BMW released today the details of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is powered by a V8 gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection based on the unit powering the BMW 750i, that outputs 300 kW/407 hp and 600 Nm / 442 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid works together with an electric motor that outputs an additional 15 kW/20 hp and 210 Nm/155 lb-ft of torque.
With this powertrain the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid offers a significant reduction
of fuel consumption and emissions and a very high standard of driving dynamics for this class of hybrid cars.
BMW Press Release:
World debut of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid for the first time offering the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the luxury saloon segment as part of the BMW EfficientDynamics innovation strategy. In typical BMW style, this new Concept Car combines a significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions with a standard of driving dynamics never seen before even in this class of hybrid cars.
• The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid comes with an intelligent symbiosis of the V8 cylinder petrol engine and electric drive as a mild hybrid concept. The drivetrain technology featured in the Concept Car allows enhanced driving dynamics together with a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by 15 per cent in the EU test cycle versus the same car running on a combustion engine only. And at the same time the use of BMW ActiveHybrid technology does not require any concessions in terms of everyday driving qualities and the specific features of the BMW 7 Series.
• The Concept Car offers the ideal synthesis of motoring comfort, visual presence and supremacy of the BMW 7 Series, on the one hand, combined with future-oriented, high-efficiency BMW ActiveHybrid technology, on the other. This provides the option to enrich the sheer driving pleasure so typical of the BMW brand by the additional highlights and fortes of BMW ActiveHybrid. Implementation of such technologies in a luxury performance saloon of this caliber leads to a new perception of hybrid technology as such: In the configuration developed by BMW hybrid technology ensures a significant increase in efficiency without in any way giving up the high standard of driving
dynamics, motoring safety and comfort so typical of the brand.
Technical highlights:
• The drivetrain of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is made up of a V8 gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection based on the power unit of the BMW 750i. Maximum output of the conventional engine in the regular production model is 300 kW/407 hp, with peak torque of 600 Newton-meters or 442 lb-ft.
Now this superior engine is combined with an electric motor fully integrated in the transmission housing, developing maximum output of 15 kW/20 hp and peak torque of
210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft. So with the mild hybrid concept, the electric motor boosts the dynamic driving potential of the eight-cylinder gasoline engine in a unique manner most appropriate for the character of the BMW 7 Series, giving the car even more dynamic acceleration.
• Using Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor supplies electric power to the power-consuming items on board the car, minimising the direct conversion of fuel into electrical energy and maximising the drive power available for enhanced driving dynamics.
• T he V8 power unit offers ideal features for a concept focusing on both driving dynamics and efficiency all in one. It is the only eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world with its turbochargers arranged conveniently in the V-space between the two rows of cylinders, and at the same time it is the most efficient engine in its class.
• The hybrid components developed for the Concept Car are based on technology created by BMW and Daimler in their cooperation on hybrid drive systems. In this joint venture the two manufacturers have successfully developed components for hybrid drive including the power electronics and high-voltage batteries. Naturally, the hybrid drive system featured by BMW offers all the characteristics and highlights typical of the brand.
• BMW ActiveHybrid is based on a modular concept following the
“Best of Hybrid“ strategy and in each case integrating the best components
for different vehicle segments. The components featured in the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid – the mild hybrid transmission and
the eight-cylinder petrol engine – supplement each other in the same ideal
manner as the full hybrid transmission and the eight-cylinder petrol engine
in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid.
• The compact electric motor integrated in the transmission housing replaces
the conventional alternator driven by the engine as well as the starter.
Electrical energy is generated through Brake Energy Regeneration with
a unique degree of efficiency and without in any way impairing the drive
power of the engine itself. Integrated power electronics, in turn, ensure
compact design within dimensions never seen before, as well as safe and
secure arrangement of all hybrid components.
A high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated in the luggage
compartment in accordance with the package of the car saves the energy
generated and supplies power to the on-board network. Through its high
storage capacity, the battery makes full use of Brake Energy Regeneration
with its particular potential.
• Thanks to the higher degree of electric power provided in this way,
additional functions in the car are run completely under the electric power
supply. The Auto Start Stop function preventing the combustion engine
from running in the idle mode is particularly helpful and comfort-oriented
in this case thanks to the combination with ActiveHybrid technology.
Exterior design:
• T he BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid demonstrates the integration
of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the BMW 7 Series luxury saloon.
All hybrid components are fitted and arranged according to the car’s
specific package. The electric motor and the power electronics are
integrated in the transmission housing, where they cannot even be seen
from outside. A specially designed trough in the luggage compartment
made of aluminum accommodates the compact lithium-ion battery.
• The front end of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid boasts the
natural presence so typical of the 7 Series, enhanced in particular by
the large, upright BMW kidney grille. A specific feature of the Concept Car
is the aluminum band stretching across the entire width of the front end
beneath the numberplate and serving to provide a controlled flow of air in
the interest of optimum aerodynamics.
• T he lower air intake scoop is covered in the middle by this aluminum band,
the openings to the left and right reflecting the contours of the headlights
just above and split horizontally by the aluminum band tapering out towards
the sides.
• The foglamps fitted at the extreme edge of the air intake openings are
made up in each case of seven LED light units.
• Seen from the side, the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is further
enhanced in its sporting and elegant look by 20-inch light-alloy rims
in V-spoke design. The rims are finished in body color, the Blue Water
Metallic paintwork on the car and rims serving as a particular sign of
distinction for BMW’s maximum-efficiency Concept Cars.
At the rear of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid an additional air
guidance element made of aluminum and exhaust tailpipes with new
contours symbolise and round off the innovative drive concept. As an
analogy to the front end of the car, the aluminum band integrated in the
rear apron stretches across the entire width of the vehicle, at the same time
forming the upper surround on the exhaust tailpipes both positioned far to
the outside. The unusually wide and fl at contours of the tailpipes, finally,
form an almost multiple-plate structure thanks to the additional horizontal
crossbar.
Maximum efficiency in the luxury class, supreme dynamics in the hybrid
segment – precisely these are the unique standards offered and combined
with one another by the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid.
Introducing this Concept Car based on the new BMW 7 Series, BMW is
clearly demonstrating the potential offered by the most advanced hybrid
technology available today. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid comes
with hybrid components tailored precisely to the character of this unique
saloon, offering driving comfort, everyday motoring qualities and driving safety
of the supreme standard only the BMW 7 Series is able to provide.
In addition, the BMW ActiveHybrid technology featured in the Concept Car
reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by 15 per cent versus the
same car with a combustion engine and offers a standard of driving dynamics
clearly exceeding all series models with hybrid technology presented so far.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid combines an eight-cylinder
gasoline engine and an electric motor developing 15 kW/20 hp and
maximum torque of 210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft as a mild hybrid concept.
Electric power is generated by a particularly powerful variant of
Brake Energy Regeneration already featured in the BMW Group’s regular
production cars. The energy generated in this way is then stored in a
lithium-ion battery fitted in accordance with the package of the car beneath
the luggage compartment.
This electrical energy serves to supply the on-board network and, in addition,
to boost the combustion engine under clearly defined driving conditions.
The result is a significant optimisation of engine power and response ensuring
even more dynamic acceleration whenever required.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology thus supports the BMW EfficientDynamics
development strategy in a particularly intelligent manner, offering even greater
driving pleasure on less fuel as well as cleaner emissions.
BMW ActiveHybrid is an important building brick within the
BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy as a whole. Pursuing
this strategy, the BMW Group has indeed introduced a wide range of efficiency-boosting features in series production throughout the entire model
portfolio, thus achieving unique progress the world over in the reduction of
fuel consumption and emissions.
Sales of BMW cars with EfficientDynamics since the year 2007 already
exceed a million units. Accordingly, this broad-scale strategy lauded on many
occasions through significant prizes and awards has led to a substantial
reduction of average fuel consumption by the BMW car fleet.
Parallel to this trendsetting strategy, the BMW Group is developing hybrid
technology along various lines for various vehicle segments. The objective of
this elaborate development process is to create hybrid systems significantly
reducing fuel consumption while maintaining the driving dynamics so typical
of the brand, in this way living up to the great demands made of a BMW in
every respect.
