2009 BMW 7 Series. Click image to enlarge

Los Angeles, California - BMW has unveiled the new 7 Series at the Los Angeles Auto Show, including an ActiveHybrid version that may go on sale as early as next year in the U.S., and its new Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.

“We are delighted to be here in L.A., since California is the largest market within the U.S.A. for our company,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “The BMW Group is a pioneer in the field of efficient premium cars. And the state of California is a global leader when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases.”

The new 7 Series, which will be launched in the spring 2009, initially as the 750i, includes a second-generation iDrive, infrared camera that warns the driver of pedestrians on the road at night, and offers available Active Steering.

The company unveiled its 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which combines a new, highly-efficient V8 twin-turbo gasoline engine with an electric drive as part of a mild hybrid concept. The electric motor is used to primarily supply the on-board power system, and also to support the combustion engine when driving. The company said that it will use 15 per cent less fuel than a comparable combustion engine, while providing the “highest level of efficiency in the luxury class, combined with the best dynamic performance among hybrid vehicles.” The 7 Series was shown alongside the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, which is also scheduled to go into production.

BMW also showed its Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance, as the BMW X5 xDrive35D and BMW 33d Sedan, both of which meet the U.S. BIN 5 emission standard and will be available at U.S. dealerships beginning in December. The 335d Sedan was among the finalists for the Green Car of the Year Award, presented at the show.