REPORT: Production BMW 7-series hybrid expected to debut in Frankfurt

With Mercedes-Benz launching its first hybrid this summer in the form of the S400 hybrid, it's only a matter of time until BMW rolls out its own equivalent. Last year in Paris, BMW debuted a concept version of the 7-Series ActiveHybrid using the same mild hybrid system it co-developed with Daimler. The system uses a 15 kW disk-shaped motor sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as a lithium ion battery pack.

That's one more gear ratio than the Mercedes, but that's not all. While Mercedes has opted to use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system, BMW is sticking with the big 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the current 750i.

According to L'Automobile, the production version will likely debut as the 750Hi at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and go on sale before the end of the year.

[Source: L'Automobile]
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