BMW now has a competitor for the S400 BlueHybrid – the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The ActiveHybrid 7 (available in both F01 and F02 longwheelbase bodies, with the long wheelbase called the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L) uses a mild hybrid system, also sometimes called a motor assist system.
Basically the V8 engine and 8-speed ZF automatic transmission is assisted by a three-phase synchronous electric motor weighing 23kg to give a peak output of 465 horses and 700Nm of torque. The electric motor (20 horses and 210Nm of torque) is positioned between the V8 and the 8-speeder’s torque converter, and receives power from a 35 cell 400wH lithium ion battery, which can also be recharged by the motor via brake energy regeneration.
This lithium ion battery measures 370mm by 220mm by 230mm and weighs 27kg, and is housed in the luggage compartment between the wheel arches, protected by a high-strength casing. Basically BMW had to remove the air-conditioning compressor for the rear aircond vents to make space for the battery.
0 to 100km/h takes 4.9 seconds, while EU test cycle fuel consumption is rated at 9.4 litres per 100km. CO2 emissions have been measured at 219g/km. Not exactly figures that will make greenheads drool but being an enthusiast I’m quite interested in experiencing the kind of pulling power that a high torque turbocharged engine and an inherently torquey electric motor can give.
The ActiveHybrid 7 also features automatic start-stop, which is said to be a first on a BMW equipped with an automatic transmission. Auto start-stop has been available for quite sometime now as part of their EfficientDynamics program but have previously been available only on manual transmission models.
The air conditioning and other systems remain fully operational whenever the engine is off, however being a mild hybrid system the car will not move with the V8 engine turned off – it will only turn off when you come to a stop. The air conditioning system can also be activated remotely via the remote control to cool down the car sufficiently before you get into the car.
Look after the jump for a full hi-res gallery and a video of the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
nice car…but to compare the price of T Prius here,i wonder how much this BMW would be..
this car is going to cost as much as a bungalow ..
It shouldn't cost too much, only because our gomen deemed it fit to tax the hell out of foreign made cars.
Paultan.. this BMW picture part you upload look like BATTERY??
http://paultan.org/photo/BMW-ActiveHybrid-7/P9004…
what kind of battery is that duracel or energizer??
As mentioned in my story, it is a 35 cell battery for the electric motor.
unfortunately, legislation drives innovation – at least for hybrid technology and anything that reduces pollution. it's a pity because i was hoping it would be the other way around and govts in asia (including singapore!) would introduce more incentives for everyday folks to own a hybrid.
anyway, this looks like a good competitor to diesel technology. great torque from low end (heck, the electric motor develops its full torque from 0rpm all the way to whatever speed u spin it!), great fuel consumption, low pollution.
but it'd be a sad day indeed to say goodbye to all the aural sweetness of a petrol engine. that day is coming. haih………
Govt cakap tak serupa bikin… Want the rakyat 2 b energy efficient but always sell beyond reach of the people except a few.,
wonder if i can hack the car remotely…tat will be super cool…hehe(evil smile)
nice road condition. nice to see it in here.