As if mocking the hybrid concept, BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7 delivers outrageous performance while extending a token gesture to economy. In fact, BMW claims that it’s the world’s fastest hybrid sedan—and I’m a believer. Although it’s eerily quick, it’s by no means the most fuel-efficient hybrid sedan.
Prodigious power – noteworthy economy
Let’s talk power—unearthly power. The ActiveHybrid 7 combines the effects of electric propulsion and that generated by a twin turbocharged V8 gas engine to produce an output of 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of tire-shredding torque.
The force-fed powerplant is BMW’s highly praised 4.4-litre V8 that utilizes direct injection fuel delivery. The hybrid technology paired-up with the petrol mill is of the “mild” variety, meaning that the car is never propelled by electricity alone.
Although the engine shuts down when the vehicle is stationary, it fires-up upon release of the brake pedal and runs continuously while the car is in motion. While in operation, the engine is augmented by an electric motor situated deep within the driveline resulting in full torque delivery at only 2,000 rpm.
And while I derided the ActiveHybrid 7 for mocking less powerful hybrids, its hybrid attributes include that of reasonably acceptable fuel economy when measured against the size of this sled and its performance capabilities. My average economy, which consisted primarily of city driving and plenty of right-foot weight, rang in at 13.2L/100km.
I’m certain that a more prudent foot could easily coax a better return from the big Bimmer, which has earned a respectable economy rating of 12.0 and 8.1L/100km city and highway driving respectively. Part of the frugality—and indeed the outstanding performance—is attributable to the vehicle’s new 8-speed autobox.
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| The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 delivers outrageous performance while extending a token gesture to economy. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Prodigious power – noteworthy economy
Let’s talk power—unearthly power. The ActiveHybrid 7 combines the effects of electric propulsion and that generated by a twin turbocharged V8 gas engine to produce an output of 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of tire-shredding torque.
The force-fed powerplant is BMW’s highly praised 4.4-litre V8 that utilizes direct injection fuel delivery. The hybrid technology paired-up with the petrol mill is of the “mild” variety, meaning that the car is never propelled by electricity alone.
Although the engine shuts down when the vehicle is stationary, it fires-up upon release of the brake pedal and runs continuously while the car is in motion. While in operation, the engine is augmented by an electric motor situated deep within the driveline resulting in full torque delivery at only 2,000 rpm.
And while I derided the ActiveHybrid 7 for mocking less powerful hybrids, its hybrid attributes include that of reasonably acceptable fuel economy when measured against the size of this sled and its performance capabilities. My average economy, which consisted primarily of city driving and plenty of right-foot weight, rang in at 13.2L/100km.
I’m certain that a more prudent foot could easily coax a better return from the big Bimmer, which has earned a respectable economy rating of 12.0 and 8.1L/100km city and highway driving respectively. Part of the frugality—and indeed the outstanding performance—is attributable to the vehicle’s new 8-speed autobox.
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| The force-fed powerplant is BMW’s highly praised 4.4-litre V8 that utilizes direct injection fuel delivery. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |