If you thought BMW was about to bring environmentally responsible driving to the average Joe, then you might be a touch disappointed with the price tag slapped on the 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 models.
The vehicles made their North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show ahead of arriving in showrooms from spring 2011. So how much will they cost? Well the base price will be $103,215 (£62,406) which includes destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 (£64,713) for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.
Better start saving now then.
So what do you get for your money?
Well, the ActiveHybrid 7 is a mild-hybrid application that offers a 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. It includes a combination of an upgraded 4.4litre twin-turbo, high precision direct injection V8 engine with a three-phase synchronous 15kW electric motor, which is supplied by a compact, 400Wh lithium-ion battery. This gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455hp and a maximum torque of 516lb-ft according to preliminary figures.
