The BMW eDrive technology developed for BMW i cars has worked its way to the top of the luxury-sedan food chain. The new plug-in-hybrid BMW 740e iPerformance, 740Le iPerformance, and 740Le xDrive iPerformance sedans have officially been launched. But while the rest of the world will see all three versions, North America will probably get only the G12 BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance long-wheelbase, all-wheel-drive model.
It seems kind of strange to report that a U.S. model 7 Series will be powered by a 258 horsepower, four-cylinder, two-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine, but fortunately, that’s only half the story. Integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission is an electric motor worth 113 horsepower by itself. In combination, the drivetrain produces 326 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to move the big sedan from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds.
Of course, if performance was the only thing that mattered, buyers would go for the M760, non-hybrid version of the 7 Series, but with the new BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance, they can boast about producing only 49 to 56 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions while traveling between 94 and 112 miles on a gallon of gasoline. That’s too good to be true, you say? Well, you’re right. The mileage testing for hybrids done under the European Union cycle—and even the U.S. EPA—is notoriously generous. Until we get real-world figures from early adopters, just plan on getting much better fuel mileage than a conventional 7 Series, and enjoy running short errands on the car’s electric-only range. The EU test cycle pegs electric range at 28 miles, but again, we think that’s very optimistic based on our experience with other BMW plug-in hybrids.
The new iPerformance versions of the 7 Series get the same lighter weight Carbon Core construction as the original G11/G12 7s, plus all the luxury, comfort, and connectivity that BMW technology can provide. BMW Laserlight is available as an option, although the U.S. versions will probably still be available only with the reduced capability lights, not the 600-meter flamethrowers that the Europeans get.
Drivers can select the driving mode and then let the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission handle all the shifting chores, or they can shift for themselves using the integrated paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
BMW’s first plug-in hybrid, the BMW i8, achieves all-wheel drive by having the electric motor drive the front wheels and the gasoline engine drive the rears. The BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance distributes power as needed to the four corners when in all-electric eDrive, in internal combustion-only mode, or when both drive systems are engaged at the same time. The xDrive computer figures everything out.
In Auto eDrive, the car uses the electric motor only at low and moderate speeds, until the gasoline engine kicks in at around 50 mph or when the driver stomps on the accelerator pedal. (We can’t call it a gas pedal anymore, can we?) In Max eDrive mode—that’s electric only—the car will do up to 87 miles per hour, but don’t expect a very long electric-only range at that speed.
The other driving modes—Sport, Comfort, and EcoPro—operate much the same as in other BMW plug-in hybrids. Switching to Adaptive mode directs the car to adjust its responses to the driver’s style and route profile.
The 740Le’s 9.2 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack rests under the rear seat. This makes for a flat trunk with about 15 cubic feet of cargo space.
As with BMW’s other plug-in hybrids, the new 7 can be recharged in less than four hours from any 120-volt wall socket using the cable that comes with the car. For faster charging, a BMW i Wallbox may be installed in the user’s garage. Aftermarket chargers may also be used. For charging away from home, drivers can access BMW’s ChargeNow network of public charging stations, among others.
A 7 Series wouldn’t be a 7 Series without an extensive list of standard and optional features to provide the driver and passengers with the comfort and technology that the substantial price of the car demands. For example, buyers can specify front and rear comfort seats, active seat ventilation, a massage function with Vitality Program, and a Heat Comfort package. If anyone of importance is going to occupy the rear seats, the Executive Lounge option and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof will certainly impress them.
Driver assistance systems include the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus, and Surround View systems. Because they are designated as iPerformance models, they are also eligible for the optional M Sport package, Pure Excellence exterior design and interior design packages, and BMW Individual Design Composition.
Technology born in BMW’s i division, first seen on the BMW i3 and BMW i8, and pioneered in the X5 40e and 330e, will now be available on at least one U.S. model of BMW’s flagship luxury sedan. Since BMW has already announced it will not be bringing a diesel version of the 7 Series to the U.S., the BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance may be the only low-emission, higher-mileage 7 Series we get. Will the greenness of this model be enough to generate significant sales? We hope so.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
