With such a wealth of torque on-tap, the ActiveHybrid 7 minimizes fuel consumption by maximizing the use of its big cogs, resulting in low revs and less thirst. That is of course until my thirst for power needs quenching.
Hard to believe it’s a hybrid
The only subtle clue that BMW’s hybrid flagship is actually a hybrid, is detected when the engine fires-up upon departing a stop. Slight vibration is felt as the V8 takes its first breath and resumes normal operation. Sometimes that first breath takes a fraction too long, which is apparent when the throttle is mashed from a standstill.
Once the technology catches up to quick-twitch muscles, the results are overwhelming. Acceleration is downright shocking, and it shows no sign of depletion as the speedo embraces triple digits. Along the way the muted growl of a refined V8 erases any perception of electrical assistance while the transmission slots a multitude of cogs with razor precision.
Select Sport+ mode and naught to 100kph can be claimed in 4.9 or so seconds.
Four settings contour powertrain and chassis dynamics
Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+, the choice is yours. Feel like floating on a cloud—choose Comfort. Want to keep the big sedan taut and athletic—Sport’s your setting. Taking on Germany’s famous Nurburgring—Sport+ it is.
Each setting, beginning with Comfort, intensifies engine response, shift mapping and suspension calibration to incrementally enhance performance dynamics, the effects of which are quite dramatic.
In Comfort mode, the ActiveHybrid 7 is soft and delightful without exhibiting excessive mushiness. The Normal setting is just that—a composed, controlled ride that’s typical of BMW. The Sport setting ups the ante by invoking greater athleticism into the operation. Last up is Sport+ mode, which further hardens the underpinnings while keeping the engine primed for full discharge with a mere tap of the hostility pedal.
Any of the four settings can be instantaneously activated via a pair of buttons situated next to the gearshift.
Hard to believe it’s a hybrid
The only subtle clue that BMW’s hybrid flagship is actually a hybrid, is detected when the engine fires-up upon departing a stop. Slight vibration is felt as the V8 takes its first breath and resumes normal operation. Sometimes that first breath takes a fraction too long, which is apparent when the throttle is mashed from a standstill.
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| Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+, the choice is yours. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Once the technology catches up to quick-twitch muscles, the results are overwhelming. Acceleration is downright shocking, and it shows no sign of depletion as the speedo embraces triple digits. Along the way the muted growl of a refined V8 erases any perception of electrical assistance while the transmission slots a multitude of cogs with razor precision.
Select Sport+ mode and naught to 100kph can be claimed in 4.9 or so seconds.
Four settings contour powertrain and chassis dynamics
Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+, the choice is yours. Feel like floating on a cloud—choose Comfort. Want to keep the big sedan taut and athletic—Sport’s your setting. Taking on Germany’s famous Nurburgring—Sport+ it is.
Each setting, beginning with Comfort, intensifies engine response, shift mapping and suspension calibration to incrementally enhance performance dynamics, the effects of which are quite dramatic.
In Comfort mode, the ActiveHybrid 7 is soft and delightful without exhibiting excessive mushiness. The Normal setting is just that—a composed, controlled ride that’s typical of BMW. The Sport setting ups the ante by invoking greater athleticism into the operation. Last up is Sport+ mode, which further hardens the underpinnings while keeping the engine primed for full discharge with a mere tap of the hostility pedal.
Any of the four settings can be instantaneously activated via a pair of buttons situated next to the gearshift.
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| In Comfort mode, the ActiveHybrid 7 is soft and delightful without exhibiting excessive mushiness. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |