BMW ActiveHybrid 7
Despite being a relative newcomer to the
hybrid market, BMW has embraced the eco-friendly technology with open arms. As
a result, buyers can now choose ActiveHybrid versions of its 3, 5 and 7 Series.
BMW
has embraced the eco-friendly technology with open arms
Essentially, all three use the same hybrid
drivetrain, which connects a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight six petrol to a
lithium-ion battery-powered 40kW electric motor that’s mounted between the
engine and standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW claims that this hi-tech
combination can deliver a diesel-rivaling 41.5mpg at the pumps, while emitting
only 158g/km of CO2.
But it’s the performance, rather than the
economy, that stands out. With the smooth and muscular straight-six working in
unison with the electric motor, the 7 Series was able to sprint from 0-60mph in
only 5.5 seconds, which was 1.1 seconds faster than the Lexus. Yet it combines
this scorching performance with an ability to travel around two-and-a-half
miles at speeds of up to 37mph in all-electric mode.
However, you’ll need to be extremely gentle
with the throttle to get the most out of the electric motor, because unlike the
Lexus and Audi, there’s no EV mode. Get it right and the 7 Series will glide
silently along using battery power only. Unfortunately, even when trying to
maximize electric range, the BMW returned a poor 23.1mpg.
Cabin
will be familiar to owners of regular 7 Series, but screen shows power source
As with its rivals, there’s little to mark
the petrol-electric 7 Series out from other models in the range, with the only
obvious change being the chrome ActiveHybrid 7 badges on the c-pillars. And
while you’d struggle to call the BMW attractive, it is at least more imposing
than the anonymous A8.
The changes to the interior are equally
low-key, with the addition of a charge/boost gauge and a small ActiveHybrid
logo on the center console. However, delve into the menus displayed on the
car’s huge 10.2-inch color screen, and you’ll find graphics that show the flow
of power between the petrol and electric motors, plus a bar chart that
illustrates the last 15 minutes of energy use. Elsewhere, the cabin is standard
long-wheelbase 7 Series, which means top-notch quality and plenty of space,
particularly for passengers in the back.
The
changes to the interior are equally low-key, with the addition of a
charge/boost gauge and a small ActiveHybrid logo on the center console
But while the interior is beautifully built
from first-rate materials, it lacks the feel-good factor of the Audi and Lexus.
For instance, the dashboard looks far too similar to that of the 5 Series
executive saloon, and the three-spoke steering wheel has been lifted straight
from the entry-level 1 Series.
The addition of hybrid technology also
hurts the BMW’s practically, as the boot volume shrinks from 510 liters to 460
liters, which is 40 liters more than the Lexus’. Still, for most limousine
customers, comfort is more important than practically – and the 7 Series
doesn’t disappoint in this respect.
With air-suspension at the rear and
standard adaptive dampers, the BMW floats serenely over bumps, while there’s
minimal noise on the motorway. Better still, it matches this relaxing
refinement to surprisingly agile handling – the strong and there’s plenty of
grip.
Smooth
and refined, the 7 Series is the quickest car on test
However, these are strengths the hybrid 7
Series shares with its diesel counterpart, which is cheaper and more efficient.
Will that hold it back at the finish?
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 technical specs
- Price: $103,725
- Engine: 3.0-liter 6cyl, 349bhp
- 0-60mph: 5.5 seconds
- Test economy: 23.1mpg/5.1mpl
·
CO2: 158g/km
Verdict
All of our luxurious hybrid contenders are
packed with hi-tech engineering and deliver comfortable and relaxing driving
experiences.
Yet if you’re looking to cut your limousine
running costs, none of the cars here makes as much sense as a traditional
diesel model.
If you do want something a little different,
though, which is best? First to fall is the Lexus. It’s well built, whisper
quiet and comes packed with standard kit, but it struggles to justify its
whopping $150,000 price tag in this company.
Separating the BMW and Audi is trickier.
The ActiveHybrid 7 is blisteringly quick, and is surprisingly fun to drive.
However, the trade-off for this performance is disappointing fuel economy. On
top of that, its roomy cabin simply doesn’t feel special enough.
The
ActiveHybrid 7 is blisteringly quick, and is surprisingly fun to drive
So by the very narrowest of margins, the
Audi takes victory. Look beyond its rather bland styling and you’ll discover an
effortless engine that comes closest to delivering on the hybrid claims of
power and efficiency. It also has the most upmarket interior.
