Well, we’re not sure how we missed the free BMW rides at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but it seems like other people managed to spend some driving time on the inside track built by BMW in Hall 11. If you ignore the “cheesy” song playing inside the car, the video is actually quite fun, but we’re still a bit disappointed that we the driver didn’t turn off the music so we can hear that engine roar…..
But before you jump into the four minutes long video, here is a quick history on the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. It uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.
The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i.The 7 Series Hybrid has the drive power transmitted via an 8-Speed automatic transmission, while the X6 Hybrid uses a 7-Speed automatic transmission.
The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a lithium-ion battery pack supplying 120 volts. A nickel-metal hydrid technology (NiMH) battery pack is featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 with a total capacity of 2.4 kWh. Liquid cooling is used for even greater performance on the NiMH battery.