With this latest move by BMW, I think the world of luxury motoring has really turned a page. BMW’s flagship series – the 7 Series – is set to get a hybrid version to be available at the end of 2009 to cater to the growing green market. In addition to the 7 Series the new X6 SUV will also get a conjoined electric motor as well.

The 7 series is set to be a “mild hybrid” which would incorporate a start-stop system along with the capability to shut down the engine when coasting or braking. The rest of the car’s electronic systems will be handled by the electric motor. The 7 Series Concept packs a 4.4L twin-turbo 400-hp V8 that is paired with a 20 hp motor.

The X6 SUV, however, will get a full hybrid treatment meaning the car will be able to run either on the electric alone or cycled with the internal combustion engine. The X6 is likely to get the same V8 found in the 7 Series.

Source: World Car Fans

It’s interesting how even luxury lines like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series start developing hybrid models. Remember how Bentley snubbed the diesel citing that their customers are opposed to using diesel in their cars (meaning that really rich people probably don’t worry about paying $5 a gallon). I guess those opting for S-Class Benz and 7-Series aren’t as pompous as Bentley owners.

Anyway, coming to the Paris Motor Show is the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid which would be the direct competitor to the Merc S400 BlueHybrid. The ActiveHybrid technology sports a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 gasoline engine that churns out 407 bhp and 442 lb-ft. of torque which is combined with an electric motor that adds 20 more horses and 155 lb-ft of torque.

BMW hasn’t released any performance figures regarding the ActiveHybrid 7 Series yet but it s supposed to give the car 15% better fuel efficiency compared to the new 750i. That should come to around 28 mpg at a combined cycle.

But even with this, the “regular” 750i has already employed more fuel saving technologies like optimizing gear ratios, a start/stop system, and better direct fuel injection technology. But the fact that you will be able to drive at times using 0 fuel and 0 emissions would be an attraction.

Source: Autocar

When the collocation of “technology” and “marvel” appears in the context of cars, I always expect it to be something that came from the land of Mr. Roboto. However, the Telegraph just featured their take on the new BMW 7 Series and Peter Dron is calling it a technological marvel.

The 7 Series is BMW’s bet in the full-size luxury vehicle market and their answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. With this new incarnation, the 7 Series now easily becomes the largest among its competitors. But to compensate for the size, the car is equipped with the whole nine-yards of control systems like BMW’s Optimum Driving Dynamics system that makes the car nimble despite the size. That, you (or your driver) might need when you have the range-topping V8 (dubbed as the “world’s most efficient V8 engine”).

As a luxury car, you can expect those little trinkets that make you feel like a VIP. There are a lot of options to choose from like lane departure warning, steering heater, proximity warning, dynamic drive, and integral active steering.

But is it a technology marvel? Sure it is loaded with all the electronics but I doubt if those could give the Evo and the Impreza a run for their money. Or perhaps the Nissan GT-R which maximized all the technology that Nissan can get their hands on. Or perhaps the Veyron, which is an all-around technology marvel. But nothing about the 7 Series screams razor-sharp cutting edge. Well, probably because luxury cars need not be flashy. A fitting analogy for the 7 Series might just be Alfred – the dapper butler complete with coattails who can fiddle around Batman’s computers.