The 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance will arrive at U.S. dealerships in August starting at $89,100 plus $995 Destination and Handling.
The BMW eDrive technology based on the knowledge gained from the development of BMW i cars has arrived in the luxury class and adds outstanding sustainability-led qualities to the new BMW 7 Series. The new 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system using the precisely executed interplay of a four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electrical machine integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission to generate a system output of 322 hp.
The plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series delivers a dynamic driving experience and long-distance comfort with the added virtues of all-electric, locally emission-free mobility. The BMW iPerformance Automobiles represent the most rigorous implementation of BMW EfficientDynamics. Their BMW eDrive technology teams up with intelligent energy management, an extensive weight-reduction program as part of BMW EfficientLightweight and innovative aerodynamics optimization measures.
The BMW Group defined the sustainability targets for the new BMW 7 Series to include the vehicle’s entire life cycle since the beginning of development. The environmental impact termed the “greenhouse potential”, is measured on the basis of the CO2e emissions produced by everything from the extraction of raw materials through the entire manufacturing, the actual usufruct of the vehicle and finishes with the recycling at the end of the vehicle’s life. These improvements have been achieved through measures including the use of secondary aluminum in cast components and recycled plastics, and by increasing the proportion of power from renewable sources used in vehicle production. The BMW eDrive technology in the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance ensures its greenhouse potential (CO2e) is approximately 30 percent lower than that of the gasoline powered 740i over the full lifecycle of the car.
Like the BMW eDrive technology on the plug-in hybrid of the new BMW 7 Series, the intelligent lightweight design featuring carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is also based on expertise forged in the development of BMW i cars. The body structure with Carbon Core, first presented in the new BMW 7 Series, is the result of the BMW Group’s unparalleled know-how in the industrial use of CFRP in the automotive industry. Experience gathered at BMW i has also been used in the model-specific configuration of the electrical machine, power electronics and lithium-ion high-voltage battery. Customers can rely on innovative products and mobility services originally developed for BMW i cars, such as the BMW i Charging Station and the ChargeNow service, for charging the high-voltage battery at home and during a journey.
The BMW eDrive technology has been tailored specifically for the plug-in hybrid member of the new BMW 7 Series family. The electric boost function provides a noticeable increase in dynamic performance – expressed most prominently by the powertrain’s instantaneous responses – and combines with enhanced efficiency. With its eDrive technology the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance can be driven in all-electric mode up to 75 mph. Combined fuel economy of 64 MPGe and an all-electric range of 14 miles is possible (EPA official figures).
Working together intelligently, the combustion engine and electric drive system bring a system output of 322 hp and combined peak torque of 369 lb-ft. Immediate response to every movement of the accelerator and sustained delivery of dynamic power allow the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance to dash from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Individualized powertrain configurations
The eDrive button on the center console allows the driver to select from the AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and Battery Control settings, to determine the operating approach of the plug-in hybrid drive system. AUTO eDRIVE, which is automatically activated when the vehicle starts up, uses intelligent energy management to ensure the combustion engine and electrical machine work together to the best possible effect in terms of both efficiency and dynamics. The operating strategy defaults to all-electric mode at low and moderate speeds to utilize the advantages of locally emission-free mobility as widely as possible. The combustion engine only joins in at a speed of 50 mph or under heavy throttle applications. The electrical machine ensures the switch from pure-electric to hybrid mode takes place extremely smoothly.
The electric drive system also delivers additional torque through its boost function allowing instantaneous throttle responses and a noticeable increase in pulling power at all times. These characteristics lend the engine the appeal of a unit with a far larger displacement. The electric assist function enables a targeted lowering of the engine’s load points when greater power is needed, and that enhances the system’s efficiency. Whenever the navigation system’s route guidance function is activated, proactive energy management adapts the drive system’s operating strategy to optimize efficiency. It also ensures the high-voltage battery has sufficient charge remaining to reach the selected destination in pure-electric driving mode.
The driver can switch to the MAX eDRIVE operating function at the touch of a button. In this setting, the car is powered exclusively by the electrical machine, although the combustion engine can be activated at any time by pushing the accelerator into kickdown.
The Battery Control setting allows the charge of the high-voltage battery to be set manually. The driver can input a target value between 30 and 100 percent of maximum charge, which is then available for pure-electric driving later in the journey. Depending on the driver’s requirements, the charge of the high-voltage battery is maintained at a constant level or – using the electrical machine’s generator function – increased to the target charge level selected. For example, electric power can be held back or even increased while on the highway so that it can be deployed subsequently for locally emission-free driving. This strategy allows the use of electric energy in a targeted manner and at the desired time.
Driving Dynamics Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode
The iPerformance model of the new BMW 7 Series is also fitted as standard with the newly designed Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console. At the touch of a button, the driver can activate a vehicle setting that optimizes dynamics, comfort or efficiency. Their selection adjusts the characteristics of the accelerator and steering, the gearshift profile of the Steptronic transmission and the responses of the Dynamic Damper Control system. The range of characters encompassed by the ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes are even more clearly defined than with conventionally powered vehicles.
