Thinking about buying a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid? Compare it to a BMW X6 Activehybrid first!

 

The BMW X6 Activehybrid Overview

The new ActiveHybrid X6 represents the logical extension of the EfficientDynamics philosophy. This new full-hybrid design underscores BMW's goal of building environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient vehicles that still fulfill the company's insistence on providing an exhilarating driving experience.

While some companies clearly consider fuel efficiency and performance as conflicting goals, BMW has always viewed the two as parallel routes to the same destination. It's this alternate approach that defines the difference between compromise and The Ultimate Driving Machine.


The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Overview

On paper, Cadillac's Escalade Hybrid is the closest competitor to BMW's ActiveHybrid X6. It's the only vehicle here that uses a V-8 engine as its primary powerplant, linking it to a full-hybrid system very similar to BMW's. A dual-mode transmission offers a pair of electric motors that permit driving strictly on electric power up to approximately 35 mph.

That said, the V-8's Atkinson-cycle design, which retards intake-valve closing to reduce internal pumping losses, trades efficiency for power. This is apparent in the 6.0-liter Cadillac's meager power rating of 322 hp – far less than BMW's 480 horsepower, and less, even, than Mercedes 335-hp 3.5-liter V-6. Coupled with the AWD Escalade's 6016-lb curb weight, the combination produced a lackluster 8.4-second 0-60 time – three seconds slower than the ActiveHybrid X6.

The Cadillac also differs from its competitors in that it is the only truck-based, body-on-frame design, as well as the only one that features a live-axle rear suspension instead of a more sophisticated fully independent type. It is fully equipped at its $75,685 base price, offering electrically retractable running boards as its only option.



BMW vs. Cadillac 


What's Hot About The BMW X6 Activehybrid…

  • BMW's ActiveHybrid pairs a twin-turbo 4.4-liter DFI V-8 with a 7-speed active transmission with dual electric motors.
  • The ActiveHybrid X6 boasts significantly better power, with 480 hp and a whopping 575 lb-ft of torque.
  • Aero wheels are 20 x 10-inch fronts, 20 x 11-inch rear, with 275/40 x 20 front and 315/35R-20 rear run-flat tires.
  • The ActiveHybrid X6 features 15.2-inch front and 13.6-inch rear rotors, with aluminum calipers front and rear. Rotors are lightweight aluminum hubs with cast-iron rotors.
  • Preliminary mileage figures for the ActiveHybrid X6 are 17 City/19 Highway.
  • As part of its regular speedometer and tachometer, the X6 includes a power-flow meter, which indicates power usage and charging. BMW's iDrive also includes an 8.8-inch monitor with hybrid-specific displays that show Auto Stop/Start, charge condition and regenerative braking.
  • On the X6, standard equipment includes Napa leather with special stitching, leather dashboard, navigation w/80GB hard drive, front and rear Park Distance Control, Comfort Access, Soft Close doors, Rear View Camera with Top View, MyInfo, BMW Search, and iPod/USB adapter.
  • With a 5.4-second 0-60 time, the ActiveHybrid X6 is three seconds quicker 0-60. Given the shared design with the standard X6 xDrive50i, the ActiveHybrid X6 will likely better braking and skidpad tests by a wide margin.
  • The standard Head-up Display and optional High Beam Assistant are two features not offered by Cadillac.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile maintenance included warranty
  • 4 year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance
  • 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

What's Not Hot About Cadillac Escalade Hybrid…

  • Cadillac utilizes a 6.0-liter pushrod OHV V-8, backed by a dual-mode 4-speed transmission.
  • The Escalade's 332-hp can't approach BMW's power, and its 367 lb-ft of torque is over 200 lb-ft less than the X6's.
  • Wheels are same-size, 22 x 9-inch, shod with 285/45R-22 tires, no run-flat capability.
  • Despite its huge size and 6016-lb curb weight, the Cadillac's brakes are only 13.9-inch ventilated fronts with 13.0-inch solid rears. Calipers and rotors are all cast-iron.
  • Even with the huge power difference, the Cadillac gets only slightly better mileage: 20 City/21 Highway.
  • Cadillac's navigation display includes only an 8-inch monitor with an awkward touchscreen operation, which requires eyes-off-the-road time. Its older-generation DVD database offers far less in terms of navigational data, and none of the music or data storage of BMW's iDrive.
  • The Escalade's standard equipment includes full leather, rear parking assist with rearview camera, navigation, USB port and Bose premium stereo, but none of the other features. In fact, Comfort Access, Soft Close, MyInfo, BMW Search and are unavailable on the Cadillac.
  • The Escalade's performance numbers are decidedly truck-like, with an 8.4-second 0-60 time, 0.73g skidpad and a mediocre 191-ft 70-0 braking performance, according to Car and Driver (April 2009).
  • Cadillac offers neither High Beam Assistant nor a Head-up Display.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile, no maintenance included
  • 5 year/100,000 miles Roadside Assistance
  • 6 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty


 "It drives like the BMW of hybrids. It's seamless and doesn't have that laggy tip-in that is typical of most hybrids.

Steering has gone from hydraulic in the original X6 to electrical here, but it still transmits good road feel to the driver." AutoWeek

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.

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Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.