The Concept 7 offers the ideal synthesis of motoring comfort, visual presence and supremacy of the BMW 7 Series, on the one hand, combined with future-oriented, high-efficiency BMW ActiveHybrid technology, on the other. This provides the option to enrich the sheer driving pleasure so typical of the BMW brand by the additional highlights and fortes of BMW ActiveHybrid. Implementation of such technologies in a luxury performance sedan of this caliber leads to a new perception of hybrid technology as such: In the configuration developed by BMW hybrid technology ensures a significant increase in efficiency without in any way giving up the high standard of driving dynamics, motoring safety and comfort so typical of the brand.
Technical Highlights
The drivetrain of the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is made up of a V8 gasoline engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection based on the power unit of the BMW 750i. Maximum output of the conventional engine in the regular production model is 300 kW/407 hp, with peak torque of 600 Newton-metres or 442 lb-ft.
Now this superior engine is combined with an electric motor fully integrated in the transmission housing, developing maximum output of 15 kW/20 hp and peak torque of 210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft. So with the mild hybrid concept, the electric motor boosts the dynamic driving potential of the eight-cylinder gasoline engine in a unique manner most appropriate for the character of the BMW 7 Series, giving the car even more dynamic acceleration.
Using Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor supplies electric power to the power-consuming items on board the car, minimizing the direct conversion of fuel into electrical energy and maximizing the
drive power available for enhanced driving dynamics.
The V8 power unit offers ideal features for a concept focusing on both driving dynamics and efficiency all in one. It is the only eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world with its turbochargers arranged conveniently in the V-space between the two rows of cylinders, and at the same time it is the most efficient engine in its class.
The hybrid components developed for the Concept Car are based on technology created by BMW and Daimler in their cooperation on hybrid drive systems. In this joint venture the two manufacturers have successfully developed components for hybrid drive including the power electronics and high-voltage batteries.
BMW ActiveHybrid is based on a modular concept following the “Best of Hybrid“ strategy and in each case integrating the best components for different vehicle segments. The components featured in the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid – the mild hybrid transmission and the eight-cylinder petrol engine – supplement each other in the same ideal manner as the full hybrid transmission and the eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid.
The compact electric motor integrated in the transmission housing replaces the conventional alternator driven by the engine as well as the starter. Electrical energy is generated through Brake Energy Regeneration with a unique degree of efficiency and without in any way impairing the drive power of the engine itself. Integrated power electronics, in turn, ensure compact design within dimensions never seen before, as well as safe and secure arrangement of all hybrid components.
A high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated in the luggage compartment in accordance with the package of the car saves the energy generated and supplies power to the on-board network. Through its high storage capacity, the battery makes full use of Brake Energy Regeneration with its particular potential.
Thanks to the higher degree of electric power provided in this way, additional functions in the car are run completely under the electric power supply. The Auto Start Stop function preventing the combustion engine
from running in the idle mode is particularly helpful and comfort-oriented in this case thanks to the combination with ActiveHybrid technology.
Hybrid technology therefore fits perfectly into the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, where all EfficientDynamics components and features come as standard on BMW’s various models, tailored in each
case to the specific model and its individual character. These components and technologies therefore help to reduce fuel and exhaust emissions over a wide range of loads also under practical, everyday driving conditions, to a great extent without requiring any action on the part of the driver. And BMW ActiveHybrid technology also remains in the background to begin with, at the same time naturally offering its full effect in terms of efficiency and dynamics.
Hubba, hubba! 400 hp, European luxury, and I get to satisfy my “green” conscience. Where can get one?