BMW 7-series hybrid due in 2009

By Nick Gibbs

Motor Industry

07 July 2008 14:30

BMW will launch a hybrid petrol version of the newly unveiled 7-series in 2009, but admits it’s more for green-leaning V8 addicts than seriously eco-aware bosses.

Even with the latest lithium-ion batteries, the forthcoming 4.4-litre V8 petrol-electric version will struggle to match the astonishing 39.2mpg and 192g/km of CO2 of the new six-cylinder diesel, especially when BMW will launch stop-start technology for the whole range within two years.

The hybrid is likely to cost several thousand more than the £65,000 it’s estimated you’ll need to buy the regular, twin-turbo 750i that goes on sale in November 2008.

We put that question to Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW board member responsible for R&D and project leader for the new Seven. He shrugged and said: 'Some customers really want a V8 with very good fuel economy.'

Mercedes, one of BMW’s partners on the hybrid technology, is also expected to launch a hybrid version of the S-class next year, and both cars will rival the V8-engined Lexus LS600h. There’s no word yet whether the 7-series hybrid or the similarly powered X6 hybrid will come to the UK, but the publicity would be difficult to pass up.

Click 'Next' below to find out why the new Seven doesn't come with BMW's full plethora of Efficient Dynamics technology

By Nick Gibbs