BMW’s first-ever hybrid sedan has been officially revealed in production guise. The ActiveHybrid 7, which is based on the latest generation 7-Series limo pairs the firm’s 300 kW 4,4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine to a single electric motor for an overall output 342 kW and maximum torque of 700 N.m. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the electric motor, which is positioned between the V8 engine and the converter on the transmission, receiving its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery.

The mild-hybrid sedan accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while returning an average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 9.4 l/100km, with CO2 emissions of 219 gr/km.

By comparison, the 750i that is powered excusively by the 4,4-litre twin-turbo V8 sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a combined fuel economy of 11.4 l/100 km. So in other words, the ActiveHybrid 7 is slightly faster and significantly more fuel efficient than its conventional sibling.

The hybrid variant of the 7-Series comes equipped with an auto start-stop feature and regenerative brakes, while the driver of the sedan can check out the degree of efficiency and the current operating status of the hybrid components through special displays in the instrument cluster and the Control Display.

To make sure that your neighbours know what you’re driving, BMW fitted the hybrid 7 with special monikers on the boot lid, the C-pillar and on the door cutouts. There are also aerodynamically optimised ten-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 245/45 tyres up front and 275/40 at the rear, plus, an available Bluewater metallic exterior paintwork that’s exclusive to the model.

The ActiveHybird 7 will make its world debut at next month’s Frankfurt Show with sales following later in the year.

Adapted from CarScoop