BMW has started production of its new Hydrogen 7, a hydrogen-powered luxury saloon car.

The new car will make its public debut on November 28 at the Los Angeles Motor Show before going on sale at an undisclosed date next year.

The Hydrogen 7 is based on the existing 7-series and comes equipped with an internal combustion engine capable of running on liquid hydrogen or petrol. In hydrogen mode the car emits water vapour. Powered by a 260nhp 12-cylinder engine, the Hydrogen 7 accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 9.5 seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 143mph.

A total of 100 BMW Hydrogen 7s will be built in 2007. Details on pricing and the destinations of the 100 cars will be announced at a later date.