Published July 23, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
BMW has released more details about the new ActiveHybrid 7 L, including its price. The New ActiveHybrid 7 L will retail for $84,895 upon its arrival in U.S. showrooms early fall.
The new ActiveHybrid 7 L will be available in the U.S. as a long-wheelbase model only.
Based on the newly updated 2013 BMW 7 Series, the second generation of ActiveHybrid 7 will come to our shores using the brand’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine; the same 315 horsepower version as in the new BMW 740Li and replaces the V8 engine previously used in the ActiveHybrid 7.
Other hybrid components include a 55 horsepower synchronous electric motor, hybrid-spec 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, a lithium ion high-performance battery and power electronics which run the intelligent energy management.
With combined output of 349 horsepower and peak torque of 367 pound-feet, the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds according to BMW, while delivering significantly improved fuel efficiency. US EPA numbers are not yet available; however, in the EU test cycle the new ActiveHybrid 7 yields efficiency gains of 14 percent over the new 740Li.
We already knew the electric motor provides an extra 155 pound-feet of torque through the boost function if the driver should need a quick sprint or to call on strong mid-range acceleration, when passing or merging for example. ECO PRO mode, with coasting function and proactive analysis, prepares the drive system in advance for upcoming situations on the road. Brake Energy Regeneration and the Hybrid Start-Stop system also work together to maximize overall efficiency.
Integrated in all new 2013 7 series, including the ActiveHybrid 7 L, is Auto Start-Stop which according to BMW can cut fuel consumption by up to six percent as well as Brake Energy Regeneration. Generally the battery is only recharged when the driver is off the throttle, for example, when coasting or under braking. Driving Dynamics Control in the new 7 now includes ECO PRO mode which modifies the powertrain management as well as the programming of the heating and air conditioning, heated seats and exterior mirror heating to operate with optimum efficiency. It also offers tips for an efficient driving style. Taken together, ECO PRO can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.
The ActiveHybrid 7 also features a coasting mode which completely shuts off the combustion engine when coasting, allowing the ActiveHybrid 7 to glide along emissions-free. Intelligent energy management allows the ActiveHybrid 7 to analyze the driving situation ahead in order to prime the hybrid drive components for maximum efficiency. This is accomplished by integrating the power electronics with the navigation system. Based on data, such as route topography, speed limits or traffic levels, the vehicle can be prepared in advance and the available energy deployed as efficiently as possible. For instance, a longer downhill stretch can be used to recharge the hybrid battery so that the ActiveHybrid 7 can be driven on purely electric power through a residential area on the “home stretch.”
The latest-generation navigation system found on all new 2013 7 Series features a full speech recognition function and optimized voice control system to complete the portfolio of office functions offered by BMW ConnectedDrive. The full speech recognition system now includes the dictation function which gives drivers the opportunity to dictate text freely and compose short text-based messages simply by saying what they wish to write. The multilingual system can recognize six languages including, as you’d expect, English and Spanish.
All 7 Series will incorporate as many technological features as BMW can integrate in them, including an Active Roll Stabilization and Dynamic Damper Control; Integral Active Steering and adaptive LED Headlights; adjustable rear seats and Rear Seat Entertainment Package including an iDrive controller and two 9.2-inch screens; BMW Parking Assistant; hands-free trunk lid opening; a full range of driver assistance systems and mobility services; and a Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially for BMW’s flagship sedan.
