BMW 7 Series

 

The hybrid system is a way to make the car more efficient. And efficient means for the same performance with less fuel, or more benefits from the same fuel. Lexus pioneered a different way. Now, BMW has taken the idea and it never went a bit 'confused. 7 ActiveHybrid is two and a t-Bit Luxo-barges that can reach 60 mph 4.7 seconds.

The truth is that when you drive this way, the hybrid system does not do much. Only a mild hybrid, meaning that the electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission and still run at speeds are relatively weak and unable to drive the car without help. Instead, what it does is fill in the gaps when the V8 does not work very efficiently, so when you drive carefully, you use less gas.

The electrical system also recovers energy when you lift the throttle and coast. This power of air conditioning and is stop-start system that turns off the engine when it comes to rest, and immediately restarts when you release the brake. These things are common, user manuals, but not cars. And most of them will not be able to keep the air moving, but this can be.

The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes and uses the same motor and battery Benz S400 Blue Hybrid, but the S-Class V6 is connected and in tune with the economy, while the 7-series has hooked 449bhp twin-turbo V8 tuned to an epic performance.

The end result is a car as cheap as a six-cylinder 740th in a gentle, but go to the 760th V12 when you decide to forget it's a hybrid drive like you've had enough. It is not just another kick-back when the turbo spool up, it's an immediate response to a pair of mail to me. Not to mention the noise of passing - close to silence civil, a chorus delicious V8. The result is not just a limousine ride that fast almost sick, but it feels even faster than it is.

But you will not be able to buy it in Britain. Some of the vital electric bits are mounted where the steering column would need to go to right hand drive.

So I will not listen to your local showroom. Anyway, over £ 5K a similarly equipped 750i in the countries where they sell both, it is also super expensive. But it shows how the hybrids should not be boring, and as soon as the idea catches well.

Posted in: BMW 7 Series