Overview
The BMW 7 Series G11/G12 740e/740Le is a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan produced from 2016 to 2019. It was part of the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series and offered a unique blend of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Design and Features
The 740e/740Le shared its platform with the non-hybrid variants of the G11/G12 7 Series. The exterior design featured a sleek and aerodynamic shape, with a bold front grille, LED headlights, and a sloping roofline. The interior was characterized by premium materials, including leather upholstery, wood trim, and advanced technology features such as a heads-up display, navigation system, and rear-seat entertainment.
Powertrain and Performance
The 740e/740Le was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which produced 240 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor added an additional 113 horsepower, for a combined output of 313 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The car featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
Fuel Economy and Range
The 740e/740Le boasted impressive fuel economy figures, with an estimated EPA rating of up to 58 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) in electric-only mode. The hybrid system allowed for a range of up to 22 miles on electric power alone, before the gasoline engine kicked in. The total driving range was over 400 miles.
Trim Levels and Options
The 740e/740Le was offered in various trim levels, including the base model, M Sport, and Platinum. Optional features included a panoramic moonroof, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety Features
The 740e/740Le featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- ABS with brake assist
- Electronic stability control
- Rearview camera
- Active Driving Assistant (adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning)
- City Collision Mitigation (front collision warning)
Dimensions and Capacity
The 740e/740Le had a length of 203.9 inches, a width of 75.2 inches, and a height of 59.5 inches. The car offered ample passenger space, with seating for five and cargo room behind the rear seats.
Warranty and Maintenance
BMW offered a comprehensive warranty package, including:
- 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty
- 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (for plug-in hybrid models)
- Complimentary maintenance program for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles
Competitors and Price
The BMW 740e/740Le competed in the luxury sedan market with other plug-in hybrids like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid, Audi A8 e-tron, and Volvo XC90 T8. The car's base price started at around $87,000 for the 740e and $92,000 for the 740Le, depending on the trim level and options chosen.