BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (A) Review
22 Nov 2012|14,694 views
The western hemisphere is increasingly filled with diesel cars, due to their real cost savings and less polluting nature in general. It is though, still too early to say if our nation will be in their footsteps with the new emission-based tax come next year.
Perceived by many as an intermittent solution towards 'greener' motoring, hybrid variants are still the top picks on our shores. And more recently, the Germans (namely Audi and BMW) have been pretty aggressive in the hybrid market.
The ActiveHybrid 7 (AH7) is the latest yet to come on board. Its predecessor was built on the 750i, which has a stonking 4.4-litre V8 under its bonnet. BMW may have heard cries for a more 'eco-friendly' powerplant, and hence this second gen is based on the 740i which has a 3.0-litre straight six.
Exterior
With each generation of 7er looking more like the previous, it is an upward task even for the trained eyes to tell them apart. That said, it isn't just the differentiated looks that convince one to go for the flagship, but rather the fact that it can pull off the commanding stance, with a renowned badge to go with it. On that point, the 7er has nailed it.
Squinting your eyes won't help to tell this apart from the standard 7er
Perceived by many as an intermittent solution towards 'greener' motoring, hybrid variants are still the top picks on our shores. And more recently, the Germans (namely Audi and BMW) have been pretty aggressive in the hybrid market.
The ActiveHybrid 7 (AH7) is the latest yet to come on board. Its predecessor was built on the 750i, which has a stonking 4.4-litre V8 under its bonnet. BMW may have heard cries for a more 'eco-friendly' powerplant, and hence this second gen is based on the 740i which has a 3.0-litre straight six.
Exterior
With each generation of 7er looking more like the previous, it is an upward task even for the trained eyes to tell them apart. That said, it isn't just the differentiated looks that convince one to go for the flagship, but rather the fact that it can pull off the commanding stance, with a renowned badge to go with it. On that point, the 7er has nailed it.
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Based on the 740Li, the AH7 is every part similar on the exterior, with only the 'green' monikers to set them apart. The stretched bonnet and rearward biased proportions give the AH7 a sweeping profile. Together with the tapered shoulder lines, it helps the flagship to remain svelte and graceful despite its bulbous dimensions.
One noteworthy mention is the 'streamline' styled alloys. In 19-inch, they look adeptly stylish and purposeful - an aspect which we seldom find in eco offerings.
 |
Interior
The AH7's cabin is typical of the Bavarian marque. Design and layout bears strong resemblance to its more recent stablemates, just that each device now falls into a bigger frame, blessed by the generous dimensions.
And it just gets better at the rear. The long wheelbase variant bestows the rear quarters with capacious allowances. The reclining rear seats, adjustable via the centre armrest, add a fine touch to the overall experience.
Space is the royal order of the day in the AH7
The AH7's cabin is typical of the Bavarian marque. Design and layout bears strong resemblance to its more recent stablemates, just that each device now falls into a bigger frame, blessed by the generous dimensions.
And it just gets better at the rear. The long wheelbase variant bestows the rear quarters with capacious allowances. The reclining rear seats, adjustable via the centre armrest, add a fine touch to the overall experience.
While the centre spot is slightly raised and feels much harder than the flanking seats, the sumptuous space will easily haul plus sized adults without fuss.
Like the ActiveHybrid 5, the AH7 has a stacked arrangement for its battery pack which takes up the vertical slot between the rear seats and the boot. The compromise is unlikely a cause for worry, as the boot space remains largely functional.
Boot space remains functional despite taking a beating from the battery pack
Like the ActiveHybrid 5, the AH7 has a stacked arrangement for its battery pack which takes up the vertical slot between the rear seats and the boot. The compromise is unlikely a cause for worry, as the boot space remains largely functional.
 |
The Drive
The 7er has always been regarded as the athlete of the premium flagship pack, exceeding expectations when it comes to driving dynamics. Putting the fuel economy aside, the AH7 is endowed with potent pace when one sets his foot on it. On the other hand, going easy on the pedal will fetch a figure which dips just under the 10L/100km mark, as opposed to the 6.8 claimed on paper.
