BMW Launches Three New Hybrid Cars

BMW's eDrive drive system technology designed for BMW i-cars has arrived in the new BMW 7 Series, which consists of three plug-in luxury sedans: the BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance, and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance. Each sedan is powered by the latest generation 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower turbo Technology and an electric motor. Add the new cars' impressive mileages, low CO2 emissions and an intelligent all-wheel drive to maximize the combined power of the combustion engine and electric motor and you have three of the most efficient sedans to hit the market.

All three variants have a 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine that features BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The latest addition to the Efficient Dynamics engine family, this is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a series-produced BMW, sporrting a peak torque of 400 Newton metres with a rev range of 1,550-4,400rpm.

The electric drive system has a maximum output of 83 kW/258hp, and capable of producing a peak torque of up to 240 Newton metres. This gives the combustion engine a significant boost and enhances overal responsiveness. The electric motor also doubles as a generator, which can either recharge using braking energy or by raising the engine's load points. Energy generated is transferred into a high-voltage battery.

To maximize efficiency, the electric motor is integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. This transmission provides excellent shift dynamics and comfort as well as a highly compact construction. Gear paddles on the steering wheel are optional for those who want to quickly change gears manually.

The combined power of the combustion engine and the electric motor bring a system output of 240 kW/326 hp and a combined peak torque of 500 Newton metres. This allows the BMW 740e iPerformance to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and the BMW 740Le iPerformance in 5.5 seconds.

All three of the BMW 7's variants boast excellent fuel/powerefficiency and very low emissions. Take a look at these reported fuel consumption figures.

Fuel consumption: 2.2 – 2.0 litres per 100 km (BMW 740e iPerformance and BMW 740Le iPerformance), 2.5 – 2.1 litres per 100 km (BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance)

CO2 emissions: 50 – 45 grams per km (BMW 740e iPerformance and BMW 740Le iPerformance), 56 – 49 grams per kilometre (BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance)

Electric power consumption: 13.3 – 12.5 kWh per 100 km (BMW 740e iPerformance), 13.9 – 12.6 kWh per 100 km (BMW 740Le iPerformance), 13.9 and 13.2 kWh per 100 kilometres (BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance)

The BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance is BMWs second model to feature an all-wheel drive that applies to all-electric driving (the first one was the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance Sports Activity Vehicle). This gives the car better traction, optimised directional stability and excellent cornering under all weather and road conditions.

Drivers can use the the eDrive button on the center console to control the car's hybrid drive system. Using the AUTO eDRIVE function, the car switches to an all-electric mode at low to medium speeds, while the combustion engine starts at 80 km/h or during heavy throttling applications. The MAX eDRIVE function keeps the car running purely on the electric motor up to 140km/h.

Battery control settings can also be modified, allowing manual charging. Drivers can input a target value between 30-100%, which will then be available for all-electric driving later on. This means it's possible to conserve power while driving on the highway so there will be enough battery life to drive in a locally emission-free town later on.

All three variants of the BMW 7 have the Driving Experience Control Switch as a standard feature in their center consoles. By pressing a button, drivers can select between four modes: SPORT, COMFORT, and ECO PRO, and ADAPTIVE mode. The first three modes are fairly straightforward, while ADAPTIVE mode makes the car's responsiveness and comfort levels to the driver's style and route profile.

The BMW 7 comes equipped with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 9.2 kWh and a net capacity of 7.4kWh, which is found just below the rear seat bench. The space-saving placement gives the BMW7 a storage capacity of about 420 litres. The battery also provides power to the 12V onboard electrical system via a voltage transformer.

The battery can be charged using any domestic power socket, a high-current BMW i Wallbox, or a public charging station. Charging time is estimated to be around 4 hours using a domestic socket and three ours using the i Wallbox. BMW's 360° ELECTRIC includes the ChargeNow service that gives it access to partner charging stations and can also be used for easier monthly billing of energy costs.

All three variants of the BMW 7 have LED headlights, the BMW Display Key, the ConnectedDrive navigation package, smartphone integration, and an iDrive operating system that supports both touchscreen functions and the BMW gesture control feature.

Owners can also look forward to the auxilliary heating and air conditioning sytstem that will allow them to prepare the car's interior temperature before hand. The car's heating anda air conditioning system draws power from the high voltage battery, but switches to the mains supply when the battery is being charged. The charger connection for the high voltage battery is found under the flap in the left side of the front panel, and is set high enough to allow easier charging.

Other features that come as standard in all three variants include special graphics (found in the instrument cluster) and control display.

For a more comfortable ride, both the front and rear seats can be specified to have comfort seats, active seat ventilation, and a massage function with Vitality Program Heat Comfort package. Meanwhile, the rear seats can have the Executive Lounge option. There is also the Sky Lounge Panorama option, which adds a glass roof.

For an easier driving experience, there's the BMW Head-up Display, as well as Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Driving Assistant Plus, and Surround View systems. All three variants can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package, Pure Excellence exterior and interior packages, and BMW Individual Design Composition.

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