New for 2011
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a brand-new hybrid variant of the 7 Series sedan.
Essentials
Engines: 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 with electric motor
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Bodystyle: Sedan
Trims: 750i Sedan, 750Li Sedan
On the Outside
From the exterior, the ActiveHybrid 7 differs little from other 7 Series models; however, badging on the rear pillars and rear of the car indicate the car's power train, and its 19-inch wheels also give it some distinction. In addition, due to its longer wheelbase, the BMW ActiveHybrid 750Li has a slightly different roofline from that of the shorter wheelbase model, the 750i.
From the Inside
Extravagant in every sense of the word, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series has wood and leather covering much of its interior, and a 10.2-inch iDrive screen takes up much of the vehicle's center stack, controlling many of the car's functions. A moon roof, voice-operated navigation system, and an 80-gigabyte hard drive are standard. Rear legroom in the short-wheelbase trim is ample, but the long-wheelbase adds almost 6 inches, giving rear passengers a huge amount of room.
Driving Performance
The hybrid power train propels the ActiveHybrid 7 from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is about as fast as the V-12 760Li. The motor and engine are always complementing one another, but neither can run separately from the other for any extended amount of time. ActiveHybrid 7 is a quiet, light car that is almost as powerful as BMW's flagship model.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the BMW 7 Series includes front and side seat-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, driver and passenger knee airbags, airbag occupancy sensors, active head restraints, traction control, and stability control. Offered optionally are a side-view camera system for seeing the road up ahead, front and rear parking sensors, and a lane-departure warning system.
Gas Mileage
ActiveHybrid 7i: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
ActiveHybrid 7Li: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway
Plusses
- Lots of technology and gadgetry
- Luxurious comfort
- Elegant inside and out
Minuses
- High pricetag
- Fuel economy not that great for a hybrid
- Weak chassis when pushed hard
Rating
Not a great value but it is a mean green machine.
People Who Like the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Also Like
- Lexus LS 600hL
- Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTec
- Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
- Fisker Karma