Following the release of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW also took the wraps off the first-ever hybrid sedan ActiveHybrid 7, ahead of its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle, which is scheduled to go on sale in the USA next spring, combines a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine, eight-speed automatic transmission and a 3-phase synchronous electric motor positioned between the V8 engine and the converter on the transmission. The engine has an overall output of 465 hp and maximum torque of 700 Nm or 516 lb-ft.
The 7-Series Hybrid sedan accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds. The average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 9.4 lt/ 100 km that is the equivalent to 29.1 mpg UK and 25 mpg US, with CO2 emissions of 219 gr/km.
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is equipped with an Auto Start Stop function to avoid idle speed operation of the engine when at a standstill or in traffic jams. Hybrid technology also provides the new owner additional comfort functions, including regenerative brakes. Another significant feature is that the air conditioning and ventilation system remains fully operational also with the engine switched off, power being supplied directly through the 120-volt on-board network operating on the lithium-ion battery. The driver of the sedan will be able to check out the degree of efficiency and the current operating status of the hybrid components through special displays in the instrument cluster and the Control Display.
Some of the other green technologies include Brake Energy Regeneration, two interconnected on-board power networks, and a 400 watt-hour 35 cell lithium-ion battery which weighs 59.5 lb (27 kg) and measures 14.6 x 8.7 x 9.1 inches.
BMW has fitted the ActiveHybrid 7 with several special badges on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and door cutouts to distinguish it from a standard 7-Series. On the exterior the car comes with aerodynamically-tuned ten-spoke 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels.
2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will be available in both extend and standard-length body configurations.
