BMW has announced plans to group all of its plug-in hybrid models into a new sub-division called iPerformance. The first member of the iPerformance lineup is a fuel-sipping version of the 7 Series called 740e.
Power for the 740e is provided by a gasoline-electric drivetrain made up of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 258 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque, and a small electric motor integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides 113 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of instant torque. Combined, the turbo four and the motor send 326 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, though all-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost.
The 740e reaches 62 mph from a stop in 5.6 seconds in its fastest configuration, and it returns a jaw-dropping 112 mpg in a mixed European cycle. Alternatively, the motor can power the 740e on its own at speeds of up to 87 mph for 25 miles.
The driver can choose when to use only electricity, when to rely on both power sources, and when to save the lithium-ion battery pack’s full charge for later. The 7 offers three basic driving modes called Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport, respectively, and BMW promises the difference between them is highly noticeable.
IPerformance is to BMW’s i sub-brand what M Performance is to BMW M, so it’s not surprising that the 740e borrows a handful of discreet styling cues from the i3 and i8. Notably, it features blue accents on the grille and on the center caps, BMW i emblems on both front fenders, and eDrive logos on the C-pillars. Moving forward, these visual features will characterize every member of the iPerformance lineup.
The BMW 740e iPerformance will be presented to the public next month at the Geneva Auto Show, where it will share the spotlight with the V12-powered M760i xDrive. Sales are expected to begin before the end of the year.
Leave a Reply