AN elite band of high-profile corporate customers and celebrities will be using BMW’s new clean fuel Hydrogen 7 model from early next year.

BMW will lease out a small number of the 7-series models, possibly just six cars, to promote its commitment to developing hydrogen power as an alternative to fossil fuels. When running on hydrogen the only tailpipe emission is water vapour.

Tim Abbott, sales director of BMW UK, said: ‘We’ve been investigating hydrogen power since the mid-1980s. Finding alternative fuels is not a sprint – it’s a marathon and this is a long-term proposal. This car showcases our commitment to the environment. Efficiency has always been on the agenda but it will be more prominent for fleets next year.’

The Hydrogen 7 is a long-wheelbase 7-series powered by a 260bhp V12 engine. By pressing a steering wheel-mounted button the driver can switch from petrol power to hydrogen. This dual-fuel approach gives a range of 125 miles on hydrogen and a further 300 miles under petrol power.

  • BMW will launch a 2.0-litre diesel-engined version of the new 3-series Coupe range in March next year. It uses BMW’s proven 163bhp four-cylinder unit.