Shod with every possible adaptive this, active that, dynamic those and electronic these, the ActiveHybrid leaves little to chance when the driving become exciting. Thankfully, the levels of grip and control, elements that precede the interaction of the aforementioned gadgets, are high and only the most inexperienced or stupid driver would ever really require portions or all of the car's safety nets.
Go already!
As with most hybrids, the interaction between both energy sources is imperceptible. In the ActiveHybrid 7, all you realize is that speed piles up real fast. One of the technologies often associated with a hybrid is a start-stop mode. Unfortunately, here is the only place where the driver, I, found fault with this car. Unless you are extremely patient with engine start-up, you will have to deal with an unpleasant jerk upon throttle application.
From a full stop, the motor comes to life once the brake pedal is released. A gentle gesture over to the go pedal will have the driver notice little more than a slight rumble from the engine. If you live in Montreal, New York, Toronto or any city where, if at the exact moment the light turns green you are not halfway across the intersection, you get honked, you will hate this feature. A rushed throttle pedal application will be met with delayed engine start, causing the car to hesitate, pissing-off the driver and receiving the call of the urban jungle.
Lotsa greenbucks...
As you can see, the above bug is the only bug with the ActiveHybrid 7. Well, that and the $132,300 base price. Amongst its direct competitors (Lexus LS 600h L, Mercedes S400 Hybrid and coming-soon Audi A8 hybrid), the 7 is the most satisfying to drive but as the most expensive and powerful of the lot, it's far from being the greenest. It's a choice that one will have to make. One way or another, though, you get the badge!
Go already!
As with most hybrids, the interaction between both energy sources is imperceptible. In the ActiveHybrid 7, all you realize is that speed piles up real fast. One of the technologies often associated with a hybrid is a start-stop mode. Unfortunately, here is the only place where the driver, I, found fault with this car. Unless you are extremely patient with engine start-up, you will have to deal with an unpleasant jerk upon throttle application.
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| The base price of the ActiveHybrid 7 is $ 132,300. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
From a full stop, the motor comes to life once the brake pedal is released. A gentle gesture over to the go pedal will have the driver notice little more than a slight rumble from the engine. If you live in Montreal, New York, Toronto or any city where, if at the exact moment the light turns green you are not halfway across the intersection, you get honked, you will hate this feature. A rushed throttle pedal application will be met with delayed engine start, causing the car to hesitate, pissing-off the driver and receiving the call of the urban jungle.
Lotsa greenbucks...
As you can see, the above bug is the only bug with the ActiveHybrid 7. Well, that and the $132,300 base price. Amongst its direct competitors (Lexus LS 600h L, Mercedes S400 Hybrid and coming-soon Audi A8 hybrid), the 7 is the most satisfying to drive but as the most expensive and powerful of the lot, it's far from being the greenest. It's a choice that one will have to make. One way or another, though, you get the badge!
2011 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid 7L
2011 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid 7L
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