BMW’s move to electrify its line-up includes three different versions of the 745e plug-in electric hybrid due out around March.
These are the 745e, the long version 745Le and the 745e xDrive with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel drive.
The second-generation 7 Series plug-in sees a 3.0-ltre inline six-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor instead of the earlier 2.0-litre inline four, the new system improving performance and range, BMW says.
The PHEV sedan’s lithium-ion battery pack goes from 9.2kWh to 12kWh.
BMW says the changes mean a boost in output and torque as well as improved figures for electric range, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
“The new drive system gives the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series optimised sprint capacity,” it says.
“The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds. The maximum speed for all three models is electronically cut off at 250km/h.”
The electric motor has a rated output of 83kW and a rated torque of 265Nm, but BMW says it’s possible to draw on up to 600Nm.
In hybrid mode, the new sedans can travel at up to 110km/h – 20 km/h faster than the predecessor models – in purely electric mode. The combustion engine is not added until a higher speed is reached, requiring a particularly high load. In electric mode, it can reach 140km/h. The electric range of the new BMW 745e is between 54 and 58km, while the new BMW 745Le reaches 52 to 55km. The new BMW 745Le xDrive has a 50 to 54km range.
Fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures have been further optimised.
For the new BMW 745e, a combined fuel consumption was measured of 2.3 to 2.1 litres per 100km, a combined power consumption of 15.6 to 15.1kWh/100km and CO2 emissions of 52 to 48 grams per kilometre. Corresponding figures for the new BMW 745Le are 2.3 to 2.2 litres per 100km, 15.7 to 15.6kWh per 100km and 53 to 50 grams per kilometre. The new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches a level of 2.6 to 2.3 litres per 100km, 16.3 to 15.8kWh per 100km and 59 to 52 grams per kilometre.
Modes include sport and adaptive, as well as the three operating modes – hybrid, electric and battery control.
Acoustic pedestrian protection is provided at low speed.
Later in 2019, new digital services will be available to help with charging en route.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also helps make life easier for the driver, including the search for parking spaces and charging options.