Still, the AH7 has the grown up behaviour as expected of it. Power comes on smoothly, but not without the occasional jitters caused by the swopping between the electric and petrol drivetrains. This becomes more apparent when the car is hustled along, lacking the refinement found in more matured hybrid offerings, such as those from Lexus.
Eco-friendliness need not equate to dull, spiritless driving
The 7er has always been regarded as the athlete of the premium flagship pack, exceeding expectations when it comes to driving dynamics. Putting the fuel economy aside, the AH7 is endowed with potent pace when one sets his foot on it. On the other hand, going easy on the pedal will fetch a figure which dips just under the 10L/100km mark, as opposed to the 6.8 claimed on paper.
Still, the AH7 has the grown up behaviour as expected of it. Power comes on smoothly, but not without the occasional jitters caused by the swopping between the electric and petrol drivetrains. This becomes more apparent when the car is hustled along, lacking the refinement found in more matured hybrid offerings, such as those from Lexus.
The engine, for instance, feels overtly enthusiastic to play tandem with the electric motor; quick to join in and help propel the near 2-tonne mammoth in most instances. Moreover, the AH7 does not come with an 'EV' switch, leaving all of the drivetrain selections to its own. Hence there isn't much of the dead silent moments left to be felt.
As expected, the 'Sport' mode will not turn the AH7 into a tarmac-blazing flagship, but rather to keep the chassis roll in check over bends with a slightly stiffened setup, which serves as a nice touch for the driver. The sportier modes will also put extra heft at the steering, delivering more feedback to the driver as he pushes the car to its limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
Inherently, the AH7's appeal lies in its technological showcase, and will probably go on to woo individuals who are in search of a green badge.
As expected, the 'Sport' mode will not turn the AH7 into a tarmac-blazing flagship, but rather to keep the chassis roll in check over bends with a slightly stiffened setup, which serves as a nice touch for the driver. The sportier modes will also put extra heft at the steering, delivering more feedback to the driver as he pushes the car to its limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
Inherently, the AH7's appeal lies in its technological showcase, and will probably go on to woo individuals who are in search of a green badge.
The western hemisphere is increasingly filled with diesel cars, due to their real cost savings and less polluting nature in general. It is though, still too early to say if our nation will be in their footsteps with the new emission-based tax come next year.
Perceived by many as an intermittent solution towards 'greener' motoring, hybrid variants are still the top picks on our shores. And more recently, the Germans (namely Audi and BMW) have been pretty aggressive in the hybrid market.
The ActiveHybrid 7 (AH7) is the latest yet to come on board. Its predecessor was built on the 750i, which has a stonking 4.4-litre V8 under its bonnet. BMW may have heard cries for a more 'eco-friendly' powerplant, and hence this second gen is based on the 740i which has a 3.0-litre straight six.
Exterior
With each generation of 7er looking more like the previous, it is an upward task even for the trained eyes to tell them apart. That said, it isn't just the differentiated looks that convince one to go for the flagship, but rather the fact that it can pull off the commanding stance, with a renowned badge to go with it. On that point, the 7er has nailed it.
Perceived by many as an intermittent solution towards 'greener' motoring, hybrid variants are still the top picks on our shores. And more recently, the Germans (namely Audi and BMW) have been pretty aggressive in the hybrid market.
The ActiveHybrid 7 (AH7) is the latest yet to come on board. Its predecessor was built on the 750i, which has a stonking 4.4-litre V8 under its bonnet. BMW may have heard cries for a more 'eco-friendly' powerplant, and hence this second gen is based on the 740i which has a 3.0-litre straight six.
Exterior
With each generation of 7er looking more like the previous, it is an upward task even for the trained eyes to tell them apart. That said, it isn't just the differentiated looks that convince one to go for the flagship, but rather the fact that it can pull off the commanding stance, with a renowned badge to go with it. On that point, the 7er has nailed it.
Based on the 740Li, the AH7 is every part similar on the exterior, with only the 'green' monikers to set them apart. The stretched bonnet and rearward biased proportions give the AH7 a sweeping profile. Together with the tapered shoulder lines, it helps the flagship to remain svelte and graceful despite its bulbous dimensions.
