BMW to Show 2011 7 Series Hybrid in Frankfurt

Although BMW and Mercedes-Benz were both part of the group that helped create the two-mode hybrid system used on GM and Chrysler’s full-size SUVs, neither automaker has released a vehicle with the fuel-efficient hybrid components. Mercedes-Benz recently showed the upcoming S400 Hybrid, but other than a concept vehicle, BMW hasn’t put the hybrid powertrain to work yet - until now. BMW recently announced that it will introduce the 2011 BMW 750Hi at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The 750Hi is a production version of the 7 Series ActiveHybrid Concept and is expected to go on sale in the middle of next year.

With its goal set at taking on the S400 Hybrid and the Lexus LS 600h L, the 2011 BMW 750Hi will pair a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 with a powerful (most likely around 20 horsepower) electric motor. Designed cooperatively by General Motors, BMW AG and (what was then) DaimlerChrysler, the BMW’s hybrid system will have the ability to offer low-speed electric-only propulsion and much improved fuel economy. Using a system similar to what GM uses on its full-size hybrid SUVs such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, the BMW 750Hi stands to gain considerable fuel mileage using the hybrid drivetrain. Currently, the 2009 750i gets an estimated 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 mph on the highway, but if this system proves to be as efficient as GM’s setup, the 750Hi should be able to manage well over 20 mpg in the city and probably a slight increase in highway fuel economy.

While the hybrid model is still likely a year away, the redesigned BMW 7 Series has already hit dealer showrooms. The 2009 BMW 750i and 750Li now features a sleeker style with less of the controversial Bangle styling that afflicted the previous 7 Series. Under the hood, the aforementioned V-8 offers up 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque thanks to the pair of turbos. Despite its massive size, BMW claims that its 4,500-pound 750i can run from 0-60 miles per hour in about 5.1 seconds. Base prices for the 2009 750i and 750Li $80,300 and $84,200, respectively, so we would expect the upcoming 750Hi hybrid to start somewhere in the low $90,000 range.

In addition to the 750Hi, BMW is also expected to use this year’s show in Frankfurt to showcase a hybrid sport activity vehicle as well based on the X6 ActiveHybrid Concept. The hybrid X6 will most likely use a similar drivertrain system as the hybrid 7 Series but using either the 3.0-liter inline-6 or its 4.8-liter V-8. Like the 750Hi, the production version of the X6 hybrid would feature a twin-turbocharged engine and vastly improved fuel economy. The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will kick off on September 15 and run through the 27th.