New Hybrid Powertrain for 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7

The 2013 BMW 7-Series Sedan will hit the ground later this year armed with new and comprehensively revised engines which are more economical and low on emissions and channel their power to the driven wheels through an intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission.

Technology such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function pave the way for additional fuel saving.

The revised 2013 BMW 7-Series line-up includes four gasoline engines, three diesels and a second-generation hybrid model, the ActiveHybrid 7, which is available in right-hand-drive for the first time.

Engines
The new BMW 7 Series is propelled by a range of petrol and diesel powerplants that utilise cutting-edge engine technology for a sensational mix of performance and economy.

The true flagship of the range is the BMW 760Li, powered by a 12-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. This all-aluminium, 5,972cc V12 features TwinPower turbo technology, direct fuel injection and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control to produce 544hp and 750Nm of torque from as low as 1,500rpm. Predictably, this gives the 760Li superb acceleration and speed (0-62mph takes just 4.6 seconds and the top speed is limited electronically to 155mph), all delivered with the silky refinement you would expect. However, more of surprise given the power and performance of the 760Li is the fuel consumption of 21.1mpg combined with C02 emissions of 314g/km.

The alternative flagship for the range given BMW’s long standing commitment to a sustainable future is the BMW ActiveHybrid7. The 320hp 2,979cc engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is taken from the ‘standard’ 740i and then adapted with a 55hp synchronous motor, a hybrid specification eight-speed automatic transmission, a lithium-ion high performance battery all wrapped into an intelligent energy management package.

Performance is brisk yet economical and with low CO2 emissions. With a max output of 354hp and 500 Nm of torque the ActiveHybrid7 can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. However, it is capable of this at the same time as achieving 41.5mpg and emissions of 158g/km.

The new BMW 750i features a revised version of the TwinPower turbo 4.4-litre V8, with optimised high pressure direct fuel injection and reduced charge cycle losses thanks to the clever integration of Valvetronic variable control of intake valve lift. The engine now delivers 10per cent more power at 449hp, and 8.5per cent more torque at a mighty
650Nm, developed over a broad rev band – enough for a 0-62mph sprint of 4.8 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. Even more impressive is the 25 per cent improvement in efficiency: fuel consumption is now 32.8mpg and CO2 emissions are just 199g/km.

The new BMW 740i is powered by the superb TwinPower turbo 3.0-litre straight-six, a pioneer of BMW’s integration of twin-scroll turbo technology with direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS and Valvetronic for maximum throttle response and power with highly efficient consumption. The engine has a peak power output of 320hp and a maximum torque of 450Nm, the latter developed from just 1,300rpm, giving this 7 Series the same performance as the outgoing 740i, but with fuel economy stands at 35.8mpg with CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

The choice of diesel powerplants in the new BMW 7 Series is headed by the powerful BMW 740d, a formidable exponent of BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology featuring two turbochargers for the familiar 3.0-litre straight-six. Thanks to minor detail improvements, this engine now produces slightly more power at 313hp and an extra 30Nm of torque to make a peak of 630Nm at just 1,500rpm. Performance, with the benefit of the standard new eight-speed automatic transmission, is dramatic, with 0-62mph achieved in only 5.5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. As ever, this performance is not at the expense of efficiency, with a frugal 49.6mpg recorded on the test cycle and CO2 emissions of just 149g/km.

The new BMW 730d retains its enviable position as the world’s most efficient luxury limousine. The 3.0-litre TwinPower turbo straight-six now produces 258hp and 560Nm of torque – both increases on previous outputs – but couples those figures with a combined fuel consumption of 50.4mpg and outstandingly low CO2 emissions of just 148g/km, a reduction of 30g/km versus its predecessor. EU6 compliance is also available as an option with no impact to emissions or fuel economy.

Maximising the efficiency of these engines is the new Eight-speed automatic gearbox, fitted as standard across the range, which helps the engine to work in its optimum rev band to the benefit of both performance and economy.

Body: new LED headlights and subtle new design features.
Dynamic lines and perfectly balanced proportions continue to lie at the heart of the BMW 7 Series Sedan’s sporty and elegant presence. The most eye-catching feature of the new BMW 7 Series are the new LED headlights with hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip, which now ensure the new BMW 7 Series projects a distinctive appearance at night as well. The modified BMW kidney grille with nine slats – instead of the previous 12 – and revised front apron set the new model apart from its predecessor. Elsewhere, indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors are among the new features visible from the side. And last but not least, the powerfully chiselled rear benefits from a thin chrome strip connecting the two slim reflectors in the rear apron.

Interior: new leather seats, optimised noise levels, Rear Seat Entertainment package and sound system with extending centre speaker.
Flawlessly executed design, top-class materials, quality workmanship and outstanding practicality define the interior of the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The driver and front passenger can relax into newly designed leather seats offering optimum lateral support and unbeatable long-distance comfort. The rear passengers, too, travel in luxury and are largely cocooned from outside noise. Individual seats are also available as an option for the rear and can be adapted to passengers’ needs. And the optional Rear Seat Entertainment package with a new 9.2-inch flatscreen monitor ensures a refreshing diversion is always at hand over extended journeys. The new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System delivers unimpeachable sound quality. Its 16 speakers include an illuminated centre speaker which retracts almost fully into the instrument panel.

Cockpit: selectable displays in black-panel technology and central Control Display with 3D graphics.
In the new BMW 7 Series, the multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel takes its cues from the driver’s needs. Extended black-panel technology opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen. The instruments are now presented using different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provide situation-specific information such as status and function displays. The Control Display in the centre of the instrument panel has also benefited from visual and technical improvements and now uses high-resolution 3D graphics.

BMW ConnectedDrive: intelligent integration is the key to comfort and assurance at the wheel along with unbeatable safety.
A unique combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services allows the BMW 7 Series to once again demonstrate its innovative edge and technical eminence over its rivals. To this end, the BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio includes impressive new features that enable the Sedan to maintain its leading position in the luxury segment.

Among the systems helping to maximise safety are BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot with pedestrian recognition technology (unique in the premium segment), the anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus with Stop & Go function, Active Protection with automatic fatigue recognition and Speed Limit Info including the No Passing Info display using road sign symbols. A more powerful operating system governing the central Control Display ensures the entertainment programs are simpler to operate, optimises office and online services, and makes using the telephone that much easier. The Professional navigation system, meanwhile, is now more powerful and features new and ultra-sharp map graphics and 3D city mode. An innovative feature allowing convenient hands-free opening of the boot lid rounds off the function-focused highlights of the BMW 7 Series.