BMW is set to unveil its latest hybrid innovation at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, showcasing the new 7 Series ActiveHybrid. This marks a significant departure from BMW's previous explorations into hydrogen technologies, presenting their first 'true' hybrid luxury saloon.
BMW is set to debut its groundbreaking 7 Series ActiveHybrid at the Paris Motor Show, marking a significant shift from their previous hydrogen-focused concepts. This luxury saloon, based on the 750i, integrates a twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor, enhancing performance and efficiency. The hybrid system captures energy during braking, improving fuel consumption and emissions by up to 15%. This innovation, inspired by Formula One's KERS technology, is expected to be available across BMW's range within two years.
The 7 Series ActiveHybrid is built on the foundation of the new 750i, featuring a robust 300 kW twin-turbo V8 engine. The addition of an electric motor provides an extra 15 kW of power and 210 Nm of torque, ensuring a seamless blend of performance and efficiency. This hybrid system captures energy during braking, storing it in a high-performance lithium battery located in the boot. This stored energy is then used to power the car's electrical systems, allowing the engine to focus solely on driving the vehicle.
The integration of the electric motor not only enhances the car's power but also significantly improves fuel consumption and emissions. Under normal driving conditions, the 7 Series ActiveHybrid can achieve up to a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This is a notable advancement compared to traditional combustion engines.
Unlike the Toyota Prius, which has faced criticism for its battery system, the 7 Series ActiveHybrid's lithium battery is designed to be more reliable and less problematic. This ensures a smoother driving experience and better overall performance.
The concept of energy recovery in the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is reminiscent of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) used in Formula One. Starting in 2009, all F1 teams were allowed to use KERS, which stores energy generated during braking and provides a 60 kW boost for 6.67 seconds. BMW has been at the forefront of developing KERS for their F1 cars, and this technology is now making its way into their consumer vehicles.
KERS has revolutionized F1 racing by allowing drivers to strategically use stored energy for a performance boost. This technology not only enhances the racing experience but also contributes to the development of more efficient and powerful consumer vehicles.
While the 7 Series ActiveHybrid is currently a concept, BMW plans to roll out this technology across its entire range within the next two years. This move aligns with the automotive industry's shift towards more sustainable and efficient vehicles.
Despite its advanced technology, the new 7 Series has faced criticism for its conservative design. Unlike previous models influenced by Chris Bangle's visionary flair, the latest iteration lacks distinctive styling, making it less visually appealing.
The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid represents a significant leap forward in hybrid technology, combining powerful performance with improved efficiency. Inspired by Formula One's KERS, this innovation is set to redefine the luxury saloon market. While the design may not be groundbreaking, the technological advancements make the 7 Series ActiveHybrid a noteworthy addition to BMW's lineup.
For more information on BMW's hybrid technology, visit the BMW Group website.
For details on KERS in Formula One, check out the Formula 1 official site.
