The BMW eDrive drive system technology developed for BMW i cars has arrived in the new BMW 7 Series model range in the shape of a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan. The new BMW 740e iPerformance sources its power from the myriad talents of a latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor. Together, they deliver a system output of 240 kW. The new BMW 740e iPerformance with standard wheelbase captures the imagination with supreme dynamics, yet also record average petrol consumption of 2.2 – 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 50 – 45 grams per kilometre.

The plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series allows top-level driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and luxury to be experienced in combination with all-electric, locally emission-free mobility as well. The BMW 740e iPerformance represents the most rigorous implementation yet of Efficient Dynamics in vehicles from the BMW brand. Both BMW eDrive and the body structure with Carbon Core are rooted in know-how from BMW i. When it comes to charging the high-voltage battery, customers benefit from innovative products and services originally developed for BMW i. The BMW 740e iPerformance can also be specified as an option with anti-dazzle BMW Laserlight, which celebrated its world premiere in the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

The electric drive system, based on the principle of a permanently excited synchronous motor, boasts exceptionally high power density with a maximum output of 83 kW. As is characteristic for electric drive systems, it serves up its peak torque of 250 Newton metres from the word go. The boost effect for the combustion engine provides the driver with thrillingly instantaneous responses. Furthermore, the electric motor takes on the role of a generator which – depending on the hybrid function selected – is powered either by recuperating braking energy or by efficiently raising the engine’s load points. It then feeds the energy it generates into the high-voltage battery.

The cars’ sporty driving characteristics are accompanied by extraordinarily low petrol consumption and emissions. The BMW 740e iPerformance records combined petrol consumption of 2.2 – 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions associated with petrol consumption are 50 – 45 grams per kilometre (figures as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified). The exceptional efficiency of the BMW eDrive technology developed using know-how from BMW i is revealed once again in all-electric, locally emission-free driving. The electric power consumption of the plug-in hybrid luxury sedans, as calculated in the EU test cycle, stands at 13.3 – 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW 740e iPerformance.

The driver can use the eDrive button on the centre console to change how the plug-in hybrid drive system operates. In the AUTO eDRIVE hybrid function, intelligent energy management ensures the combustion engine and electric motor work together with maximum efficiency and to dynamically optimised effect. The operating strategy defaults to all-electric mode at low and moderate speeds to utilise the advantages of locally emission-free mobility as widely as possible. The combustion engine only joins the fray at a speed of around 80 km/h or under heavy throttle applications.

The driver can switch to the MAX eDRIVE pure-electric mode at the touch of a button. In this setting the car is powered exclusively by the electric motor, although the combustion engine can be brought into play at any time by pushing the accelerator into kickdown. In the MAX eDRIVE setting, the BMW iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7 Series have a pure-electric top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 9.2 kWh and net capacity of 7.4 kWh. It is accommodated underneath the rear seat bench in a space-saving position that also provides optimum crash safety. The BMW iPerformance variant of the new BMW 7 Series therefore also benefits from a level surface in the luggage compartment, which offers a capacity of 420 litres. The stowage volume and practicality of the load area set the benchmark in the luxury plug-in hybrid sedan segment.

The iPerformance variant of the BMW 7 Series model range brings together exceptional efficiency and a form of luxurious driving pleasure and long-distance comfort that speaks to both the present and the future. Both the front and rear seats can be specified as an option with comfort seats, active seat ventilation, a massage function with Vitality Programme and the Heat Comfort package.

The BMW Group uses the knowledge gained in the development of BMW i cars for the production of its own electric motors and high-voltage batteries. BMW eDrive technology is also employed in the BMW iPerformance models. The company’s stand-out expertise in the field of electric drive systems is reflected not only in the exceptional performance of the electric motors and high-voltage batteries, but also in efficient production methods. An intelligent modular system for eDrive technology and a flexible production concept enable the BMW Group to respond quickly and precisely to customer requirements the world over.