Hybrid systems, McDonald-fied

I feel like I need to clear up a misconception that may arise from my opinion about hybrid vehicles. To be sure, I am not a fan of hybrids. But my adamant hatred for the so-called ‘green’ cars stems from the people who have somehow got it into their heads that these vegetable cars will save the world. My loathing does not extend to the car, or the technology itself. As long as it is seen for what it really is, that is, a technology to improve gas mileage marginally, reduce consumption during slow traffic, and potentially provide extra acceleration power, all is well with the world.

Take the example of the new BMW hybrid drive systems, such as the BMW X6 Hybrid. They dub the system as “EfficientDynamics” (and no, that was not a typo, they really do not place any space in between the words). Essentially, the concept is the same as one you would get in a Prius, but instead of trying focus on consumption in general, the emphasis is on providing extra boost without incurring more fuel costs.



The results? The X6 hybrid presents a fuel savings over the regular non-hybrid version, while pumping out an additional 70+ hp for a total of 485, and 575 lbs-ft of torque. Quite impressive figures, to say the least; it is as much horsepower and much more torque than a Ferrari F430, enough power to get this high-riding status mobile from 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 150mph. Impressive figures.

Sadly, it all comes crumbling down. Beyond the power, you’re left looking at a tall sort of ‘soft roader’ that weighs in at almost 5,000lbs (over 400lbs heavier than a non-hybrid version) and does a combined 18mpg (claimed). Add to the fact that it will cost you $89K. Yup, that means this ginormous green machine costs more than the X6 M, and does only about 1-2mpg better than the comparable X6 with a V8 petrol engine.

I suppose one can argue that this allows M levels of performance, without the M levels of fuel guzzling. But at two and a half tons, it really loses all the edge it gained from having the extra electric motors. Keep in mind that the fuel mileage figures are from factory supplied data, in the real world, I would not be surprised that this hybrid will struggle to achieve the suggested 18mpg. The case for putting in the resources and energy to produce such a system, with the pollution that a couple hundred pounds of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries can cause, really makes no more sense.

In the end, what exactly is this car then? Is it green? Is it an off-roader? Is it an on-roader? I fear this car, along with the rest of the emerging ‘hybrid’ high-riding, off-roading wannabes are nothing more than a blatant exploitation of society’s mindless meandering to the word “hybrid.”

The smugness will reign supreme. Though, I must admit, at least it has some performance, as a car. But still, you, and the world, will be better of with the petrol version.