It seemed like a strange partnership when BMW joined GM Motors & DaimlerChrysler in a corporation to develop hybrid technology in 2005. The two American companies were working on hybrids for heavyweights—a technology that could provide better fuel efficiency on three-ton full-size SUVs designed to carry seven or eight passengers, extra cargo, and tons of extra weight towed in back.

“The technologies will be adapted to the individual vehicle models but the participating brands will retain their distinctive characters.” BMW’s Burkhard Göschel said. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid’s concept unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, gives shape to the company’s distinctive interpretation of the full-hybrid technology. Maybe in 2009 or 2010 BMW’s first hybrid scheduled to hit the United States market, the conventional BMW X6 is expected in 2009.

The BMW X6 is a cross-over SUV that has crossed over into sports car territory. BMW calls the vehicle a “sport activity coupe.” Its chief characteristics are a sleek profile, low-slung stance, sloping roof line, long rear overhang, long wheelbase, short front overhang, muscular wheel arches, four-wheel drive, stability control, large wheels, and lots of performance. BMW X6 ActiveHybrid will get 350-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine currently supplied in the X5.

With their concept, It’s a BMW first and a hybrid second, BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is the sample how the company is keeping its focus on luxury and performance while integrating slow steady fuel efficiency improvements.

BMW X6 Hybrid’s two mode full hybrid – which appears in American form as the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe, and the now discontinued hemi powered Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen – has been BMW-ized in the X6 hybrid. The two-mode’s motors, gearsets, batteries, and software should add up to a 20 percent fuel efficiency improvement over the conventional X6, which is rated at 20 miles per gallon on the road. The price is expected to be close to $70,000.