Pursuing this strategy, two models with BMW ActiveHybrid technology will
be reaching production level in 2009 alone.
The perfect starting point:
the world’s most Efficient luxury performance saloon.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is based on the new BMW 7 Series
already ranking right at the top in its class in standard trim in terms
of efficiency. The new luxury performance saloon from the world’s most
successful manufacturer of premium cars thus lives out the demanding
objectives of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy in particularly
convincing style also in this segment.
Compared with their predecessors, all models in the new BMW 7 Series
stand out in providing both enhanced performance as well as a significant
reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. In their respective
performance class, the three engines available right from the start upon
the market launch of the new 7 Series rank right at the top worldwide
in terms of efficiency. In addition, all models in the BMW 7 Series come as
standard with a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including
Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of the engine’s ancillary
units, intelligent lightweight construction, active aerodynamics provided
by air flap control, and tires with reduced roll resistance. And last but certainly
not least, all engine variants in the new BMW 7 Series comply in full with
the EU 5 emission standard.
Given these qualities, the new BMW 7 Series from the start offers an ideal
foundation for setting the standard worldwide both in the luxury segment
and in the hybrid market through an optimum combination of the most
advanced BMW ActiveHybrid technology. Another essential feature of the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is that this unique model offers such
a significant increase in efficiency over the regular production model without
in any way giving up the well-known qualities of BMW’s luxury saloon.
Not to be seen from outside, BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers the driver
the significant benefits of a new drive concept without in any way influencing
the motoring comfort, luxurious ambience, and safety this truly outstanding
saloon is able to provide. And when it comes to everyday driving qualities,
the concept is once again just right for full enjoyment and driving pleasure in
every respect, without the slightest restrictions.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology integrated the intelligent way.
Presenting the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW is introducing
a hybrid car which, through its harmoniously balanced drive components, will
fi t perfectly into the model range of BMW’s new luxury performance saloons.
The driving experience and motoring comfort reflect the character of this
outstanding model line, with new highlights in terms of both driving dynamics
and efficiency – as on BMW’s conventional model variants, too. Quite simply,
this is because hybrid technology BMW-style stands for superior dynamics
combined with outstanding efficiency forming a perfect symbiosis with
the sheer supremacy of the BMW 7 Series.
All this is made possible by combining an eight-cylinder petrol engine for
the first time with a mild hybrid concept. Specifically this approach has
been chosen here since the savings potential offered by hybrid technology
increases with the output and performance of the combustion engine
used, and because large-capacity power units are of particular significance
in the premium segment.
Focusing initially on smaller cars, BMW has already introduced solutions
in the context of EfficientDynamics serving to significantly reduce fuel
consumption and not in any way increasing the cost of ownership for the
customer. BMW’s current diesel models in this segment, for example, thanks
to BMW EfficientDynamics, ensure fuel consumption and emission ratings
achieved by other manufacturers with their hybrid cars only on a far lower level
of output and performance.
In the medium term the development of hybrid systems by the BMW Group
tailored to individual models will also lead to solutions in segments offering
significant advantages in both fuel economy and driving dynamics so typical
of BMW. And at the same time the larger number of models produced
will help to reduce the additional cost of hybrid technology.
Mild hybrid and the combustion engine form an ideal match in the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid as is already the case in the
Concept X6 ActiveHybrid combining a full hybrid concept with an eightcylinder
petrol engine.
Taking these different approaches, BMW is already demonstrating the
broad-scale application of hybrid technology, proving that in this area, too,
model- and concept-specific solutions will pave the way towards maximum
efficiency in all segments of performance and individual vehicles.
Consistent optimisation: BMW ActiveHybrid and the V8 power unit
with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection.
Like all power units in BMW production cars, the combustion engine featured
in the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid has been developed in the
context of BMW EfficientDynamics. In the BMW 750i this all-aluminum power
unit offers all the qualities typical of an eight-cylinder in incomparably sporting
and, at the same time, comfortable style, combining power and traction
from low engine speeds with impressive pulling force throughout a wide range
of engine revs.
