LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

BMW took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.

The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.

The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of Minority Report, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand, but why not have both?

Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.

Photos copyright ©2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BMW]

PRESS RELEASE:

BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2011 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID 7

The most powerful hybrid luxury sedans will be priced from $103,125

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, December 2, 2009... BMW announced pricing today for the 2011 ActiveHybrid 7models during their North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. BMW's first hybrid performance/luxury sedans will arrive in showrooms in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP of $103,125 including destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Sedans feature BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and hybrid electric motor. The auto stop-start feature improves efficiency without interrupted climate control and other features. Additional standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels and tires, Alcantara headliner, leather dashboard and ventilated active front seats. The Premium Sound System, Head-up Display and Rear View Camera are also standard on the ActiveHybrid 7 as are Comfort Access, Soft-close doors and Automatic trunkgate closing.

Options and packages include a Camera Package, Driver Assistance Package, BMW Night Vision and Rear Seat Entertainment Package. A Luxury Rear Seating Package is available on the ActiveHybrid 7L. A full list of options to tailor the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 to individual tastes is listed below.

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 packages and optional equipment:
* Camera Package $350
o Side view cameras
* Cold Weather Package $800
o Heated steering wheel & rear seats
* Driver Assistance Package $1,350
o Automatic high beams, lane departure warning,
active blind spot detection
* Rear Seat Entertainment Package $2,200
o Multimedia player and two 8-inch screens
* Luxury Rear Seating Package (750Li only) $3,700
o Rear ventilated, massaging Comfort Seats
* BMW Night Vision $2,600
* 20-inch wheels $1,300
* Power Rear Sunshades $1,000
* Ceramic controls $650
* 6-disc DVD-changer $600
* iPod/USB-Adapter $400
* Satellite radio $350
* Smartphone integration $150