At
next week’s Paris Motor Show BMW will showcase its latest hybrid
technology in its latest 7 series luxury saloon. The first ‘true’
hybrid, this 7 Series departs from other concept and idea studies
undertaken by BMW, where hydrogen technologies were heavily explored.

Essentially, the ActiveHybrid is based on the new 750i, so there’s a
suitably healthy 300 KW and plenty of torque from the twin-turbo V8.
The difference here, though, is there’s an electric motor added into
the equation to offer power when necessary.

The systems works by storing and utilising energy
generated while under braking. The electric motor then distributes this
captured energy to power any electric systems in the engine or cabin,
enabling the engine to exclusively power the car itself, rather than
commit a percentage of power to running other areas of the car. The
flow on effect of this is that the car runs smoother all the while
seeing improvement on fuel consumption and emissions figures, up to 15%
in normal conditions. Not only that, but the electric motor essentially
gives the car another 15KW to play with, along with an additional
210NM. This energy is stored in a high-performance lithium battery
stored in the boot in a system which is said to be much less
troublesome than that found in the Toyota Prius.

If
this concept of stored energy sounds familiar it’s because Formula One
will feature a similar system from 2009. From next year all teams in F1
will be allowed to run with what’s called KERS. Much like that in the 7
Series Active Hybrid, KERS (or Kinetic Energy Recovery System), will
enable an F1 car to store energy generated under braking, giving the
driver a 60KW boost for 6.67 seconds whenever he wants it. Along with
other manufacturers in Formula One, BMW has been working hard at
developing their KERS system in time for the 2009 season, and like most
other F1-derived technologies this work on the track is already
filtering into the showroom. The ActiveHybrid shown here is essentially
the first development of BMW’s road production version of KERS.

While only a concept at this stage, expect the
technology to be offered across the BMW range within the next 2 years.
It’s just a shame that an electric motor won’t fix the new 7’s
lacklustre looks. With no Chris Bangle influenced flair or vision to be
seen, the new car is sadly nothing more than a conservative

, automotive
yawn.

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about the author

Tom Wilson (eurocarblog@gmail.com) is the author of EuroCarBlog.net a blog showcasing news and reviews on European cars. You can view the original article in context at http://www.eurocarblog.net/Articles/BMW/bmw-7-series-activehybrid-in-par…

The BMW X5 is one of those vehicles that is so popular that enthusiasts get together just to talk about them. They have special websites on the Internet and fan clubs offline as well. There are several features that make people fall in love with the BMW X5.

1. The BMW X5 is the only SAV. By calling it a Sports Activity Vehicle rather than a Sports Utility Vehicle, BMW is emphasizing the on-road capabilities of the BMW X5. Many owners of new and used BMW X5’s like to take them out in inclement weather to test out the four wheel drive, all disc anti-lock braking, traction control, and anti-skid features. The truth is that most SUVs stay on the road anyway. With the SAV, the car is designed with the road in mind.

2. The BMW X5 has lots of power. For instance, the 2002 model 4.6is has a 340 horsepower engine. Horsepower ratings of other X5 vehicles are 290 and 315. Furthermore the BMW X5 usually maintains most of their original fast acceleration ability. When the 2005-2006 models came out, those figures were about 60 mph in 7 seconds for the V8 4.4i.

3. The suspension of the BMW X5 makes for a comfortable ride. First of all, there is a load-leveling feature of the suspension that helps when a heavy object or person is in one part of the vehicle. A sport suspension package can make the going even smoother if you get a model with the Sport Package. All this gives the vehicle superior handling as well.

4. Buyers can find used BMW X5 cars with the transmissions they want. When the BMW X5 first came out in 1999 to 2000, the 4.4i had a 5-speed automatic transmission that could be manually shifted. That spring, the 3.0i came out, which came with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. By the time 2004 rolled around, a 6-speed manual transmission was available. Since not all drivers have the same preferences, this makes all kinds of BMW X5 used cars popular.

5. There is plenty of room in these used cars for people and cargo. The BMW X5 has lots of head and leg room for four adults and their belongings. In fact, the headroom for the rear seats is much more generous than in most SUVs.

6. It is the little extras that spell luxury. The BMW X5 used cars have many different special features, depending on the model. Way back in 1999 to 2000, these cars had an optional navigation system with a screen that was mounted in the dashboard. Options on some of the 2002 vehicles were sunroofs and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Automatic climate control and even rear climate packages were available. Finding a used BMW X5 with the features you want may not be easy, but is well worth the trouble.

The best thing about owning used BMW X5 cars is that you can count on them to retain their value for many years to come. Even if you buy one of the early models, it is worth something if it is in good shape. As long as a BMW X5 has been well taken care of, there is no reason why it should be any other way.

Richard McCombe writes interesting articles about used cars for a popular automotive website. If you want to see good used bmw car deals go to autoweb.

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