buchko, a spokesperson for BMW North America confirmed the news to enthusiast website Bimmerfile.

The full-hybrid variant of the X6 crossover was only just launched in 2009 as a 2010MY primarily targeting U.S. buyers, but sales on this side of the Atlantic proved to be poor.

The reason wasn't a lack of power: with a combined output of 480HP and a peak torque of 771.9 Nm (575 lb-ft) from its turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric motors, the hybrid X6 could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a mere 5.4 sec.

No, the reason the X6 ActiveHybrid is waving good-bye to the American market is more pedantic: it is extremely pricey at US$88,900 and doesn't offer any significant gains in terms of fuel consumption as it tips the scales at 5,401 pounds (2,450 kg).

Apparently, most buyers of the X6 were more than willing to shell out the extra… six hundred bucks and opt for the US$89,500 550HP X6 M, even if it consumed 12% more gas the ActiveHybrid.

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BMW Releases New Power Kits for 135i and 335i that Boost Output to 320HP

BMW's North American division has set its eyes on the lucrative aftermarket business with the releases of two performance packages for the 135i Coupe and 335i models.

The stage 1 and 2 Power Kits for the aforementioned models are fully covered under BMW of North America’s limited warranty and can be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program.

The version 1 Power Kit, which is also available for X6 crossovers produced up to April of 2010, includes an engine software optimization that increases output by 20HP to 320-horses, and peak torque from 300 lb-ft to 332 lb-ft when equipped with an automatic transmission, and 317 lb-ft when fitted with a manual or DCT transmission.

According to BMW, with this kit, the 335i completes the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. It is also 0.5 seconds faster in the 50mph to 75mph acceleration and offers what the company describes as an "“Exhaust burble” sound during engine overrun conditions.

The version 2 Power Kit includes the ECU upgrade plus an auxiliary water cooler and an enhanced radiator fan to reduce the higher thermal stresses on the engine during extreme driving, according to the automaker. It is available only on the 135i and 335i.

BMW said it is offering a special introductory price on all Power Kits from now until the end of 2011, with the Version 1 Power Kit carrying an MSRP of $599, and the Version 2 Power Kit an MSRP of $1,199. Installation costs are not included in the above prices.

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