BWM showed its new 7-series ActiveHybrid in North America for the first time today at the LA Auto Show. The 7-series hybrid uses the mild hybrid system developed in cooperation with Mercedes Benz. A 20 kW electric motor/generator is sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The motor provides start-stop and regenerative braking capability. A lithium ion battery pack stores the energy and when it's not needed for electric boost, it provides energy for vehicle electrical systems thus reducing the parasitic loads on the engine. The mild hybrid will be paired with the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that BMW uses in the standard 7-series and should give about a 20 percent boost in mileage. The 7-series hybrid should be on sale world-wide in mid 2009.



[Source: BMW]
Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

After revealing the new generation 7-series earlier this summer, BMW will be showing off the full lineup at the Paris Motor Show including the hybrid version. We knew a 7-series hybrid was coming soon but it had been thought the 7 would use the same Two-Mode hybrid system that will go into the X6. Instead, AutoCar is reporting that the big luxury sedan will use the mild hybrid system that BMW has developed with Daimler. While Mercedes-Benz will pair up the 20 hp electric motor with a 3.5L V6, BMW will use the new twin turbocharged and direct injected 4.4L V8 that debuted earlier this year in the X6. The base engine is rated at 407 hp and 442 lb-ft. The 7-Series hybrid is expected to get a bit over 23 mpg (U.S.) combined which would put at least on a par with the strong hybrid Lexus LS600h. Like the Mercedes hybrid sedan, BMW will use a 120V lithium ion battery mounted under hood, replacing the conventional lead acid battery. In combination with a 10:1 step down, the lithium battery will provide power to all the vehicle's electrical systems and since it can be charged via regenerative braking, it will reduce parasitic losses. The 7-Series ActiveHybrid should go on sale about a year from now.

[Source: AutoCar]