BMW 740e iPerformance stretches limo’s electric range and efficiency

BMW’s latest petrol-electric BMW 7 Series can travel up to 48km and at speeds of up to 140km/h entirely on battery power alone. This compares with respective figures of 4km and 60km/h for the former ActiveHybrid 7.

On sale in Australia late this year, the 740e will retail for just $5000 more than the $224,200 petrol-powered 740i that shares much of its feature set.

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And compared to the 740i, which drinks 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle, the 740e consumes an average of 2.2L/100km, with emissions rated at 50 grams per kilometre.

Keep its battery topped up and the length of your trips short, and it will consume no fuel at all.

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The BMW 740e iPerformance is also a tenth faster in the 0-100km/h acceleration sprint, at 5.4 seconds, and one of the fastest 7s despite employing the smallest engine in the range – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. Peak power from the turbo four and electric motor reaches a combined 240kW and 400Nm

The 190kW petrol engine is united with an 83kW electric motor and integrated into the 740e’s eight-speed automatic gearbox. An advanced lithium-ion battery keeps the motor supplied with electricity and regenerative braking tops up the battery when decelerating.

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BMW says cabin space isn’t affected by the battery being positioned beneath the rear seats, though boot space is reduced from 515 to 420 litres.

The 740e’s battery can be charged in five hours on a regular household 230-volt power supply; that time can be halved by paying extra for the installation of a fast-charging i Wallbox.

Standard equipment largely mirrors that of the conventionally-powered 740i, with Nappa leather, Harman Kardon premium audio, retractable rear sun blinds, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated seats/armrests/steering wheel, Selective Beam headlights, soft-close doors, and lane change warning with steering assist all included in the 740e iPerformance.