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By Aaron Turpen (Reporter)
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BMW prices second-generation of ActiveHybrid 7 at 21% below first generation

Monday, July 30, 2012 18:41

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(Before It's News)

BMW is introducing the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7L with an MSRP of $ 84,895. The new ActiveHybrid 7 L will be available in the US as a long-wheelbase model only. At its introduction in 2011, the first-generation ActiveHybrid 7 carried a base MSRP of $ 103,125 for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $ 107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.

The second-generation ActiveHybrid 7 powertrain uses BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine—the same 315 hp (235 kW) version as in the new BMW 740Li—to replace the V8 engine previously used in the first generation ActiveHybrid 7.

Other hybrid components include a 55 hp (41 kW) synchronous electric motor, hybrid-spec 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, a lithium-ion high-performance battery and power electronics which run the intelligent energy management.

With combined output of 349 hp (260 kW) and peak torque of 367 lb-ft (498 N·m), the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds (preliminary). At the same time, it delivers significantly improved fuel efficiency. US EPA numbers are not yet available. However, in the EU test cycle the new ActiveHybrid 7 yields efficiency gains of 14% over the new 740Li which itself sees an improvement over its predecessor.

A series of features enhance the car’s dynamics and ensure optimum efficiency of the hybrid drive system. For example, the electric motor provides an extra 155 lb-ft (210 N·m) of torque through the boost function if the driver should need a quick sprint or to call on strong mid-range acceleration, when passing or merging for example.

ECO PRO mode, with coasting function and proactive analysis, prepares the drive system in advance for upcoming situations on the road. Brake Energy Regeneration and the Hybrid Start-Stop system also work together to maximize overall efficiency.

The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 can also run purely on electric power for up to 2.5 miles if the hybrid battery has sufficient charge and the driver goes easy on the accelerator. The top speed on electric power alone is 37 mph (60 km/h).