The power and performance characteristics of the new V8 power unit
result primarily from BMW’s innovative Twin Turbo technology. This unique
technology featured for the first time on an eight-cylinder gasoline engine,
with two turbochargers not fitted at the outside, but rather directly in the
V-section of the engine and supplying four cylinders with compressed air in
each case, ensures unparalleled spontaneity in responding to the accelerator
pedal.
High Precision Injection, in turn, ensures highly Efficient use of fuel,
the second generation of direct gasoline injection introduced by BMW
incorporating piezo-injectors fitted in the cylinder head directly next to the
spark plugs and delivering fuel to the combustion chambers at a pressure
of 200 bar.
This concept alone makes the supply and dosage of fuel extremely precise,
the V8 power unit with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection achieving the
highest level of efficiency worldwide in the eight-cylinder segment.
This outstanding efficiency is also attributable to the use of
BMW EfficientDynamics in and around the engine, with features such
as Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand management and control of
ancillaries including an a/c compressor operating only when required, and the
use of on-demand pump technology on the car’s suspension control systems.
This intelligent energy management also comprises the electrification
wherever possible of comfort functions running on electrical energy
generated in particular by Brake Energy Regeneration.
Use of electric power generated without consuming fuel
in the interest of even greater efficiency.
Given all these qualities, intelligent alternator control ensures the generation
of electricity from energy otherwise wasted in the brake system as heat
dissipated into the environment. Now, therefore, the fuel contained in
the energy burnt is used to a much higher degree for ensuring genuine driving
dynamics on the road, helping to improve the car’s acceleration to an even
higher level and optimising the efficiency of the drive system under all load
conditions.
The principle of Brake Energy Regeneration is applied in the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid more consistently than in any
production vehicle so far, giving the car an unusually high standard of all-round
efficiency and fuel economy. In this case the conventional alternator is
replaced by the electric motor fully integrated in the transmission housing and
delivering electricity in overrun and under application of the brakes through
the likewise fully integrated power electronics to the lithium-ion battery.
The electric motor integrated in the transmission housing thus ensures
far greater efficiency in the generation of electric power than an alternator
drawing energy directly from the combustion engine and, as a result,
reducing its overall standard of efficiency.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology is also superior to a conventional alternator
through its own, inherent efficiency, the energy yield produced by the
electric motor through Brake Energy Regeneration alone exceeding the
normal standard roughly ten times.
The innovative energy storage technology of the lithium-ion battery featured
in the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid also provides the option to store
a much greater amount of electrical energy available virtually free-of-charge,
then providing this energy on a permanent basis for all kinds of vehicle
functions and therefore exceeding the performance of conventional battery units by far. The progress achieved by BMW in the area of energy storage
thus allows electrical operation of ancillary units to an extent far beyond the
standard possible so far in a production car.
A further point is that the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid uses electrical
energy to an even higher degree also for additional functions ranging all
the way to extra power provided by the electric motor within the mild hybrid
concept in support of the car’s primary drive system. This is also made
possible by the specific position of the electric motor in the transmission
housing, where it is able to offer an additional power feed.
A 120V on-board network serves to meet further purposes and requirements,
operating in parallel to the conventional 12V network. And with its output
of 15 kW, the electric motor supports the combustion engine in generating
dynamic power serving to drive the car. Since the energy used in the
process is delivered by Brake Energy Regeneration without any additional
consumption of fuel, the mild hybrid concept gives the car extra dynamics
combined with a significant improvement of efficiency.
This additional power and reduction of the load acting on the combustion
engine throughout the entire range of engine speed and running conditions
enables the Concept Car featuring BMW ActiveHybrid technology to
consistently continue the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy
raised in this way to an even higher level.
A harmonious concept: BMW ActiveHybrid in the BMW 7 Series.
The harmonious overall concept of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid
is just as impressive as the progressive technology of the car and its efficiency
in reducing both fuel consumption and emissions. All components are
carefully matched to one another, coming together to form one fascinating,
trendsetting whole.
