BMW is adding plug-in hybrid power/convenience and all-wheel grip to its new sixth-generation G11 7 Series. Called the 740e, a longer wheelbase 740Le, as well as the 740Le xDrive, they will arrive in Australia to join the 330e and X5 xDrive40e in BMW’s new iPerformance range.
Taken in a broader context, the future addition later this year of this 7 Series means that there will be five plug-in hybrid BMWs up for sale Down Under if you include the i8 sports car and i3 city car.
The petrol-electric 7 Series is due to arrive before the year is out, as is the most powerful of BMWs current saloons: the M760Li xDrive, powered by a 441kW twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre V12.
But back to the 740e and 740Le, both will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that generates 190kW and a healthy 400Nm of torque and augmented by an electric motor that’s slotted by the car’s 8-speed automatic transmission to yield a total output of 240kW and 650Nm.
There are not any big visual changes between the standard petrol or diesel-powered 7 Series’ and these hybrid versions save for the differentiated badging and charging port on the car’s side.
BMW say that the combination of an efficient turbocharged petrol engine and the instant urge of the electric motor working in tandem means that the 740e will be one of the most appealing balances between power and economy in its class.
It can offer a claimed 5.3-second sprint time to 100km/h from rest while consuming an average of just 2.1 to 2.5-litres/100km of petrol. That’s mightily impressive as is, but because the car is a plug-in hybrid, petrol consumption can be brought to zero if the car is used in short journeys in town with its MAX eDrive all-electric mode engaged and drive is provided from the 7.4kWh lithium-ion battery.
It’s maximum speed under fully-electric mode is a quoted 140km/h, however during urban driving of under 50km/h, the car will rely more on electric power rather than keeping it’s petrol engine running if possible.
Once parked, BMW says that a standard wall socket can replenish the 740e’s battery in four hours while just three hours are necessary for a charge if connected to BMW i Wallbox.
The selection of driver assistance systems includes the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display as well as the Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus and Surround View systems. The iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7 Series can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package, Pure Excellence exterior design and interior design packages and BMW Individual Design Composition.
For more on BMW vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
