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Starting MSRP $97,000–$101,000
MPG City: 17 Highway: 24
Available Engines
440-hp, 4.4-liter V-8 (gas hybrid)
Transmissions  
8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
2012 BMW 750
Starting MSRP $84,300–$91,200
MPG City: 14 – 15 Highway: 20 – 22
Available Engines
400-hp, 4.4-liter V-8 (premium)
Transmissions
6-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual

2012 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID 750

Zero to 60: IN INTRODUCTION
In the new world of hybrid vehicles, where it seems like every company is trying to conquer the new frontier, it's all about the latest development: and the BMW Active Hybrid 750 is no old man. The BMW Group’s newest addition to vehicles in the emission-free electric vehicle fleet, the BMW Active just hit the market in the fall of 2011. And it's certainly equipped with the latest technology: the lithium-ion battery. As one of the first hybrid vehicles on the market to use this technology, the 750 boasts a battery that provides energy storage with low self-discharge and high energy density, which allows for maximum power and uncompromised performance. The battery’s smaller size allows for optimum storage, and drivers are still able to fit up to four bodies-I mean golf bags, for example, in the trunk. That doesn't mean that it compromises on power, however: a glance under the hood tells us that the 4.4 liter V8 engine is turbocharged and produces 400 hp with 480-lb of torque - the vehicle has the highest horsepower out of any hybrid. Unfortunately, it also has the lowest MPG average. Eh, it's a trade-off - you can't win at everything. The active hybrid version of the BMW 750 starts at $6,000 above the most luxurious package of the standard vehicle, and the added MPG is small incentive to switch.

Three60: FOR THE TECHIES
The Active 750 is equipped with a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy to usable electric energy, and an eight speed automatic transmission. TwinPower Turbo technology, High Precision Direct Injection, Four overhead camshafts, Double-VANOS variable valve timing, and electric motor create a platform for maximum performance in a hybrid vehicle. Multi-link aluminum double-wishbone front suspension, integral-valuminum multi-link rear suspension, self-leveling air suspension, aluminum front and rear subframes, and twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers maintains the superior handling and control driver seek in a BMW.

The extensive braking systems allow maximum control. Anti-Lock braking, Dynamic Stability Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-Off Assistant, Brake Drying, Dynamic Brake Control, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with electronic brake proportioning are just some of the featured in this system.



WHERE LUXURY MEETS TECHNOLOGY
There's a place where the depth of luxury meets and mingles together with the height of technology. The 750 is parked dead center here, and this is why: each Active 750 is equipped with the BMW iDrive system. This high-tech ultra-enhanced control system allows driver to access information, entertainment, and comfort features. The 10.25 inch high-resolution display features intuitive controls for, radio, CD, auxiliary, telephone, and navigation. The integrated Hard Drive Disk offers consumers 12 GB of storage for importing music from CDs, MP3 players, and USB sticks. Partnering with Google, the ActiveHybrid 7 enables drivers to save time by sending a destination from the internet directly to their BMW before beginning a journey. The MyInfo system is constantly updated to allow drivers to upload business listings, street addresses, and phone numbers into an on-board directory. Google maps can be searched from within the vehicle using the BMW Assist Convenience Plan. Consumers can also add a rear seat-integrated multimedia system complete with vibration-resistant display and wireless headphones. All of these features allow the driver to stay focused on the road, and the iDrive system comes standard with BMW Assist Services, a safety plan that offers safety, security, and convenience to consumers with the touch of a button.



The exterior design of the Active is as flawless as any other BMW on the market. The 19 inch multi-spoke wheels are equipped with run-flat all-season tires. Xenon Adaptive Headlights with dynamic auto-leveling, Corona headlights-rings, cornering lights, and halogen free-form fog lights provide drivers with the most visible and illuminated driving experience. Like most luxury sedans, the Active 750 has rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated seats that are power adjustable, exterior door handle lights, garage door opener, and keyless entry. This vehicle has the touch screen control system with navigation, Bluetooth, and climate control. Features that aren’t included on most luxury hybrids are an infrared windshield, electric analog speedometer, and climate comfort laminated glass.



THE BOTTOM LINE:
The BMW ActiveHybrid 750 is certainly a sleek, beautiful vehicle - that should go without saying: it's a BMW. The technology is incredible. But is the price and lower fuel economy worth the capabilities? That's a decision that only you can make. As for us at Clutch Auto Mag: well, we'd drive one - at least till the technology grows outdated.



By Nathan Dowdy
Contributing Editor: Jenny Boyer

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