The first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle sold in the United States was the 2000 Honda Insight, followed a year later by the Toyota Prius. Some manufacturers were quicker to develop (or license) hybrid technology than others, and BMW first got into the game with a hybridized 7 Series: the ActiveHybrid 7, which debuted as a 2011 model. This article takes a closer look at one of these rare beasts found in a Denver self-service boneyard.
Introduction:
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 was one of the early entries into the hybrid vehicle market in the United States. This article explores the history of this luxury sedan and its ultimate fate in a junkyard.
1. Rare Find: The BMW ActiveHybrid 7
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 was a high-performance luxury sedan featuring a V8 engine paired with an electric motor. With only 657 units sold in the U.S., finding one in a junkyard is a rare occurrence that sheds light on the challenges faced by early hybrid vehicles.
2. Evolution of the ActiveHybrid 7
The 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 featured a V8 engine, while the 2013 model switched to a more fuel-efficient 4.0-liter straight-six from the 740i. Despite its powerful performance, the ActiveHybrid 7 struggled to deliver significant fuel economy improvements over its non-hybrid counterparts.
3. Marketing and Pricing
BMW marketed the ActiveHybrid 7 as a high-performance luxury car that defied the traditional perception of hybrids as slow and unexciting vehicles. However, the steep price tag of $101,100 for the 2012 model deterred many potential buyers, especially when compared to the cheaper non-hybrid 750Li.
4. Fuel Efficiency and Performance
While the 2012 ActiveHybrid 7 boasted impressive power figures, its fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway were only marginally better than the non-hybrid 750Li. The 2013 model improved on this with 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, making it a more attractive option for buyers concerned about fuel efficiency.
5. The Future of Hybrid Vehicles
The fate of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 serves as a cautionary tale for automakers looking to break into the hybrid market. Despite its luxury features and powerful performance, the high cost and limited fuel savings ultimately led to its demise. As technology continues to advance, the future of hybrid vehicles may lie in more efficient and affordable options that appeal to a wider range of consumers.
In conclusion, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 was a pioneering effort in the hybrid luxury sedan segment, but its high cost and limited fuel savings prevented it from achieving widespread success. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from vehicles like the ActiveHybrid 7 will shape the future of hybrid technology and drive innovation in the quest for more sustainable transportation options.