BMW 750 Hybrid will launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009
Hybrid cars are starting to make their presence felt in the market place, and even at the top end of luxury saloons the market is moving in that direction. Whether you buy in to the planet-saving ethos or not, it’s hard to argue against something that costs less to run and helps you be perceived as a caring, sharing conscientious member of society – even if you drive a huge great Merchant-Banker-mobile!
Lexus have made inroads with their LS 600, and recently we reported that Mercedes has not just given the Mercedes S Class a mid-cycle refresh, but has announced the imminent launch of the Mercedes S400 Hybrid. Not to be left out, BMW is playing the game too.
BMW are to bring the BMW 750 Hybrid to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Based on the BMW 750, the 7 Series Hybrid uses the same 4.4 litre V8, but mates it to a 20bhp electric motor that also adds a very useful 155lb/ft of torque. BMW claim a 15% increase in economy as opposed to the 21% Mercedes are claiming for the S400 Hybrid. But then the S400 does have a measly V6 whilst the 7 Series Hybrid still sports the very able 4.4 litre V8.
The BMW Efficient Dynamics package (based on technology developed and shared with Mercedes) should see other Hybrid features such as regenerative braking and stop/start incorporated in the 7 Series Hybrid.
No word on prices, but BMW is expected to get the 750 Hybrid in to showrooms before the end of the year.
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