2017 BMW 740e Australian Preview Drive | High End Luxury With A Social Conscience
BMW remains committed to expanding its range of low emission offerings in Australia. As well as BMW i branded models, the company also offers plug-in hybrid i Performance versions of the 3 Series, X5, and now the 7 Series.
Though beaten to market by the plug-in Mercedes-Benz S 500 e, the BMW 740e undercuts that model on price (by over $90,000) and fuel consumption, but is just 5kW down on power but provides an extra 20Nm or torque.
On value alone that means you’re likely to see more of the hybrid 7 than the equivalent S. But, in something with the size and heft of a 7 Series, is a hybrid drivetrain the right fit? BMW offered us a quick preview in Australia’s first 740e to find out.
Vehicle Style: Prestige upper-large sedan
Price: $229,000 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 240kW/500Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol-electric hybrid | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 2.2 l/100km
OVERVIEW
As its numerical value suggests the 740e sits alongside the turbocharged six-cylinder petrol 740i in the 7-Series range, but under the bonnet the six cylinder is ditched in favour of a four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor.
It provides a claimed maximum of 48 kilometres of electric range, meaning nothing but whisper-quiet vibration free running for the commute to and from work - which in a high-end limo like this that sounds ideal.
BMW 740e - Price, Features, and Specifications