The 750i ActiveHybrid and 750Li ActiveHybrid - the two gasoline-electric hybrids BMW is introducing to their 7-Series lineup - are anything but ordinary. They come with the federal government's lowest fuel economy rating of all regular-production hybrids. They're the fastest hybrid luxury sedans in showrooms, advancing from 0-62 mpg in a mere 4.7 seconds in sports-car-like fashion. They're also the only hybrid sedans that wed a twin-turbocharged V-8 to an onboard electric motor. The result: 455 horsepower (hp) and 515 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm!
To put this into better perspective: The Lexus hybrid, which uses a naturally aspirated V8, produces a maximum of 438 hp. And, the Mercedes S400 gas-electric hybrid, which uses a naturally aspirated V6, produces only 295 hp.
Manufacturers' suggested retail price for the new BMW ActiveHybrid sedans comes at about $18,000 more than their standard counterparts. Specifically, the regular wheel-base 750i ActiveHybrid starts at $103,175, including destination charge. The longer-length 750Li ActiveHybrid, at $107,075, including destination charge. By comparison, the non-hybrid 2011 BMW 750i and 750Li start at $84,375 and$88,275 respectively.
BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid Highlights
- EPA Fuel-Economy Rating: 17 mpg-city/24 mpg-highway- Drivers can disable at least one of the features of the hybrid technology, keeping the turbo V-8 ready for more traditional sporty driving
- No charging required - these hybrids generate electric power onboard as they are driven
- Regenerative brakes
- Head protection
- Frontal airbags
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- ABS
- Brake fade compensation and brake drying systems
- Aerodynamically styled
- 19" Wheels
- Automatic door closing capability
- Available rear-view camera
To learn more about either the forthcoming BMW 750i ActiveHybrid or the 750Li ActiveHybrid (with a longer wheelbase), contact BMW of Silver Spring - 3211 Automobile Blvd. Silver Spring, MD 20904.