BMW officially took the wraps off the all-new 2009 7-Series a few days ago. BMW already confirmed as well that there will be a hybrid version of the 7-Series offered next year, but now we have more of the details thanks to CAR.
The 7-Series Hybrid will mate the 4.4L V8 to an electric motor that will be powered by lithium ion batteries, which sounds great but it won't match the same fuel economy numbers as the new 3.0L diesel (39.2mpg). The 7-Series Hybrid is also going to cost much more than the 750i that is going on sale this November in the UK (The US will get the new 7 next Spring).
I'm sure many of us are wondering what the point of the hybrid is, but according to Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW board member responsible for R&D and project leader for the new 7-Series "Some customers really want a V8 with very good fuel economy."
Full Story: CAR
Related Stories:
All-New 2009 BMW 7-Series Officially Unveiled
Comments (11)
makes as much sense as a suburban hybrid. stupid and lame.
Posted by Sandman | July 8, 2008 3:16 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 15:16
Hey, if it gets better mileage in metro areas (where hybrids work best) and can then hit the autobahn...what's wrong with that?
Posted by Noya | July 8, 2008 5:31 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 17:31
No V8 will ever get 39.2mpg, the Camry Hybrid doesn't even get that and it has a 4 cylinder in it. What a useless article.
Posted by Mathew | July 8, 2008 6:01 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 18:01
@Mathew the moron
read, stupid, read. The numbers are for the L6 Diesel.
Posted by Waldorf (statler is on holidays) | July 8, 2008 6:22 PM
Posted on July 8, 2008 18:22
@Sandman
The opposite, I think this is as smart as the Hybrid Suburban. It is the largest engines that waste the most fuel at idle and therefore benifit the most from a hybrid powertrain.
If you want the best possible economy, make your car light, then give it a small engine, then throw in a hybrid.
If you want to make the most *difference* with a hybrid, put it in the big-engined vehicles.
Posted by JerryL | July 9, 2008 6:08 AM
Posted on July 9, 2008 06:08
Anyone who can afford a car in this pricerange is not buying it to save money- they are buying the hybrid for the image. That badge on the back lets them ride in opulence while retaining a self-righteous image. They could care less what gas mileage it gets.
Posted by matt | July 9, 2008 9:52 AM
Posted on July 9, 2008 09:52
Anyone who can afford a car in this pricerange is not buying it to save money- they are buying the hybrid for the image. That badge on the back lets them ride in opulence while retaining a self-righteous image. They could care less what gas mileage it gets.
Posted by matt | July 9, 2008 9:53 AM
Posted on July 9, 2008 09:53
useless info from TR???? yes its possible folks
Posted by dennisil | July 9, 2008 12:54 PM
Posted on July 9, 2008 12:54
@ Jerry
Haven't done your research have you?
Have you actually looked at that idea you call smart? One extra MPG in a hybrid Suburban and probably be the same for the BMW 7 series. I bet you are one of those morons that voted the Suburban hybrid as car of the year.
Ever looked into the ghastly process of creating a hybrid battery for a Prius?
Bleh!
Posted by Sandman | July 9, 2008 3:40 PM
Posted on July 9, 2008 15:40
This is really funny...don't even know how to start.
First of all, JerryL, Waldorf and Noya thank you for posting.
@Sandman: you don't like to think, but you do like to talk (or write). Very interesting combination...
Now, back to the subject: if BMW decided to throw in a new technology (yes, it is new to BMW), they did it after more research and testing one could imagine. It's funny how some people actually compare GM to BMW :)
I've had 5 BMWs so far (including a 2006 BMW 730d - read article) and believe me: anybody who trashes beemers never actually owned one. Just FYI, BMW won 6 out of 11 best engines in 2007
http://www.ukipme.com/engineoftheyear/previous04.html
To make the long story short, rest assured that the new 7 hybrid will be another revolutionary piece of art (for those who can afford one)
Cheers
Posted by BMW rules | July 10, 2008 12:22 AM
Posted on July 10, 2008 00:22
@Sandman
I don't see final numbers on the suburban, but with the same engine, the city MPG on the Tahoe goes from 14 to 21 (an improvement of 50%)(http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm). There is even a 10% improvement on highway MPG, though my comment was on in-city performance.
To compare apples-to-apples, I also looked at Chevy's only authomobile hybrid (same site), the Malibu. The city MPG on the same engine goes from 22 to 24, less than a 10% improvement.
I notice that you didn't offer an actual source for your claim. With no EPA numbers available on a Suburban SUV, and with no cite from you, there's no real discussion to have yet.
Both in theory and in practice where there are real numbers available: a hybrid offers a signifigant advanatge on in-city MPG on large-engined vehicles... far more than is seen on smaller vehicles. I expect that the 7-series will be similar in effect: little change to the highway mileage, but a big improvement in city driving.
Perhaps *you* should do some research.
Posted by JerryL | July 10, 2008 12:44 PM
Posted on July 10, 2008 12:44