BMW India has officially launched the 7-Series ActiveHybrid at a price of Rs. 1.35 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi) as a completely built unit (CBU). Globally unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, the 7-Series ActiveHybrid is powered by a petrol engine as well as an electric motor and is the first hybrid car from the Bavarian based manufacturer’s line-up to have been launched in India. BMW is bringing the hybrid luxury saloon as a brand builder for the company in the country and promises to return higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions, compared to conventionally powered models.
The BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid is visually same as the regular 7-Series flagship sedan, but gets ‘ActiveHybrid’ badges all around the car to boast of its hybrid credentials. Based on the updated 7-Series, the saloon sports adaptive LED headlights with chrome accents and large air vents in the lower bumper. The trademark kidney grille finished with chrome only adds to the premium and sporty appeal of the car. Inside the cabin, the car is equipped with an endless array of features inclusive of keyless entry, four-zone climate control, premium leather upholstery and a 10-speaker sound system with satellite radio and USB/iPod connectivity.
Powering the 7-Series ActiveHybrid is the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that produces 320 HP of power at 5800 RPM and 450 Nm of torque between 1300-4500 RPM. The conventional engine is paired to an electric motor that is capable of producing 55 HP of power and 210 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels of the sedan via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/hr comes up in 5.7 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr.
Along with the array of tech wizardry, the BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid also comes with presets of ECO PRO, Comfort+, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ for better dynamics and effective driving. Targeted at the elite environmentalists, the hybrid luxury saloon returns a fuel efficiency of 14.7 km/l as per the European drive cycle and can run around 4 kms on pure electric power. CO2 emissions are limited to 158 g/km on the luxury saloon. Slotted between the 750Li and the 760Li variants, the hybrid sedan will surely help shape BMW’s image of an eco-friendly car maker and will make the arrival of the i8 far easier in the country.
