BMW’s newest 7-series should hit dealerships later this year, but more eco-conscious buyers will only have to wait until 2009 for the hybrid version of the big sedan, a new report finds. Moreover, the 7-series hybrid will be one of the first such models to use lithium-ion batteries.
The 7-series hybrid will use a mild hybrid system that was co-devolved with Daimler. Unlike some hybrid systems, the mild hybrid system isn’t capable on powering the vehicle in an all-electric mode. However, the 7-series hybrid is expected to use regenerative braking to help charge its lithium-ion battery pack.
Whereas most hybrids focus exclusively on high fuel mileage, the 7-series hybrid will be skewed more towards performance, thanks to its 4.4L V8.
While this fact will surely please BMW enthusiasts, it will put the 7-series in a rather difficult position. The mild hybrid system is only said to return minimal gains, so the diesel version of the 7-series will surely return better fuel mileage than its hybrid counterpart. In addition, the hybrid system will add thousands to the price of a 7-series, with prices expected to exceed the range-topping twin-turbo 750i, according to Car.
However, with a green image often being more important than actually being green, the 7-series hybrid will probably find plenty of buyers — like its main rival, the Lexus LS600h.
07/08, 6:35 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
Hybrid luxury cars are the hieght of stupidity
07/08, 6:37 PM
posted by:
alex189a
The Lexus uses their setup to noticeably boost power so my guess is that this will slot between the 8 and the 12 cylinder models in both power and price. If so, interesting move but I don’t see the point.
07/08, 7:07 PM
posted by:
ihustle
Ohhh great a $70,000 hybrid. Im going to save so much money on gas now, im so excited. Sucks that im goint to have to take out some equity from the house, but im going to save so much money on gas!!!!!!!! Your so smart bmw
07/08, 7:41 PM
posted by:
1 Man Wrecking Crew
Man! Some people have to s**t on everything.
07/08, 8:12 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This is going to make about as much of a dent in the automotive landscape as chucking a AAA battery at an oil tanker.
07/08, 8:42 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
You know, I think people are underestimating, and confusing the powertrain for being “green”. I believe the whole press release was focused on the performance aspects of the vehicle, not fuel economy. I’m sure the engineers behind this vehicle understood it would not achieve 40 miles to the gallon, let alone average 20.
In a lighter note however, Leftlanenews is ranked as the 3,172 most popular site on the web, appeals to males between the age of 39-45 and the typical visitor drives an Audi!
http://www.quantcast.com/leftlanenews.com
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… So, which one of you drives an Audi?
07/08, 9:51 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
Me!
3,172nd? That’s not too bad…
07/08, 9:59 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I am not an addict!!!!!
07/08, 10:39 PM
posted by:
A4
how about giving us that one with the “d” on the trunk BMW!
07/08, 11:44 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Spot on, A4.
07/09, 1:52 AM
posted by:
elviososa
Ahhh….Lexus LS wannabe.
07/09, 8:31 AM
posted by:
subarutecnica
a hybrid 7 series?
no way….
thats like a hybrid Ferrari F430.
07/09, 9:35 AM
posted by:
xyunya
This is reaction to market demand. Hybrid LS outsells non-hybrid, yet mileage of non-hybrid is better. Majority of people with large sums of money don’t know and don’t care about cars they are driven in, but they do care about their image. Hence 7 series hybrid with mileage and performance worse then cheaper and more planet friendlier diesel.
07/09, 9:38 AM
posted by:
THawkoo
“Whereas most hybrids focus exclusively on high fuel mileage, the 7-series hybrid will be skewed more towards performance, thanks to its 4.4L V8.”
WTF? This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. So this thing will still be drinking gas and its a hybrid….
What is the POINT?! The whole point behind hybrids is to save gas money or to save the environment by producing less CO2. This thing doesn’t really do either but they are going to charge you like it does…
07/09, 11:18 AM
posted by:
Stinky007
What am I doing here!? I’m less than 30 and hate Audi!
Back to the issue of “performance” hybrids: AHAAAA! Want more power!? Add a bigger turbo! That will weigh less that half a ton of batteries!!!
07/09, 12:10 PM
posted by:
bmwmpower
Exacly, 1manwrecking, people have to sh!t on everything. $70k luxury hybrid? (Well it’s gonna be a hell of a lot more than 70k) What’s wrong with a $70k luxury hybrid car? Absolutely nothing. These people would be buying luxury cars anyways, you numbskulls. Hybrids, electrics, and alternative fuel vehicles are the way of the future. So get out of your little holes and stop talking crap about everything LLN posts. Get a life. Also stop thinking you’re all geniuses, recommending what manufacturer should do what and when. There’s a reason why they’re automobile engineers and YOU’RE not. There’s a reason why they’re marketing execs and YOU’RE not. There’s a reason why they’re making the money and YOU’RE not. You’re all experts.
07/09, 5:13 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
3,172nd Good Job LLN. You should have a plaque or trophy.
As to the 7-series. Whoopi
I’m sure this is just to compete with the Lexus LS600h and the Merc S430 Hybrid.