HYBRID technology in BMW’s flagship 7-Series Saloon is now available for the first time in the UK.

The range has recently undergone a revamp and although the cosmetic changes are relatively minimal there are plenty of improvements under the bonnet.

The striking 7 Series has always been a looker, guaranteed to turn heads wherever it passes and now with a few design tweaks, it is even more inspired.

Taking on the likes of Jaguar, Mercedes and Audi in the luxury limousine segment is quite a challenge, but the German manufacturer believes its newly styled model is as good as it gets.

Of course, the sweeping lines and distinctive BMW guise are all present, but the face-lifted model now features a more prominent kidney grille, new LED lighting, indicators housed in the door mirrors, newly shaped bumpers and a dark housing around the rear lights.

BMW describes its 7-Series Saloon as ‘setting standards without compromising core principles’ and that sums up this car.

Although new technology and improved comfort and ride targets have been achieved, the core principals behind the 7 Series are still prominent.

It is a luxurious model crammed with top-of-the-range technical specifications that delivers a truly amazing performance in extreme comfort.

The interior boasts the very finest leathers and wood veneers to create a cabin atmosphere fit for a prince.

It is practical, welcoming and very comfortable thanks to newly-designed seats. 

Back seat passengers can really stretch out – especially in long-wheel-base models. They have electrically adjustable seats which can be heated and even their own personal DVD player.

But the main changes to the new BMW 7 Series are under the bonnet with a range of punchy diesel and petrol engines that BMW claims utilise cutting-edge engine technology for a sensational blend of performance and economy.

Hybrid technology is available in the form of the ActiveHybrid 7 model which combines the 2,979cc petrol engine from the 740i model with a 55hp motor and a lithium-ion high performance battery. 

The result of this mix is a car that can soar from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. 

Economy is excellent for a car of this size with combined fuel efficiency of 41.5mpg and emissions of 158g/km.

We put the hybrid through its paces on a road route consisting winding country lanes, busy town centres and motorways - and it performed beautifully.

Admittedly, it’s still a little eerie when a car the size of the 7 Series starts up and pulls away in complete silence and the ActiveHybrid 7 can complete two to three miles in complete electric mode before the more conventional power kicks in.

The interior is beautifully designed with stunning ivory white Nappa leather upholstery and flashes of chrome contrasting neatly with the wooden trim.

There is a whole host of technical specifications at your disposal, including four-zone climate control, a 3D sat-nav system with 10.2-inch colour screen, reversing cameras, follow-me-home headlights, a glass sunroof, ambient lighting with a choice of colours, a head-up display and plenty more. 

BMW has revised the chassis and insulation on the new models and that means a smoother and quieter ride is guaranteed as the car glides along working its way effortlessly through the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort levels are exceptionally high and all the controls perfectly positioned for driver usability.

The hybrid model does feature some additional on-board analysis so you can view the vehicle’s electric driving performance, but that aside it is virtually identical to the more traditional 7 Series models. 

The boot is slightly smaller as it houses the battery pack and there are flashy emblems here and there reminding you that this is the ActiveHybrid 7.

This really is a car that makes any journey an enjoyable one and we were even treated to a chauffeur-driven ride for 20 minutes so we could sit back, relax and watch a DVD in armchair-comfort.

BMW has fitted a whole host of safety features to the 7 Series and one new innovation is the High Beam Assistant. This automatically works your main beam lights at night shaping and modifying the beam so it doesn’t cause any glare to oncoming drivers but maintaining a brightly-lit path ahead.

The car was priced at £69,140 although this was dramatically increased by more than £20,000 with all the optional extras.

Although hybrid technology may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this BMW certainly delivers a very viable option for those in the luxury market who are looking for a cleaner, greener motoring solution without compromising on performance and dynamics.