Three BMW North American Debuts at the LA Auto Show

Official Release: The Los Angeles Auto Show will be the site of three North American vehicle debuts for BMW. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which combines the Sport Activity Coupe concept with full hybrid drive to create the world’s most powerful hybrid passenger vehicle, and the all-new BMW ActiveHybrid 7, the first sport luxury sedan featuring BMW ActiveHybrid technology, will be on display. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car will also make its first public showing in the US as well.

BMW ActiveHybrid X6

The BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will reach BMW Centers in December 2009, and the ActiveHybrid 7, which arrives in spring 2010, both capitalize on the options offered by combining an industry leading combustion engine with electric motors to create a powertrain with new levels of performance and efficiency. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car demonstrates BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy – that the pursuit of an enhanced, athletic driving experience while simultaneously lowering the consumption and emissions of each vehicle is attainable. BMW ActiveHybrid X6

BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel efficiency and CO2 management, ensuring that the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a genuine BMW within the hybrid market.

The drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400 hp twin-turbocharged, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft.

Precisely controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes the overall efficiency of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 at all speeds, with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Top speed of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 130 mph, with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20%, and a CO2 emission rating of 231 grams per kilometer. EPA ratings will be available closer to the market introduction.

BMW’s first hybrid model is able to run exclusively on electric power – and that is entirely free of CO2 – up to a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h), with the combustion engine being activated automatically whenever required. BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes the power between the front and rear axles.

The electric motors receive energy from a NiMH high-performance battery pack positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same as on the original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, quickly feeding electric power generated back into the high-voltage battery.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

Based on the newest BMW 7 Series, this unique car sets new standards for performance and efficiency in the premium luxury class. A symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 515 lb-ft. Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. This electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for this automobile. Precisely controlled interaction of both power sources serves to maximize the efficiency and dynamic performance of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The result is a unique driving experience that demonstrates the performance capabilities of modern hybrid technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, making it the quickest hybrid in the world. At the same time, it delivers fuel economy approximately 15-17% better than the 750i. Official EPA ratings will be available closer to the US market launch.

BMW ActiveHybrid technology also provides new features that promote efficiency while preserving comfort. As an example, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature Auto Start Stop to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped. Another advantage is that the climate control system remains fully operational when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is shut down. In this case, power is supplied directly through the 120-volt on-board network powered by the lithium-ion battery.

Special displays in the instrument cluster and the Central Display inform passengers of the operating status of the hybrid components. The ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished from the 750i by aerodynamically-tuned 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, and model designations on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and on the door cutouts. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available in special Bluewater Metallic exterior paintwork. Like existing BMW 7 Series models, BMW’s first luxury sedan with ActiveHybrid technology will enter the market in two body variants. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 L has a wheelbase increased by 5.5″, all of which is devoted to the enhanced comfort of rear-seat passengers. Both models are equipped with a high level of standard equipment and a wide range of options is also are available, thus enabling the ActiveHybrid 7 to be tailored to each customer’s individual tastes and requirements.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car demonstrates that the BMW EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the result of a “clean-sheet” development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer. The power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.

In its design, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics for the first time conveys the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.