What is it? The ActiveHybrid 7 will have an upgraded twin-turbo direct injection V8 engine with an electric motor and 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined power is 455 hp, 55 more than the conventional 750i. The 7's electric motor receives power through a lithium-ion battery and is mounted under the trunk floor.
Preliminary acceleration figures are 4.8 seconds from 0-60 mph. Fuel economy is expected to be 15% better than the 750i, which gets 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway mileage. Unlike the new Mercedes-Benz S400 hybrid, which is the least expensive S-Class entry, the 7 flagship is expected to command an additional premium over the typical, roughly $90,000 of a regular750Li.
The 7 will also use a start/stop function to maximize efficiency, but the air conditioning and ventilation system run on electric power, so the A/C can keep pumping when the gas engine stops.
