New BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid Announced for Production

Like most carmakers, BMW's flagship model has been a harbinger of new technologies. Love it or lump it, iDrive was

first introduced on the 7-Series, as was the almost as controversial new electronic shift mechanism for BMW's automatic transmission. When it was time to introduce a hydrogen-powered drivetrain, the 7 was chosen as the test bed, culminating in the Hydrogen7, a V12-powered super-sedan that emits water vapor from its tailpipe instead of toxic fumes unless using gasoline; it's a flexible engine that allows both.

The new 7 will also be BMW's first passenger car to feature a multi-link double-wishbone front suspension system. The 7-Series also is the world premiere of Integral Active Steering, adding speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to the mix. Additional innovations incorporated into the new 7 include Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Head-up Display, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View and Back-up Cameras.

The

production 7 also features myriad engine choices from an inline-six and diesel power, across the Atlantic, to V8s and V12s worldwide. An sport-oriented Alpina version of the car features a supercharged V8.

While BMW chose the all-new 2009 7 as its premiere in Los Angeles, it's already hit the show stand in Paris and Sao Paulo, so it wasn't accompanied by a chorus of oohs and aahs among the City of Angels' sophisticated crowd. Soon

after the launch of what is now become a familiar new shape to auto aficionados, however, the difference between this 7 reveal and than of any other became apparent when the new Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid followed and BMW announced its intentions for the car.

Whereas the regular 7 now offers a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 400-horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque that's capable of launching it to 60 mph in only 5.1 seconds, BMW chose the LA show to officially announce that a production version of the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, first shown last month in Paris, would enter the market, and that the vehicle could be available within the year.

“The new BMW 7 Series will be available as a hybrid version.” said Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.  “We will be presenting the series model of the hybrid version as early as next year. “The same applies to the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid,” Draeger continued. “This vehicle is also on display here at our stand.”

The result of a cooperative effort with Daimler, of all companies, as well as the Stuttgart firm's old Chrysler arm, plus an equally unlike partner in General Motors, the new hybrid will boast some of the most evolved dual-mode technology available. Not only does the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid improve fuel economy by 15-percent and clean up emissions over the non-hybrid twin-turbo V8-powered car, but it's quicker off the line too. Electric power gets stored in a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the trunk, while an Auto Start Stop function makes sure that energy is continually maximized.

“Customers will soon have the choice between a highly-efficient combustion engine and the hybrid version,” Draeger reiterated. “This is real progress – and real environmental responsibility at the BMW Group.”

But what about clean diesel power? Doesn't that make three engine choices?

“It is already possible to drive extremely economically using a different kind of engine technology,” continued Draeger. “I am talking about the diesel engine.” “Exceptionally economical – and yet still sporty and dynamic to drive – that is BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG who followed up on Draeger's comments.

But would BMW really follow the introduction of its powerful yet fuel efficient 335d with a diesel-powered 7-Series?

“We are convinced that BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is particularly suitable for environmentally-conscious American customers,” continued Reithofer. “It offers the best performance-to-efficiency ratio. It has huge potential for cutting emissions.”

Yes, let's get our collective hopes up, as Reithofer's comments might just point to one of Rudolf's powerplants arriving in an upcoming 7-Series “d” model, but probably not in time for Christmas.