COMFORT mode provides the plug-in hybrid BMW 7 Series model with a smoothly balanced overall set-up. In this mode, the electrical machine delivers relaxed driving with the lowest possible energy consumption. In SPORT mode the power of both the combustion engine and the electrical machine team up to provide a firmer damper setting, increased accelerator response, sharper gear shift dynamics and direct steering characteristics to maximize dynamic performance. The electric boost function is also increased, as is recuperation under braking and on the overrun.
The hybrid-specific version of the ECO PRO mode supports an operating strategy which aims to maximize the car’s electric range. As a result, the electric boost function supplementing the power of the combustion engine is only activated if the accelerator is pushed into kickdown. Energy recuperation on overrun also takes a limited strategy. Instead, a hybrid-specific coasting function is triggered at speeds between 25 – 100 mph. As soon as the driver releases the accelerator, the combustion engine is switched off. In addition, recuperation of braking energy is reduced to the level required by the onboard power supply. The car therefore runs on the minimum possible energy consumption and with the lowest possible mechanical resistance. As with the other models in the new BMW 7 Series, ECO PRO mode features precisely measured power control for electrically operated convenience functions, such as the climate control system, seat heating and exterior mirror heating.
The Driving Dynamics Control switch also offers drivers of plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7 Series the option of selecting ADAPTIVE mode. In this setting, the car adapts to the driver’s style and route profile, taking their cues from movements in the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal, as well as from the position of the gearshift lever (D or S position). The navigation system’s map data is used to ensure the right set-up option is made available when the driver switches from city driving to highway, for example, as well as on twisty sections of road or when approaching an intersection.
High-voltage lithium-ion battery: developed specifically for BMW iPerformance
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance stands out with its compact construction and has a gross capacity of 9.2 kWh (net capacity: 6.5 kWh). It consists of 96 cells arranged in six modules and has its own cooling system integrated into the climate control system for the interior. The high-voltage battery was developed specifically for this model and is accommodated underneath the rear seat bench in a space-saving position that also ensures optimum crash safety. As in its BMW 7 Series siblings, the trunk area of the new BMW iPerformance variant also benefits from a level surface and high-convenience practicality. It provides 14.8 ft3 of space, which far exceeds that of comparable plug-in hybrid models in the luxury sedan segment, while extra capacity can be gained by using the storage compartment underneath the load compartment floor, lowering the cover in the rear section of the trunk or opening the side storage compartments.
The energy flow between the high-voltage battery, electrical machine and charger is controlled by power electronics also developed specifically for this iPerformance model. The power electronics also regulate the supply of energy from the high-voltage battery to the 12V onboard electrical system via a voltage transformer.
BMW 360° Electric Lifestyle: Simple, convenient and flexible charging
The high-voltage battery on the 7 Series iPerformance can be charged from most dedicated standard household outlets (120V), or for more convenience, a BMW Charging Station designed for quicker charge time at home. On the go, drivers can easily access participating public charging stations using the ChargeNow access card included in every BMW 740e xDrive (in the glovebox). The BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance comes standard with a Level 1 charging cable (“Occasional Use Cable” “OUC”), which is stored in a bag and can be held in place using a tension belt on the left-hand side of the trunk.
The battery can be charged to full capacity in under 7 hours from a residential 120V outlet using the OUC, while tailor-made solutions enabling safe, straightforward charging are available through BMW 360° Electric Lifestyle, such as the BMW Installation Services and BMW Solar Energy programs. The BMW Charging Station uses its output of 3.6kW – 7.2 kW (16/32 A, 240 V) to reduce charging time to just under three hours, to wake up to a fully charged vehicle each day. The progress of the charging process can be tracked via a graphic in the car’s instrument cluster or the BMW Connected app on a smartphone.
BMW 360° Electric Lifestyle offers an all-encompassing concept covering the supply and installation of the residential charging station and other services. ChargeNow, the public charging program for BMW drivers, grants single-card access to partner public charging stations, while the BMW Solar Energy Program allows the driver to fuel the vehicle and the home with clean, renewable solar energy.
Standard equipment includes auxiliary air conditioning
The high level of standard equipment for the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance includes LED headlights, the BMW Display Key, the ConnectedDrive navigation package, smartphone integration with wireless charging for mobile phones, an iDrive operating system expanded to include a touchscreen function for the Control Display and the globally unique BMW Gesture Control feature. Customers can also look forward to auxiliary heating and air conditioning, which allow them to precondition the car’s interior temperature in advance. The heating and air conditioning system of the plug-in hybrid models is supplied with energy via the high-voltage battery and works almost silently due to the electric operation of the refrigerant compressor and water heater. The auxiliary air conditioning function is powered by the mains supply when the car’s battery is being charged, while a timer function allows the advance preparation of the interior and charging of the battery to be programed via the iDrive menu.
In addition, the BMW Connected app allows the driver to activate the auxiliary air conditioning function from outside the car via a smartphone. It also supplies information on the charge of the high-voltage battery, the location of public charging stations, the distance covered on electric power alone and the amount of gasoline saved as a result.
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