Today (August 13), BMW revealed not one, but two new hybrid models aimed at the upper echelons of motoring. Somewhat surprisingly, they don't share all the same hybrid hardware. While the ActiveHybrid X6 features two powerful electric motors and the ability to operate solely on them, the ActiveHybrid 7 is what is known as a 'mild hybrid'.

In simple terms, a small electric motor is housed between the twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine and the new eight-speed automatic transmission. It acts as a generator to charge the car's high capacity lithium ion battery (located in the boot) while braking, boosts performance when accelerating and helps reduce fuel consumption while at a cruise.

The impressive numbers speak for themselves: up to 459bhp and 516lb.ft easily eclipse the output available in the 750i, resulting in 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds (and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph of course); yet the ActiveHybrid will return 29.1mpg on the combined cycle and 219g/km of CO₂, numbers bettered only by the (significantly slower) 730d.

Fancy paintwork, badges and wheels differentiate the ActiveHybrid 7 from other models in the range and it should be particularly well equipped, featuring electrically operated climate control that can be used at a standstill without the engine running.

The ActiveHybrid 7 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month alongside the ActiveHybrid X6.