A few days ago we reported that BMW will offer the ActiveHybrid 7 initially and exclusively to celebrities and various VIPs, before the sale begins in Spring 2010. Thanks to Christian Wimmer in Munich, we can now show you some new photos of these vehicles.
Sporting a different colors than the ones we have seen so far at auto shows around the world, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is preparing for its first deliveries. Most likely, the VIP vehicles will feature less art work, leaving a much cleaner exterior design.
BMW’s first hybrid performance/luxury sedans will arrive in U.S. showrooms in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP of $103,125 including destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7. The long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L will cost $107,025.
The first production ready BMW hybrid uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it is being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.
The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. It runs from 0-62 mph in only 4.7 seconds.
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 has an average fuel consumption of 9.4 liters in the EU cycle (25 MPG US), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 219 grams per kilometer, another step into the high fuel efficient fleet that BMW is preparing for the future.
[Photos courtesy of Christian Wimmer ]
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/01/02/spy-s ... ehybrid-7/