The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Refuses to Compromise
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the hybrid vehicle for sedan shoppers that refuse to compromise. With a base price above $100,000, BMW brings its hybrid technology to the super luxury vehicle class. Outfitted with a beefy engine, exceptional build quality and 20-mpg combined, this BMW sedan has plenty to offer. Keep reading to review specs, features and mpgs of the all-new 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7.
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Styling
The ActiveHybrid 7 sedan carries on the styling changes that occurred in the 2010 BMW 7 Series. As a result, the vehicle boasts a streamlined exterior that incorporates a sleek and refined silhouette. Subtle creasing and a trademark BMW grille also help give the vehicle a muscular undertone.
Inside, the ActiveHybrid 7 delivers a driver-centric environment that is piled high with technology features and upper-crust assemblage. The vehicle's center stack slants towards the driver and a healthy splash of wood trim helps deliver an overall feeling of warmth. In terms of comfort, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 pampers with such available features as 16-way power adjustable front seats, heated/ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats and massage function.
Rear-seat dimensions are ample enough for adults of most sizes. Shoppers who want additional room should consider upgrading to the extended wheelbase 750Li. At 14.0 cubic feet, the BMW 7-Series hybrid is a bit short on cargo room.
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2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Performance
The ActiveHybrid 7 comes equipped with a capable 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8 engine. Paired with an electric motor, this powerplant delivers a blistering 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft. of torque. While most hybrids receive a moderate drop in engine performance compared to traditional gas alternatives, the ActiveHybrid 7 is actually more powerful than all-gas 7-Series models (which offer 400 hp).
The EPA rates the ActiveHybrid 7 at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway (20 mpg combined). The extended 750Li delivers identical ratings. In comparison, the all-gas 750i offers 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Those interested in the ActiveHybrid 7 may also want to take a look at the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid. As the only other hybrid model in the super luxury class, it earns 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Review full 2011 BMW 7 Series specifications.
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Safety
BMW's premium hybrid sedan comes standard with anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, side curtain airbags, front side airbags and front knee airbags. Available options include blind-spot warning system, lane departure warning system, rear- and side-view cameras and infrared night vision with pedestrian detection. As with most super luxury vehicles, the ActiveHybrid 7 has not been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Prices
Base price for the 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 comes in at $102,300. Opt for the 750Li trim, and that price increases to $106,200. In comparison, all-gas 7-Series sedans start around $82,000.
Standard features for the ActiveHybrid 7 include power-closing trunk, soft-closing doors, adaptive adjustable suspension, rain-sensing wipers, keyless ignition, four-zone climate control, leather seats, leather-trimmed dashboard, Bluetooth, hybrid information displays, iDrive electronics controller, voice-activated navigation, 16-speaker stereo, CD player, DVD player, HD radio and auxiliary audio input. Available options include heated steering wheel and rear seats, satellite radio, iPod/USB jack and six-DVD changer.
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