The car itself offers all the qualities of a modern luxury saloon, setting
standards through the space available and the exclusive ambience within
the interior as well as with its drivetrain and suspension technology
allowing an outstanding combination of dynamic performance and supreme
motoring comfort.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology specially conceived for the saloon serves
to enhance the driving experience in genuine style typical of a BMW 7 Series
and at the same time achieves a new level of all-round efficiency. Hence, the Concept Car offers improvements and options raising the very favourable
balance of performance and fuel consumption already offered on the
series-production BMW 750i to a significantly higher standard.
The arrangement of the hybrid components likewise serves to enhance
the degree of efficiency and promote the driving experience even further.
Positioned appropriately within compact dimensions in the transmission
housing, the electric motor optimises both the generation of electricity and
the drive power delivered by the combustion engine. Housed in the rear of
the car, in turn, the lithium-ion batteries offer an ideal solution in terms of both
everyday driving qualities, the balance of the overall vehicle, and safety.
Ultra-modern energy storage technology:
lithium-ion battery with superior capacity and stable cycles.
Using a lithium-ion battery, BMW is taking yet another step into the future in
the particularly intense and flexible use of electric power in the car. As a rule,
the energy delivered by Brake Energy Regeneration must be fed to a storage
unit at all times and must be available – depending on driving conditions –
in different cycles, whenever required. In addition, storage capacity must be
sufficiently great for the car to cover longer distances without application of
the brakes or running in overrun, while at the same time the supply of electric
power must not be interrupted.
This is why BMW uses AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries on regular
production cars featuring Brake Energy Regeneration, that is cars running
in frequent and irregular charge and discharge cycles without losing
energy in the process. To meet the requirements of a mild hybrid concept,
on the other hand, a car needs a high-voltage energy storage unit with
significantly higher output and performance. The system developed for the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid therefore uses the most advanced
lithium-ion technology fulfilling the greatest demands in terms of battery
capacity and lasting performance.
The lithium-ion battery has proven its particularly high storage capacity and
resistance to charge and discharge cycles for a long time in many other
areas, for example in the mobile phone and in laptops. The energy storage
unit featured in the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid therefore opens
up a new perspective in the use of this technology under the particularly
demanding conditions prevailing in a motor vehicle.
Intelligent energy management with a lithium-ion battery,
an AGM battery and two on-board networks.
To ensure Efficient energy management meeting all of the driver’s and
passengers’ requirements, the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid comes
with two on-board network systems carefully matched to one another. In
addition to the conventional 12V network supplied with power by the AGM
starter battery, BMW’s new Concept Car features an innovative 120V network
feeding power from the electric motor to the appropriate components with
the help of the lithium-ion battery.
Through the 120V on-board network, the lithium-ion battery featured in the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is able to supply power to a particularly
large number of electrical components. A further point is that the high-voltage
power network provides the foundation for using a high-performance
electrical drive system. Contrary to the conventional on-board network, this
also means the option to supply power directly to, say, the a/c compressor.
The range of functions already driven electrically today in BMW’s production
models extends from the ventilation and air conditioning units through the
lights, entertainment, navigation and communication systems all the way to
the coolant pump and servo motors for dynamic driving systems such as
Dynamic Damper Control featured as standard on the BMW 7 Series. Stable
and reliable coverage of all energy requirements and all electrically driven
vehicle functions in the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is therefore
guaranteed at all times, regardless of driving conditions.
High storage capacity enhancing both efficiency and
motoring comfort.
Among other things, this allows the use of the Auto Start Stop function in
conjunction with BMW ActiveHybrid technology even more often than
in BMW’s current production models, without giving up or losing motoring
comfort in any way whatsoever. When stopping at a road junction, at the
traffic lights or in a traffic jam, the combustion engine is automatically
switched off to avoid any in Efficient idling. Then, as soon as the driver lets
go of the brake pedal and presses down the gas pedal to set off again,
the engine is started automatically.
The various functions no longer connected to the alternator on the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid may also be operated during such an
interim stop, the energy required for this purpose being delivered consistently
by the high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
Optimum comfort is ensured above all by ongoing operation of the ventilation
and climate control systems keeping temperatures in the interior at a
consistent level also when the car is at a standstill. Similarly, all other comfort
functions may still be used permanently while the engine is switched off.