One noteworthy mention is the 'streamline' styled alloys. In 19-inch, they look adeptly stylish and purposeful - an aspect which we seldom find in eco offerings.
One noteworthy mention is the 'streamline' styled alloys. In 19-inch, they look adeptly stylish and purposeful - an aspect which we seldom find in eco offerings.
Interior
The AH7's cabin is typical of the Bavarian marque. Design and layout bears strong resemblance to its more recent stablemates, just that each device now falls into a bigger frame, blessed by the generous dimensions.
And it just gets better at the rear. The long wheelbase variant bestows the rear quarters with capacious allowances. The reclining rear seats, adjustable via the centre armrest, add a fine touch to the overall experience.
The AH7's cabin is typical of the Bavarian marque. Design and layout bears strong resemblance to its more recent stablemates, just that each device now falls into a bigger frame, blessed by the generous dimensions.
And it just gets better at the rear. The long wheelbase variant bestows the rear quarters with capacious allowances. The reclining rear seats, adjustable via the centre armrest, add a fine touch to the overall experience.
While the centre spot is slightly raised and feels much harder than the flanking seats, the sumptuous space will easily haul plus sized adults without fuss.
Like the ActiveHybrid 5, the AH7 has a stacked arrangement for its battery pack which takes up the vertical slot between the rear seats and the boot. The compromise is unlikely a cause for worry, as the boot space remains largely functional.
Like the ActiveHybrid 5, the AH7 has a stacked arrangement for its battery pack which takes up the vertical slot between the rear seats and the boot. The compromise is unlikely a cause for worry, as the boot space remains largely functional.
The Drive
The 7er has always been regarded as the athlete of the premium flagship pack, exceeding expectations when it comes to driving dynamics. Putting the fuel economy aside, the AH7 is endowed with potent pace when one sets his foot on it. On the other hand, going easy on the pedal will fetch a figure which dips just under the 10L/100km mark, as opposed to the 6.8 claimed on paper.
Still, the AH7 has the grown up behaviour as expected of it. Power comes on smoothly, but not without the occasional jitters caused by the swopping between the electric and petrol drivetrains. This becomes more apparent when the car is hustled along, lacking the refinement found in more matured hybrid offerings, such as those from Lexus.
The 7er has always been regarded as the athlete of the premium flagship pack, exceeding expectations when it comes to driving dynamics. Putting the fuel economy aside, the AH7 is endowed with potent pace when one sets his foot on it. On the other hand, going easy on the pedal will fetch a figure which dips just under the 10L/100km mark, as opposed to the 6.8 claimed on paper.
Still, the AH7 has the grown up behaviour as expected of it. Power comes on smoothly, but not without the occasional jitters caused by the swopping between the electric and petrol drivetrains. This becomes more apparent when the car is hustled along, lacking the refinement found in more matured hybrid offerings, such as those from Lexus.
The engine, for instance, feels overtly enthusiastic to play tandem with the electric motor; quick to join in and help propel the near 2-tonne mammoth in most instances. Moreover, the AH7 does not come with an 'EV' switch, leaving all of the drivetrain selections to its own. Hence there isn't much of the dead silent moments left to be felt.
As expected, the 'Sport' mode will not turn the AH7 into a tarmac-blazing flagship, but rather to keep the chassis roll in check over bends with a slightly stiffened setup, which serves as a nice touch for the driver. The sportier modes will also put extra heft at the steering, delivering more feedback to the driver as he pushes the car to its limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
Inherently, the AH7's appeal lies in its technological showcase, and will probably go on to woo individuals who are in search of a green badge.
As expected, the 'Sport' mode will not turn the AH7 into a tarmac-blazing flagship, but rather to keep the chassis roll in check over bends with a slightly stiffened setup, which serves as a nice touch for the driver. The sportier modes will also put extra heft at the steering, delivering more feedback to the driver as he pushes the car to its limits of adhesion.
Conclusion
Inherently, the AH7's appeal lies in its technological showcase, and will probably go on to woo individuals who are in search of a green badge.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
BMW 7 Series Hybrid ActiveHybrid 7 (A)
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|14.7km/L
Horsepower
264kW (354 bhp)
Torque
450 Nm
Acceleration
5.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used BMW 7 Series Hybrid
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