BMW Group Malaysia today pulled the wraps-off the BMW 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid – the newest BMW 7 Series variant in the country.
The BMW 740Le xDrive adds to the growing range of plug-in hybrid iPerformance models offered by BMW Group Malaysia which now includes the i8, the BMW X5 xDrive 40e and the BMW 330e.
The BMW 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid is essentially similar to the regular 7 Series in terms of shape and size but gains the eDrive badges adorning the C-pillars and the BMW i logos which grace the front side panels of the car.
Powering the BMW 740Le xDrive is the latest 4-cylinder twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that develops a maximum output of 258hp with a peak torque of 400 Nm. Paired with an equally optimised 8-speed Steptronic transmission, the BMW 740Le xDrive charts a top speed of 250 km/h.
Meanwhile, the electric motor found in the BMW 740Le xDrive enables the car to accomplish a maximum output of 113 hp and a peak torque of 250 Nm in pure electric driving mode. The BMW 740Le xDrive has a zero emission electric driving range of 41km based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) cycle.
Together, the combustion engine and the electric drive system provides a total output of 326 hp and a combined peak torque of 500 Nm. This enables the plug-in hybrid sedan to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds!
Agility in the sedan’s performance is complemented by extraordinarily low emissions and petrol consumption. Crediting BMW eDrive technology derived from BMW i expertise, the BMW 740Le xDrive registers a mere fuel consumption of 2.5l/100km(!) and a CO2 emission of 56 g/km. Meanwhile, the electric power consumption of the sedan is 13.9 kWh per 100 km.
With a gross energy capacity of 9.2 kWh, the high-voltage lithium-ion battery of the BMW 740Le xDrive can be recharged from any domestic power socket. Meanwhile, full charge through the BMW i Wallbox Connect can be achieved in under 5 hours. The charging process can be managed via either the BMW Remote app on a smartphone or the graphic in the car’s instrument cluster.
As part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC program, owners of the BMW 740Le xDrive join those of the BMW i8, BMW 330e and BMW X5 xDrive40e in enjoying easy access to GreenTech Malaysia’s network of 181 ChargEV stations nationwide through the BMW ChargeNow mobility service.
One key feature of the BMW 740Le xDrive is the implementation of a special eDrive button located on the center console which allows drivers to configure how the plug-in hybrid drive system operates. In the AUTO eDrive mode, the combustion engine and electric motor synchronises intelligently to maximise the use of emission-free mobility – only activating the combustion engine at the speed of around 80 km/h or under heavy throttle conditions. Pure-electric driving is engaged in the MAX eDrive mode where the car is powered exclusively by the electric motor. Nevertheless, the combustion engine can be employed by pushing the accelerator into kickdown. Last but not least, Battery Control allows the driver to manually engage the use of the high-voltage battery by setting the charge value to be availed for pure-electric driving later in the journey.
Another new feature found in the BMW 740Le xDrive is the Driving Experience Control switch. Besides offering different driving modes consisting of ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT mode, it also offers ADAPTIVE mode which mobilises the car’s responses to adapt to the driver’s style and route profile.
As you’d expect, the BMW 740Le xDrive also include all the same standard features found on other 7-Series versions, including BMW Touch Display for the on-board monitors and BMW Gesture Control. Aside from that, returning in the new luxury plug-in hybrid sedan is the BMW ConnectedDrive as well as a suit of driver assistance systems including the latest BMW head-up display, Parking Assistant as well as Driving Assistant Plus and Surround View systems.
The BMW 740Le xDrive is available in Black Sapphire, Imperial Blue, Mineral White, and Sophisto Grey. Inside, the upholstery is lined with exclusive Nappa leather while the interior trim finishes in Poplar Grain Grey fine-wood.
Thanks to the government approved hybrid incentive of RM255,000, the BMW 740Le xDrive will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships across the country from today onwards with a retail price of RM598,800.00 (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme).
