BMW introduces 7 Series PHEV variants with better power and EV range

KUALA LUMPUR: Shortly after the introduction of the BMW 7 Series, the brand has unveiled the plug-in hybrid variants - 745Le, 745e, and 745Le xDrive of its luxury sedan that promises better power and EV range.

At the base, the three plug-in hybrid system incorporates a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six that delivers 286 bhp and 450 Nm of torque compared to the previous models 740Le, 740e and 740Le xDrive, which composed of a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.

The engine for the new sedan is further assisted by an electric motor integrated to pump out an additional 113 hp and 265 Nm of torque. Hence, it can render a maximum output of 394 hp and 600 Nm of torque in sports mode drive. The previous 7 Series plug-in hybrid EV variants with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine produced 322 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

The eDrive aspect of the sedan is same as before and comes with one electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, which provides rear-wheel drive in the 745e and 745Le. For the 745Le xDrive, it powers the four-wheel drive system.

For an excellent drive, the new BMW 745e accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 5.2 seconds and the 745Le takes 5.3 seconds while the 745Le xDrive reaches 100 kmph speed in just 5.1 seconds.

In terms of charging, the high-voltage battery when the power is derived from a 16 Amp/230 V outlet, charges in 4.4 hours. However, in the fuel department, it can be noted that the capacity of the hybrid variant tank (46-litres) is lower as compared to the non-hybrid models (78-litres). Moreover, capacity in terms of luggage is also less, 420-litres as compared to 515-litres in the previous models.