BMW has taken the covers off its updated version of the 7 Series Plug-In Hybrid.
Fitted with a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre petrol engine and a larger battery pack than the previous iteration, the hybrid powertrain can develop up to 388bhp and 600Nm of torque – while also providing improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
Available in 745e and long-wheelbase 745Le xDrive guises, the larger model comes with intelligent all-wheel drive to help put the power down.
When put in Sport mode, the 745e can go from 0-60mph in five seconds flat – with the L version 0.1 seconds faster to 60mph. Both come with a limited top speed of 155mph.
The 111bhp electric motor and 12kWh lithium-ion battery allows drivers to go up to 87mph in all-electric mode, with a zero-emission range of up to 36 miles in the standard wheelbase model (34 miles for the long wheelbase option). The Hybrid mode can be engaged up to 68mph – 13mph faster than the previous version.
The powertrain is paired to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which can act as a generator during braking and coasting to regenerate energy for the battery system – as the battery pack runs the car’s on-board network and can be used to power the auxiliary air conditioning.
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BMW claims that the 745e can achieve up to 141mpg and CO2 emissions of just 48g/km – while the larger option can attain 118mpg and Emissions of 52g/km CO2.
To keep track of the battery’s charge and replenishment, the 7 Series displays the information in the instrument panel – while this summer will bring digital services to the infotainment system that will show drivers what they can do whilst the car is charging, as well as an occupancy forecast.
On sale in the Spring, prices for the 745e start from £76,815, while the 745Le xDrive starts from £83,560.
