BMW has announced its second performance-oriented ActiveHybrid model -- a high-end 7 Series -- will reach US showrooms in early-mid 2011.
The ActiveHybrid 7 will use the same powertrain as that in the just-released X6 ActiveHybrid, and in the same way -- with a distinct skew towards performance over economy.
Although the electric motor is capable of powering the ActiveHybrid 7 on its own, this is essentially a 'mild' interpretation of the petrol-electric formula. That is, it best uses electric power to supplement the petrol engine without taking over from it for long periods in the manner of full hybrids like Toyota's Prius.
Powered by a compact 120V lithium ion battery, the three-phase electric motor will push the 2.2 tonne car all of 2km at a maximum 60km/h before the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 muscles in. Together they produce about 340kW, enough to motivate the car from 0 to 100km/h in just under five seconds.
The electric motor serves two primary uses: It complements the V8's auto stop/start system by giving the car a kick start from stationary, and it helps with midrange boost, thereby reducing fuel consumption in two trouble-spots -- idle and kickdown.
Like any 7, the ActiveHybrid is well kitted out in standard form, with 19-inch alloys, full leather interior extending to dash and alcantara headlining, heated and ventilated front seats, primo audio, head-up speedo display, rear view camera and electric doors and bootlid.
In BMW tradition, there's also a list of options long and costly enough to double the price of the car. Which brings us to a rather odd point about the ActiveHybrid 7. BMW has released full pricing details on it -- it will go to market from US$103,125 -- even though it's not due on sale in the US until (northern) spring 2011. That's fully 15 months away -- a lifetime in the current retail auto environment.
BMW's Australian spokesman, Toni Andreevski, says the company has no plans to release the ActiveHybrid 7 to local buyers.
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