The new BMW 740e iPerformance now available in South Africa

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.

Intelligent energy management optimises the interplay of the combustion engine and electric motor. The electric boost function provides a noticeable increase in dynamic vigour – expressed most prominently by the powertrain’s instantaneous responses – and combines with enhanced efficiency courtesy of the electric assist function and the opportunity to drive through town and cross-country on electric power only to create a unique symbiosis of driving pleasure and sustainability. The maximum electric range, as per the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, is 44 – 48 kilometres.

The best of two worlds: BMW eDrive and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology employed by the plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series is a member of the new Efficient Dynamics engine family. Developing maximum output of 190 kW, it is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a series-produced BMW. Instantaneous power delivery and peak torque of 400 Newton metres – on tap across a wide rev range (1,550 – 4,400 rpm) – imbue the 2.0-litre unit with vivaciously sporty yet also poised and authoritative performance. In addition, the new engine displays outstanding refinement.

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 electric motor is fully integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. This ensures that pure-electric driving, the dynamics-enhancing electric boost function and the recuperation of braking energy are all extremely efficient. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission has outstanding internal efficiency, top-class shift dynamics and shift comfort, and a compact construction. Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel are available as an option, enabling the driver to make manual gear selections with exceptional swiftness and the greatest of ease.

Working together intelligently, the combustion engine and electric drive system bring a system output of 240 kW and a combined peak torque of 500 Newton metres to the table. Immediate response to every movement of the accelerator and sustained delivery of dynamic power allow the BMW 740e iPerformance to dash from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.

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.

eDrive button allows powertrain control to be configured as desired. 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 Battery Control setting allows the charge of the high-voltage battery to be set manually. The driver can input a target value between 30 and 100 per cent of maximum charge, which is then available for pure-electric driving later in the journey. For example, electric power can be held back or even increased while on the motorway so it can be used subsequently for locally emission-free driving in town.

Driving Experience Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode, clearly noticeable differentiation between SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO mode. The plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series is also equipped as standard with the newly designed Driving Experience Control switch on the centre console. At the touch of a button, the driver can activate a vehicle setting that optimises dynamics, comfort or efficiency. The range of characters encompassed by ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes are even more clearly defined than with conventionally powered vehicles.

Beyond this, the Driving Experience Control switch offers the option of selecting ADAPTIVE mode. In this setting, the car’s responses adapt noticeably to the driver’s style and route profile.

High-voltage lithium-ion battery: developed specifically for the models at hand, integrated with space-saving skill. 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.

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 energy flow between the high-voltage battery, electric motor and charger is controlled by power electronics likewise developed specifically for these models. The power electronics also regulate the supply of energy from the high-voltage battery to the 12V onboard electrical system via a voltage transformer.

Simple, hassle-free and flexible charging thanks to innovative products and services von BMW 360° ELECTRIC. The high-voltage battery can be topped up with energy from any domestic power socket, a Wallbox designed for higher currents or public charging stations. The battery can be fully charged in under four hours from a domestic power socket and in under three hours from a BMW i Wallbox. Added to which, BMW 360° ELECTRIC includes the ChargeNow service, which grants straightforward access to partner charging stations.

Standard specification includes auxiliary air conditioning. The high level of standard specification for the BMW 740e iPerformance includes LED headlights, the BMW Display Key, the ConnectedDrive navigation package, smartphone integration with inductive charging facility for the phone battery, and an iDrive operating system expanded to include a touchscreen function for the Control Display and the globally unique BMW gesture control feature. Customers can also look forward to auxiliary heating and air conditioning, which allow them to prepare the car’s interior temperature in advance. The heating and air conditioning system of the plug-in hybrid models is supplied with energy from the high-voltage battery. When the car’s battery is being charged, the auxiliary air conditioning function is powered by the mains supply.

The charger connection for the high-voltage battery can be found under the flap in the left-hand front side panel. The high-set position of the connection makes the charging process easier. Standard equipment includes a charging cable for use with a domestic power socket, which can be stored in a bag in the boot area to save space. Inside the BMW 740e iPerformance, the most prominent hybrid-specific features include – in addition to the eDrive button – special graphic displays in the instrument cluster and Control Display. On the outside, the transfer of technology from BMW i is flagged up by “eDrive” badges on the C-pillars, the BMW i logo on the front side panels (left and right), BMW kidney grille bars in BMW i Blue and blue hub covers.

Exceptional efficiency coupled with driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and made-to-measure luxury. 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 selection of driver assistance systems includes the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display as well as the Parking Assist, Driving Assist, Driving Assist Plus and Surround View systems. The iPerformance variant 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. Flexible and efficient production of electric drive systems in model-specific configurations. 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.

Flexible and efficient production of electric drive systems in model-specific configurations. Since the launch of the BMW i3 in 2013, the BMW Group has been series-producing its own electric motors and high-voltage batteries. The company is using the expertise developed under the BMW i banner in the field of electric drive systems with the aim of bringing electrification to other models. BMW eDrive technology is used both in BMW i cars and the BMW brand’s plug-in hybrid models.

The electric drive system expertise developed in-house has earned the BMW Group a considerable competitive advantage. This is reflected not only in the exceptional performance figures posted by the electric motors and high-voltage batteries, but also in efficient production methods. The BMW Group has employed an intelligent modular system for eDrive technology to enable the manufacture of a wide variety of electric drive components. This flexible product and production concept allows the BMW Group to respond quickly and precisely to customer requirements around the world. The company is extending the reach of its eDrive technology expertise within its international production network. It is already used in production at the existing locations in Germany and the USA, and will also be rolled out in China in the future.