BMW 740e iperformance
Following the X5 version, the 740e is BMW’S second plug-in hybrid in our market and ushers in the iperformance sub-brand
OCCUPYING the most niche of niches, this BMW would appear to do it all, and a glance at its spec sheet certainly reveals a very impressive list of numbers. The 740e will go from 0-100 km/h in 5,4 seconds, hit a top speed of 250 km/h (140 km/h in pure electric mode), and do it all while emitting a mere 45 g/km of CO , and returning a miserly 2,0 L/100 km on the combined fuel cycle.
This is also accomplished with a four-cylinder, 2,0-litre turbo engine; the first time we’ve ever seen a four-cylinder engine in a 7 Series. The 190 kw four-pot does, of course, benefit from an 83 kw synchronous electric motor, providing a combined output of 240 kw and 500 N.m, all channelled to the rear wheels via BMW’S familiar and ultrasmooth eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
These are not unfamiliar claims for plug-in hybrids around the world, but the reality remains – and especially in the luxury segments – that take-up hasn’t quite been as good as its makers had hoped. This is despite aggressive fuelconsumption standards being actively applied by many European governments, in the USA and in China. Can this plug-in hybrid – an iperformance model, as all Beemer’s plug-ins are now called – help change this perception?
Well, firstly, let’s get the consumption claims out the way, as no-one really believes them anyway. On our route round the False Bay coast and Cape Winelands, we never got close to that claimed 2,0 L/100 km and, instead, hovered around five and six, which is still very good for a big car. While driving sedately for most of the time, enjoying the considerable comforts offered by BMW’S top-end luxury saloon, we did occasionally give it some stick
to test its dynamic abilities.
To that end, the 740e is a Beemer down to its last millimetre of high-voltage electric cable. In sport mode, the surge of electric power arrives from zero revs and is enthusiastically joined by the 2,0-litre’s growl. The combined output is delivered in a very refined and typically linear fashion through that buttery smooth Zf-sourced transmission, making the hybrid feel a lot more agile than first impressions might suggest.
However, shifting its weight through the corners is when you feel the extra heft of the hybrid’s big lithium-ion battery pack. The 740e is the heaviest model in the 7 Series line-up and, under load, you get the sense that the standard air suspension forward and aft is working hard to earn its keep.
Frankly, it’s a bit silly to drive the car like this, though. It quickly discharges the battery’s 48 km range, leaving the fourcylinder engine to take up all the slack, which is not good for fuel consumption. This, however, is not what the 740e was intended to do. Cossetting its occupants in luxury and wafting them quietly along is more its suited purpose, as its long list of standard specifications attest to. Among the swathes of leather and fine detail finishing, these include LED headlamps, BMW Display Key, Connecteddrive navigation package and the idrive operating system with touchscreen and Gesture Control.
There are some far more appropriate driving modes, too, with comfort and eco pro the other two standard modes, along with an adaptive one that sees the car’s responses adjust to your driving style and route profile. You can also access and tweak more functions via the edrive button on the centre console that allows you to change how the plug-in hybrid system operates. This includes Max edrive, an Ev-only mode with its 48 km range and 140 km/h maximum speed, Battery Hold that saves electric power for when the driver needs it, and even a Battery Control mode that allows you to select the level of charge you want the car to reach. If 80% is your target, the engine will recharge it to that level before switching to battery hold mode.
Yes, there are negatives to the 740e and its ilk; on long journeys, it’s less efficient than the numbers suggest, and you’d be better off driving the cheaper 730d. However, if you are looking for a supremely refined drive between two points with charging facilities – like work and home – this plug-hybrid will accomplish it with aplomb.