BMW has unveiled two new plug-in hybrid versions of its flagship 7 Series luxury saloon, the 740e and the 740Le.
It’s been known for a while now that BMW would add a new range-topping hybrid to its lineup, but it was expected that the car would be part of the i-electric series like the i3 and the i8.
Instead, the 740e models will be part of the same iPerformance range as previously unveiled hybrids like the 330e 3 Series plug-in and the xDrive40e variant of the X5 SUV.
The 7 Series plug-in will be available in both short and long wheelbase variants – that’s the 740Le model – and order books are due to open next month, priced between £68,330 and £74,880.
Anyone concerned that the plebiscites won’t know that they have the biggest, most high-tech and eco-friendly Bimmer will be pleased to know that the 740e is different visually to the regular 7 Series.
Luxurious, high-tech and eco-friendly
Each car will have eDrive and i badging, as well as blue grille bars exclusive to the hybrid, the charging connector which is located on the front left wing and laser headlights.
Both versions are powered by a 254bhp 2.0-litre inline-four engine, twinned with an electric motor to produce a maximum power output of 322bhp with a brawny 500Nm of torque.
All that power goes through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and buyers have a choice of specifying either rear-wheel drive or xDrive permanent four-wheel drive.
The quickest version of the car can do 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds, while it’s able to travel up to 30 miles on electric power alone and it takes just four hours to fully charge from a standard wall socket.
Aside from the unique hybrid features, everything else is more or less standard 7 Series, with a carbon fibre chassis and a huge amount of kit which includes sat-nav and a surround sound system.
