Now more than ever, the number 7 stands for driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and pioneering technology. Just a few months after the world premiere of the fully electric BMW i7, more new options are set to join the line-up of drive systems available for the new BMW 7 Series in November 2022.
Two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants – including the first BMW M model in the new BMW 7 Series range – will delight and excite customers in numerous markets around the world with the combined power of a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and an updated electric drive system. This commitment to electrification also optimises the efficiency of the new BMW 740d xDrive available in European markets, whose six-cylinder in-line diesel engine is boosted by state-of-the-art 48V mild hybrid technology.
The increased variety of available drive systems opens up a breadth of experience in terms of driving dynamics, progressive luxury and feel-good ambience that none of the BMW 7 Series’ rivals can match. This is the result of a newly developed, flexible vehicle architecture for the 7 Series and the expression of a globally oriented offer structure which allows the model range to be adapted individually for each specific market. The BMW Group is therefore taking into account the particular customer needs, infrastructure landscape and legal conditions in the different regions of the world.
Plug-in hybrid innovation from BMW: compact transmission pre-gearing stage provides even more authoritative electric power
The drive systems fitted in the two plug-in hybrid models bring together a six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. In both cars, the power generated by the two drive units is channelled to the road via the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
The electric motor fitted in the two models features the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid models. The synchronous motor with a specific power output of more than 5.0 kW/kg has a rated output of 145 kW/197 hp in the two PHEV variants and its rev band has been stretched to a maximum 11,500 rpm.
In addition, a pre-gearing stage is used to increase the torque produced by the electric motor to an effective maximum of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at the transmission input on the engine side. This innovation, patented and used for the first time by BMW, enables the electric drive system integrated into the transmission housing in a compact, weight-saving design to generate drive torque available either on its own or in addition to the power developed by the combustion engine that could normally only be achieved using a far larger and heavier electric motor. The optimised power delivery achieved with the pre-gearing stage between the electric motor’s rotor and the transmission’s input shaft makes a clear difference both when accelerating off the line and putting in a quick burst of speed.
Premiere in the BMW 7 Series: the first performance car from BMW M GmbH with a plug-in hybrid drive system
A performance profile injected with extra sporting potency and an aura of top-end dynamism mark out the new BMW M760e xDrive. This is the first performance car from BMW M GmbH with a plug-in hybrid drive system. The combustion engine is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology, a rated output of 280 kW/380 hp and rated torque of 520 Nm (383 lb-ft). And it teams up with a new electric motor to generate system output of 420 kW/571 hp (with temporary boost) and system torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft).
The new BMW M760e xDrive accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds and completes the mid-range sprint from 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) in just 2.7 seconds. In so doing, the BMW M760e xDrive combines intoxicating performance attributes with the option of locally emission-free driving pleasure in urban areas and beyond. M-specific design features, interior trim and cockpit displays also dovetail neatly with the Sedan’s ambience of modern luxury.
In the new BMW 750e xDrive, the new electric drive system again links up with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, this time developing a rated output of 230 kW/313 hp and rated torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft). Working in tandem, the two power sources produce system output of 360 kW/490 hp (with temporary boost) and system torque of 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). This allows the new BMW 750e xDrive to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and from 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) in only 2.7 seconds.
The electric motors for the two plug-in hybrid models source their energy from a lithium-ion high-voltage battery installed in the vehicle floor, which is likewise the product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. At 18.7 kWh, the battery’s usable energy content is more than 50 per cent higher than that available with the previous generation of the technology. Maximum AC charging power is 7.4 kW. In combination with the efficiency of the electric motor and intelligent energy management including adaptive recuperation, this gives the new BMW M760e xDrive an electric range of 77 – 85 kilometres / 48 – 53 miles (provisional values) in the WLTP cycle and the new BMW 750e xDrive a range of 78 – 87 kilometres / 48 – 54 miles (provisional values) as per WLTP.
Availability and prices.
The BMW 740d xDrive can be ordered with immediate effect and the two plug-in hybrid models from 12 October 2022. Deliveries to customers will commence in spring 2023. Prices in Germany start at €114,300 for the BMW 740d xDrive, €123,500 for the BMW 750e xDrive and €144,000 for the BMW M760e xDrive (including 19% VAT in each case).