What’s this then?
This is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of BMW’s 7 Series range and this 740e model can be yours for €76,950.
What’s so special about it?
The 7 Series is BMW’s flagship model line and this is the more eco-friendly, and wallet-friendly, PHEV model. Thanks to the plug-in battery and electric motor CO2 emissions are just 49g/km which puts the car in tax Band A1, which is €170 per annum.
Fuel economy also improves thanks to that battery-electric powertrain and the official quoted figure is 2.1 litres/100km.
Any standout design features?
There is very little difference between this, the BMW 740e iPerformance model compared to the regular 7 Series models. Although, to make out this car’s green credentials there are some blue accents in the twin kidney grilles and surrounding the propeller roundels on the wheels.
There is, of course, the plug-in charging ‘filler’ flap on the nearside front wing and the ‘eDrive’ logo on the C-pillar.
And what powers this BMW 7 Series?
Powering this 740e is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 83kW synchronous electric motor and 7.4kWh (net) lithium-ion battery. It has a top speed limited to 250km and it can go from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
Power is rated at 258hp at 5,000- to 6,500rpm for the petrol engine, 113hp at 3,170rpm for the electric motor, and combined peak power output is 326hp. Combined peak torque output is 500Nm.
Does the BMW 740e have any luxurious touches?
Being the flagship model, the 7 Series is the most luxurious in BMW’s range. This particular car has Black Sapphire metallic paint, 19-inch alloys and adaptive headlights with high beam assist and LED front fog lights.
Inside, the cabin is upholstered in black exclusive Nappa leather with black trim and carpets and features a fineline high gloss interior wood trim and extended leather dash. There is a sports steering wheel and the front seats are fully electric with a heated memory and massage function and the rear seats are also fully electric and heated. There is also four-zone auto climate control for the front and rear.
High-tech features include the super cool gesture control, a reversing camera with front and rear park distance control, widescreen satellite navigation with BMW touchpad iDrive controller, BMW connected drive pack, a DVD player, a 20gb music hard drive, USB interface, WiFi hotspot, DAB radio, voice control, BMW enhanced Bluetooth phone system with wireless charging tray and BMW concierge services.
But who would drive this car?
Someone with deep pockets that wants a high-tech, high-speed, comfortable cruiser that looks good and won’t cost the Earth to run.
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