2008 Paris Auto Show: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid

• 400-plus horsepower
• Fuel economy in the 20s
• Finally, the best of both worlds?

• 20s not very good economy for a hybrid
• Only a mild hybrid
• Wouldn't you really rather have a diesel?

Audi A8, Lexus LSD 600h L, Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid

Determined to be Europe's cleanest car manufacturer, BMW is adding to its range of EfficientDynamics vehicles with the 7 Series Active Hybrid. Unlike the recently shown BMW X6 Active Hybrid's two-mode system, the 7 Series is a mild hybrid. Its lithium ion battery is backed up by a small "helper" motor which works in tandem with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 to produce some 407 horsepower and a relatively economical mileage rating over 20 mpg.

About 18 months ago, Lexus unveiled a hybrid version of its LS sedan, the LS 600h L. Some said the company was crazy to introduce a full-size luxury sedan with a hybrid powertrain, and chalked it up to greenwashing. Today, it's clear that Lexus was on to something. Not only have sales of the 600h L gone very well, the other big boys on the block are introducing hybrid versions of their full-size sedans as well. The first out the gate is BMW with its 7 Series Active Hybrid. With a twin-turbo V-8 and mild hybrid system, the Active Hybrid promises no loss in driver satisfaction while delivering fuel economy in the low 20s.

We think the new BMW 7 Series is a styling smash, much unlike the previous generation, which elicited groans upon its debut. The new car looks substantial and luxurious, powerful and purposeful, but without the styling strangeness we saw on the previous car. The BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid comes with the same skin, and we're betting that the gigantic EFFICIENT DYNAMICS decals on the show car won't make it to the showroom.

The interior features are the same as well, a good thing, as this includes a simplified version of BMW's infamous iDrive navigation and entertainment controls. It also means that the 7 Series Active Hybrid will be one of the most gadget-packed cars on the road, with electronics and computers controlling virtually every aspect of the vehicle and even your functions, thanks to innovations like blind spot detection and night vision cameras

For the most part, the BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid shares the same underpinnings as the rest of the 2009 BMW 7 Series lineup. There's a twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 407 horsepower all on its own. It combines with a 20 hp electric motor powered by an under-hood lithium ion battery. The idea isn't to offer full-time assistance, but occasional aid when the car needs it. With only 20 hp available, the electric motor won't be able to move the car on its own. Think more along the lines of a Chevrolet Malibu hybrid and you're close to the mark.

The rest of the BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid is the same car we already know. It boasts a new suspension that features a revised version of BMW's Dynamic Damping Control. This combines with the Driving Dynamics Control to allow the driver to pick between four settings for shock firmness, transmission shift characteristics, throttle response and other parameters.

The new BMW 7 Series is good looking enough to make us forget the previous car, and the BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid is thrifty enough with the fuel to make us forget there's 400-plus horsepower under the hood. Does it get Toyota Prius-levels of fuel economy? No, but it does help clean up the big Bimmer's act a little, and these days, every little bit helps.

By Keith Buglewicz and Greg Brown Photo credit: Greg Brown