NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology.
Vehicle Summary
BMW introduced its second hybrid, the ActiveHybrid 750i, in model year 2011. The midsize sedan seats four people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (mpg). Layering the hybrid drivetrain onto the same hefty eight-cylinder engine in the conventional model (the 750i) puts the ActiveHybrid 750i squarely in the “muscle hybrid” category. The ActiveHybrid 750i is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
Compared with the conventional 750i, the ActiveHybrid 750i achieves only a 15 percent reduction in global warming emissions—less than half the reduction achieved by the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and Lexus HS 250h (against their conventional counterparts), but slightly higher than the 2011 Mercedes S400 and the Lexus LS 600h L. The smog-forming emissions performance of the ActiveHybrid 750i, however, falls far short of its competitors. While the S400 and MKZ Hybrid earn an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10, and the HS 250h and LS 600h score an 8, the ActiveHybrid 750i earns a score of only 6. The 15 percent reduction in global warming emissions plus the mediocre smog score combine to give the ActiveHybrid 750i an Environmental Improvement Score of 3.7.Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
BMW is charging $16,900 for the hybrid system in the ActiveHybrid 750i, more than all other models but the Lexus LS 600h L. With a 15 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the ActiveHybrid 750i a Hybrid Value rating in the “Very Poor” range. Other luxury automakers have taken a much more cost-effective approach to their hybrids. For example, while the Mercedes S400 achieves similarly low global warming emissions reductions (14 percent), the S400 achieves its reduction at a lower price point by using a smaller gasoline engine. The ActiveHybrid 750i, on the other hand, focuses on providing an additional performance boost to its already beefy V8 gasoline engine, meriting its “Very Poor” score.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
BMW is a luxury brand and consumers expect high-quality features in its vehicles. With the ActiveHybrid 750i, BMW adds $2,900 worth of features compared with the conventional 750i. This gives the ActiveHybrid 750i a Forced Features rating of “$$.” Sample forced features include a premium high-fidelity 16-speaker sound system; head-up display; rearview camera; and active front seats with subtle massage action and ventilated front seats. Click to see full list of forced features. Click to see full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
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Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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