5 Paris Motor Show Originals

With the unveiling of its 7 series ActiveHybrid in Paris, BMW joins the recently revealed Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID in competing with the Lexus LS600h in the luxury hybrid market.

Although BMW has been instrumental in developing the robust Two-Mode hybrid technology used in several American SUVs, the company opted for its 7 series the milder system it developed with Daimler.

This fifth-generation 7 series hybrid utilizes a 120-volt lithium-ion battery and small helper motor in conjunction with BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter direct injected V-8 to deliver in excess of 400 horsepower through an eight-speed transmission. Other features include regenerative braking, four-wheel steering, on-board Internet access and infrared night-vision.

The 7 series hybrid will go on sale in Europe beginning next month and come to the U.S. sometime next fall.