The BMW 740e offers a level of performance that was, until recently, the sole preserve of sports cars.
At the heart of the 740e is a sophisticated hybrid system, incorporating a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder combustion engine with a synchronous electric motor.
The combined drivetrain produces a total power output of 240kW, while consuming only 2.2L/100km of fuel and emitting 50g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle. Benchmark zero-100km/h acceleration is achieved in a scant 5.4 seconds.
Coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and driving the rear wheels, this engine generates 190kW of power from 5,000-6,500rpm and an impressive 400Nm of torque, available from 1,550-4,400rpm.
Augmenting the combustion engine is a liquid-cooled electric motor that is integrated into the vehicle’s transmission. The motor delivers 83kW and some 250Nm of torque and can provide emission-free motoring at speeds of up to 140km/h, without any assistance from the combustion engine. EU test cycle electric range is set at 48km, giving the 740e iPerformance the best electric range in its class.
Supplying the electric motor is a high-voltage battery that is stored beneath the rear seat, to maximise cabin space. Luggage capacity is an impressive 420 litres.
This lithium-ion battery is liquid-cooled and has a 9.2kWh capacity, with 7.4kWh usable.
BMW eDrive system: Tailoring the hybrid experience
Mounted on the centre console, the eDrive button offers three distinct control modes for the hybrid drivetrain.
In the default Auto eDrive mode, the BMW 740e seamlessly melds electric and petrol propulsion. Depending on vehicle load, battery charge and prevailing conditions, the 740e allows pure electric driving at speeds of up to 140km/h. In addition, the combustion engine will automatically engage when additional power is required.
Switching to MAX eDrive mode biases the system to electric power, the petrol engine engaging when the throttle is depressed beyond the kickdown détente or when the gearshift lever is pushed into sport mode.
Battery Control mode allows the 740e to engage the combustion engine for the dual purposes of providing drive and charging the battery pack, storing the charge for later electric driving.
Charging options
With the supplied cable enabling connection to a standard 230 volt power supply, the BMW 740e iPerformance can be charged from an ordinary domestic household socket in around five hours.
Under the BMW 360º ELECTRIC program, customers can option the BMW I Wallbox to be installed. This enables a charging rate of up to 3.7kW at 16 amps, and can provide a complete charge in a convenient 2.5 hours.
BMW also provides a ChargeNow service incorporating a ChargeNow card that grants simple, convenient access to partnered public charging stations.
