High Security (F03)
The 750Li High Security and 760Li High Security models are the first cars to be certified with BRV 2009 and VR7 ballistics protection ratings.[24] Security upgrades include undercarriage armour, 60 mm thick multi-layer laminated glass and armour plating on the doors, roof, body pillars, front footwell and rear bulkhead.[25] Due to the added weight of the security upgrades, suspension components such as the shock absorbers and strut tops were upgraded. Options included an intercom system between the passengers and the driver, an alarm, a fire extinguisher with temperature sensor, irritant gas sensors (to warn of dangerous gasses in the passenger area), a fresh-air supply system and a compartment for two machine guns in the centre console.[26]
The High Security models were unveiled in GPEC 2012.[27]
ActiveHybrid 7 (F04) (2010–2015)
The ActiveHybrid 7 was the first BMW vehicle to use a hybrid drivetrain. The concept was unveiled as the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid at the 2008 Paris Motor Show[28] and the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show.[10] The production version was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show,[29] and shown again later at the Monaco Yacht Show 2010.[30]
The production version called the ActiveHybrid 7 uses the engine from the 750i plus an electric motor rated at 20 hp and 210 Nm of torque. The electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing, replacing the alternator and the starter. The battery is a lithium-ion type and located under the boot floor.[31] Other features include an auto start/stop system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system was based on the 2-mode hybrid from Daimler AG. The regenerative braking unit includes 12 V Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, running in parallel to a 120 V electrical network for electric motor. BMW claims it improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions by 15% over the non-hybrid model.[32][33]
The wheelbase of the ActiveHybrid 7 is extended by 14 cm[34] and the car weighs 221 lb more than a regular 750i. The car's exterior profile was designed by Karim Habib, Team Leader, Advanced Design for BMW in Munich, Germany.[35]
The fuel economy benefits of the ActiveHybrid 7 were questioned by reviewers, since the EPA consumption ratings of 17 mpgus city and 26 mpgus are not significantly better than the significantly cheaper 740i model's ratings of 17 mpgus city and 25 mpgus highway.[36] The contemporary 740i was powered by a conventional petrol engine (the turbocharged N54 six-cylinder). The 740i has 239 lb less weight than the 750i over the front axle.[37]
In late 2012, the ActiveHybrid 7's powertrain was significantly changed, switching from the 750i's turbocharged 4.4 litre V8 engine to the turbocharged 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine from the 740i.[38] The electric motor was upgraded to 55 hp.[39] The 2012–2015 ActiveHybrid 7 was only available as a long-wheelbase model.[40] Fuel economy was significantly improved for the updated drivetrain, which was rated at 22 mpgus city and 30 mpgus highway.[41]
Alpina B7
The Alpina B7 is based on the 750i and began production for the 2011 model year. The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and went on sale in Spring of 2010. Production version went on sale as 2011 model year vehicle.[42] The Alpina B7's engine is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation,[43] and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.[44]
In the 2010–2012 B7, Alpina's variant of the N63 twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine was rated at 373 kW and 700 Nm, with the same fuel economy figures as the regular 750i.[45] Compared with the regular N63 engine, the Alpina variant includes high-performance pistons, strengthened cylinder heads, an additional radiator and external coolers for the engine oil and transmission oil.[46]
Prince Albert II limousine
In 2011, a limited production run (200 units) of BMW 7 Series limousines were supplied by BMW for the wedding of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Charlene Wittstock. The cars were based on the 740Li.[52][53]
