With its second generation ActiveHybrid 7, BMW aims to offer decent fuel economy and lower emissions for its largest luxury barge.

At the heart of the ActiveHybrid 7’s green drive is the combination of the BMW TwinPower turbocharged six-cylinder in-line petrol engine supported by a 40 kW synchronous electric motor. This pair produces a total system output of 260 kW and peak torque of 500 Nm, which is enough to see this 7-Series reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Equally as impressive is the combined-cycle (town and highway driving) fuel economy of a mere 6.8 litres per 100 km, which is around 14% less fuel than a less powerful (235 kW; 450 Nm) BMW 740i with a conventional engine setup. In terms of carbon dioxide emissions, the ActiveHybrid 7 releases 158 g per km, compared to 184 g per km from the 740i. Drivers are further able to cruise around town at speeds of up to 60 km/h on electric power only. With a sufficient charge on the hybrid battery, the ActiveHybrid 7 can run purely on electric power over a distance of up to 4 km sans any engine noise or tailpipe emissions.

Large number of bells and whistles comes standard

ActiveHybrid 7 buyers will not want for much as the car comes standard with an encyclopedia of features. These include automatic tailgate operation, onboard navigation system, soft close automatic system for all doors, a 6-disc DVD changer, head-up display, glass sunroof, as well as ventilated and heated front seats. It also doesn’t skimp on the tech, with the music interface for smartphones that offers Bluetooth hands-free calling as well as audio streaming functionality and USB device support. The driver and front passenger both get comfort seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support, whilst the car also sports automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control. Safety features include a rearview camera, automatic door locking when driving away, plus front and rear park distance control.

Equally as impressive is the combined-cycle fuel economy of a mere 6.8 litres per 100 km.

If all this is not enough to quench your feature appetite, you can also select from a large list of optional extras. These includes BMW Night Vision with object (pedestrian, wildlife, rocks) recognition and speed limit info, LOGIC 7 hi-fi loudspeaker system, lane departure warning system, sunblinds for rear side windows, adaptive LED headlights, shifting paddles on a sports steering wheel, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system with analogue TV function and entertainment apps.

To the point

The ActiveHybrid 7 is aimed at the well-off executive saloon buyer who does not mind having to sacrifice a bit of boot space to accommodate a high-performance lithium-ion battery in order to gain better fuel economy. BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7 goes for in the region of R1 319 000, which includes VAT, emission tax and a 5 year or 100 000 km motorplan.

Not keen on the BMW? Alternatives include two versions of the upcoming (February 2014) Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, which delivers 245 kW and 370 Nm of torque. It comes in a short wheel base version for R1 227 100 and even roomier long wheel base iteration at R1 248 200.