For lots of car buyers, the idea of a hybrid is a bit scary. What if it doesn’t perform as well as the conventional models or it lacks the excitement wanted behind the wheel? With the 2012 ActiveHybrid 7 from BMW these worries can easily be laid to rest. While it isn’t necessarily the most fuel efficient hybrid model with its V-8 engine, it does offer some relief from the high costs of gas. The body style is like the conventional 7-series and has a lot of attractive, modern styling going for it. In the cabin, the idea of luxury certainly isn’t lost in this hybrid. Wood trim and leather abounds in a refined manner for a truly elegant riding experience. With its higher price tag than the conventional versions, many buyers may prefer to stick with the 7-series.
New For 2012
For the 2012 model year, there are some minor changes to the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. Keep your eyes open for:
- A lower MSRP.
- Some previously standard equipment is now only offered as options, including the ventilated and active front seats and the heads up display.
Exterior
The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a full-sized luxury sedan offered in two trim levels, the 750i and the 750Li with an extended wheel base. This model is equipped with 19 inch alloy wheels and additional option packages for greater customization opportunities. Like the other cars in the 7-series, this hybrid has the decided advantage of a strong, assertive body design and plenty of details to add visual interest. The front end and grille feature the split grille design with the BMW emblem placed predominantly above the grille center and wide headlights designed for optimum night vision. The wide hood has a modern touch with fin like metal work. On the sides and doors of the model, the ActiveHybrid 7 has scoped in sides and curves back to the rear fenders.
Interior & Cargo
Considering its luxury status, the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid is equipped with lots of features in the cabin to help it maintain this classification. Wood trim accents and leather seating set this hybrid apart of from most of the competition. In addition to its old world styling, the sedan keeps up well with the technology age thanks to the iDrive interface system. This system is easy to use and features redundant controls for frequently used systems. Unlike the conventional 750, which offers this audio system as an option instead of standard equipment, the ActiveHybrid 7 has a 16 speaker sound system along with keyless ignition and entry as standard equipment.
The cabin of this sedan is spacious for the passengers in the front and rear seats. The seats are plush and well padded for comfort on any length of trip. The ActiveHybrid 7 rear seats can be heated, cooled, and feature a massage function with certain option packages. The extended wheelbase version adds an additional 6 inches in leg room for the rear seats as well. In terms of cargo space, BMW has managed to only take one cubic feet of trunk space away from the hybrid model for the ion battery pack. This means, the ActiveHybrid 7 offers 13 cubic feet of cargo storage.
Safety
BMW equipped the 2012 ActiveHybrid 7 with plenty of standard and optional safety features. Some of the standard equipment for this sedan is anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control as well as a full assortment of airbags. Each model has front seat side airbags, front knee airbags, and side curtain airbags. The ActiveHybrid 7 also features active front head restraints and BMW’s assist emergency response system.
On the options list buyers will find side view and top parking cameras, a blind spot warning system, and infrared night vision to name a few. This hybrid may also be had with a lane departure warning system.
Driving Experience
Necessary power is important for any vehicle and is worrisome to many people in hybrid cars. No need to fear with the 2012 ActiveHybrid 7. This car is equipped with a 4.4-liter V-8 engine in addition to the electric motor. The powertrain is completed with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear-wheel drive system. The total system gives up 455 hp and 515 lb-ft of torque, more power than the conventional versions. In terms of fuel economy, this car is estimated to get 17/24 mpg city/highway.
One of the biggest complaints from drivers in terms of driving a hybrid is the lack of power and performance. This can’t be said of the ActiveHybrid 7. Drivers are sure to ensure the acceleration and staying power of this model. Handling is impressive and the ride comfort isn’t to be underestimated either.
Key Competitors For The 2012 BMW Active-Hybrid-7
- Audi A8
- Jaguar XJ
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Porsche Panamera