Clear highlights in design bearing testimony to the car’s efficiency
and trendsetting technology.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a hybrid car offering a dynamic
potential truly unique the world over – and at the same time it is a luxury
performance saloon with an excellent balance of performance and fuel
consumption.
Precisely these unique qualities come out clearly also through the design of
the Concept Car. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is based in its
concept and fundamental design on the new BMW 7 Series, a luxury saloon
offering a fascinating synthesis of sporting elegance and natural presence.
The dynamic proportions of the car are clearly expressed by its long
wheelbase, the long and sleek engine compartment lid, the short overhang
at the front, the passenger compartment moved far to the rear, and the
low roofline.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid adds specific design features
both at the front and the rear to enhance this characteristic look to an even
higher level. At the same time the close match of the production model and
the concept car clearly symbolises BMW’s claim to offer the potential of
BMW ActiveHybrid technology within BMW’s existing portfolio of models. And
the paintwork in Blue Water Metallic already used on other high-efficiency
concept cars clearly bears testimony to the outstanding efficiency of this very
special saloon.
Optimised air guidance at the front.
The outstanding presence and fl air of the new BMW 7 Series is expressed
at the front end of the car particularly by the large BMW kidney grille standing
out far to the front in an almost majestic, upright position. Generously
designed dual round headlights, in turn, create that concentrated look so
typical of BMW, while the large engine compartment lid exudes a feeling of
clarity and tranquillity.
Contrary to the series model, the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid comes
with an aluminum band slightly inclined towards the rear and somewhat lower
down, instead of the usual chrome band above the lower air intake scoop.
This aluminum trim extends across the entire width of the car, tapering out towards the outside. In this position and with its special design featuring a
precise contour and angle, the aluminum band resembles an air flap typically
used on a modern aircraft.
Featured on the front end of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, the
band serves in a similar manner to optimise aerodynamics and air guidance
along the lower section of the car. The center section of the aluminum band,
in turn, covers the lower air intake scoop, while the two slender edges beneath
the headlights subdivide the air intakes at the side with contours similar to the
headlights themselves.
Foglamps are fitted at the outer edge of the two air intakes boasting a black
honeycomb grid again in unique design. These foglamps are made up in
each case of seven LED light units, six of which are arranged vertically in rows
of two and one of which is below the aluminum band. The horizontal line
of the aluminum band and the foglamps placed far to the outside serve in
this way to additionally accentuate the sheer width of the car.
From the side the sporting and elegant lines of the saloon are accentuated
by 20-inch aluminum rims on the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid. The
wheels in V-spoke design are finished in body color and thus merge even
more smoothly and harmoniously with the overall look of the car. The name
“EfficientDynamics – ActiveHybrid“ on the lower part of the doors, finally,
highlights this outstanding saloon as a particularly fuel-Efficient, low-emission
concept.
Exclusive design on the exhaust tailpipes.
The particular style created at the front of the car by the aluminum band is
reflected by the rear-end design of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid
where an aluminum air flow element extends across the entire width of the
car beneath the rear apron, reaching its full height only in the middle.
The more slender edges to the right and left form the upper surround on
the twin-chamber exhaust system with its tailpipes again coming in new,
innovative design. The tailpipes are surrounded by a frame of matt chrome
and, instead of their usual round or oval shape, come in unusually wide
and fl at contours. A horizontal, black crossbar, finally, gives the tailpipes an
almost multi-level appearance as if they were split up into two sections.
The aluminum band at the rear again forms an additional horizontal line
emphasising the wide track of the car. At the same time the sculptural
surfaces so characteristic of the new BMW 7 Series also dominate the looks
and appearance of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, again creating that unique BMW style. The roofline, in turn, flows down via the flanks of
the car all the way to the bumper, thus including the rear end in the overall
dynamic look of the new BMW 7 Series for a particularly sporting touch.
Unique: BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the luxury class.
Introducing the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, the world’s most
successful manufacturer of premium cars is setting a clear standard:
Hybrid technology has the potential to meet the extremely great demands
made of a car in the luxury class. And at the same time it offers all the
qualities required to further enhance the characteristics typical of a BMW.
