BMW 7-Series Hybrid Concept Revealed Awash In A Sea Of Green Marketing

With 427 HP on tap, the 750i ActiveHybrid concept just revealed by BMW ahead of the Paris Motor Show isn't exactly going to appeal to most treehuggers. The concept's more along the lines of the Mercedes S400 BlueHYBRID and the Lexus LS600hL — looking green without in any way being green. Of course, while it may share essentially the same mild hybrid system as the Mercedes, the BMW has a throbbing 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 compared to the Benz's sensible V6. That engine combined with a 20 HP electric motor means a total of 442 lb-ft of torque. So what exactly is 'green' about this power-barge?

Well, the 7-Series hybrid does have start-stop technology to cut off the idling engine in traffic, as well as use of BMW's regenerative braking system to store up power in the lithium-ion battery. However, BMW isn't exactly humble about the car's green credentials, as the battery pack is prominently on display in the trunk, not to mention the exterior's massive 'Efficient' graphics. The only mention of fuel-economy numbers is that they will be 15% less, but we're not exactly sure what that's 15% less than — especially as it's just a concept car. Still, expect to see this hybrid torque-heavy beast of a 7-series to hit showroom floors sometime. [BMW via carscoop]