2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Reviews
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a new hybrid variant of the 7 Series sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a large luxury sedan available in 750i and extended-wheelbase 750Li trims. The base 750i comes with a wealth of standard features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, exclusive hybrid badging, a power-closing trunk, soft-close doors, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, an adaptive adjustable suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors and keyless entry/ignition.
The Driver Assistance package adds a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system and automatic high beams. Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels with performance tires, dark exterior trim, a surround-view parking camera, rear sunshades, various interior wood accents, satellite radio, a six-DVD changer, an iPod/USB jack, a NightVision infrared display with pedestrian detection and a rear-seat entertainment system.
In addition to the options listed above, the 750Li is eligible for a Luxury Rear Seating package, which includes power rear seats with cooling and massaging functions.
The hybrid 7 Series features a gasoline/electric hybrid power plant. The electric motor (powered by a trunk-mounted lithium-ion battery) adds 20 hp and 155 lb-ft to the mix. Thanks to the quirks of hybrid power measurement, total output is rated at 455 hp and 515 lb-ft; for reference, the non-hybrid 750 makes 400 hp and 450 lb-ft. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW estimates about 20 mpg in combined driving (versus 17 mpg for the regular 750) and a sizzling 4.7-second sprint to 60 mph (versus 5.2). Like all 7 Series models, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 also features the Driving Dynamics Control system, which has four driver-selectable settings for shift response, throttle response, shock absorber firmness, power-steering assist and stability control.
Safety
Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. As BMW's flagship, the 7 Series represents the company's pinnacle of luxury, comfort and cutting-edge technology. Notably, the ActiveHybrid 7 includes some standard features that are options on the regular 750, including the premium 16-speaker sound system and keyless ignition/entry.
Available rear seat heating and even a massage feature should satisfy the most demanding of passengers.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7's fuel economy gains are not insignificant, but this super-luxury sedan is most impressive when your foot's on the floor. Compared to other luxury hybrid sedans like the LS 600h and S400 Hybrid, the ActiveHybrid 7 has a firmer ride quality, even in Comfort mode.
The current model, the fifth-generation 7 Series, was completely redesigned for 2009. The new 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the first hybrid sedan from the automaker, follows on the heels of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6—each fitted with slightly different hybrid technology.
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a big luxury sedan is available in extended-wheelbase 750i and 750Li trims. The base 750i comes with a wealth of standard features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, exclusive hybrid badging, power-closing trunk, soft-close doors, automatic xenon adaptive headlamps, adaptive adjustable suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and heated auto-dimming mirrors and keyless entry / ignition.
7 Series features hybrid gasoline / electric hybrid power. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, front seat side airbags, front knee airbags, curtain side airbags and active front head constraints.