This nevertheless calls for hybrid components precisely tailored to the
respective model and boasting features exactly reflecting the profile of the
BMW brand.
To meet this demand, BMW has applied its unique development competence
in the area of drive systems unparalleled the world over for the systematic
and clear-cut integration of hybrid components.
The result of this intense development process is BMW ActiveHybrid –
a technology able to provide the most dynamic hybrid cars in the world and
serving at the same time to offer the greater efficiency achieved by combining
a combustion engine with electric drive under all motoring conditions,
significantly reducing both fuel consumption and emissions in the process.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is therefore more superior,
more dynamic and more Efficient than all other cars featuring this kind of
technology so far.
Yet another important highlight of BMW ActiveHybrid technology is the ability
to offer the full potential of this technology quite independently of the driver’s
action. This big advantage comes from the fact that BMW ActiveHybrid
technology is fully integrated into the drive system, without any effects on the
design of the car and its everyday use.
Hybrid technology therefore fits perfectly into the BMW EfficientDynamics
development strategy, where all EfficientDynamics components and
features come as standard on BMW’s various models, tailored in each
case to the specific model and its individual character. These components
and technologies therefore help to reduce fuel and exhaust emissions
over a wide range of loads also under practical, everyday driving conditions,
to a great extent without requiring any action on the part of the driver. And BMW ActiveHybrid technology also remains in the background to begin with,
at the same time naturally offering its full effect in terms of efficiency and
dynamics.
Best of Hybrid:
flexible development strategy providing ideal solutions on each model.
Given these qualities, the technology featured in the BMW Concept 7 Series
ActiveHybrid is ideally suited for a luxury performance car of this caliber.
Taking the same approach as with many other highly developed and advanced
technologies, BMW seeks also in the implementation of hybrid components
to introduce these technologies initially in higher segments of the market such
as the luxury performance class. Clearly, this gives particular emphasis to
the premium claim underlying each new development.
In developing hybrid components BMW seeks furthermore to find appropriate
applications for each model and concept. BMW ActiveHybrid is based on
a modular principle following the “Best of Hybrid” strategy in integrating the
optimum components in different vehicle concepts as required.
On the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid the eight-cylinder petrol engine
and the electric motor acting as the mild hybrid power unit form the same
ideal match as the eight-cylinder petrol engine and the full hybrid concept
on the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid launched in 2007. Indeed, this
broad scope of possible hybrid applications reflects the underlying principle
of BMW EfficientDynamics to develop appropriate solutions for all vehicle
segments and performance classes in line with each concept and vehicle.
BMW is developing these hybrid components in a joint venture among
equals with Daimler. The objective of this joint venture is to develop and test
components for hybrid drive in upmarket vehicles, each manufacturer then
integrating the hybrid components developed into their respective cars in
accordance with the individual philosophy of each brand.
Ongoing progress ensured by BMW ActiveHybrid and
BMW EfficientDynamics.
Pursuing the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, the BMW Group
is making the most effective contribution worldwide to the reduction of fuel
consumption and emissions in road traffic. The result of this unique strategy
results from both the regular use of such trendsetting innovations as standard
equipment on BMW models and from the introduction of such innovations
throughout all model series, as well as the wide range of improvements
ensured in this way.
BMW ActiveHybrid now takes a significant step into the future in this context
of highly developed technologies for the environment, opening up the
door to an even wider range of technologies for reducing fuel consumption
and emissions in the years to come and using an appropriate combination of
features in each case and for each model in the interest of enhanced driving
dynamics and all-round economy. The objective is to develop concepts for
all model series providing utmost driving pleasure on the most Efficient use
of energy.
Now BMW offers a unique range of efficiency-enhancing technologies
also in the luxury saloon segment, with BMW’s regular models in the new
BMW 7 Series already featuring a wide range of improvements through
BMW EfficientDynamics quite unparalleled the world over in their impact
and diversity.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology adds a further option, hybrid technology
for the first time achieving the supreme standard essential to BMW
in a luxury performance car of this caliber. So introducing the
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW is proudly presenting another
strategy in further enhancing the Company’s position as the world leader
in the development of particularly Efficient and, at the same time, highly
dynamic automobiles of a unique standard.