The New BMW 740e iPerformance – Halcyon Hybrid

BMW unveils the latest in their line of Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles with the introduction of the opulent 740e.

The BMW i8 is the first hybrid vehicle from BMW that has been taken seriously. It’s a successful combination of internal combustion and electric technology and one that shows that BMW is serious about a greener future. They managed not only to effectively combine the two technologies in a package that seems viable, but they laced it together in a body shape that is aerodynamically advanced and visually appealing.  They did all of this while managing to retain their identity and created something that reminds us of where we’ve come from, the days when the most desirable cars were wedge shaped and outlandish.

There’s no denying that the BMW i8 has laid the foundation of BMW iPerformance and their hybrid efforts. While this journey started long before the i8 with their Efficient Dynamics, the world only started taking it seriously with the introduction of the i8. Since then, we’ve been introduced to the full-electric i3 and the PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) X5 xDrive40e, locally.

When I reviewed the BMW i8, I likened it to the first Apple iPhone; important for the world, steering the conceived conceptions in a new direction and giving us a glimpse into what may actually be possible in the near future. A cornerstone laid in the foundation of hybrid motoring.

However, like the first iPhone, it was not without fault. The inherent weight issues associated with saddling a vehicle with heavy batteries and the impracticality of their size means that the BMW i8 is somewhat flawed. These were only some of the compromises that needed to be made in order for the package to work. Think Bluetooth or customizable ringtones on the first iPhone.

Yet, all of these can be forgiven when one considers the package in its entirety. Many have forgiven them and in a relatively short space of time and over 159 BMW i8s have been sold since its local launch.

But why am I waxing lyrical about the i8 if this is the First Drive Impressions of the New BMW 740e? Well, if the BMW i8 is the first iPhone, then the BMW 740e is Windows 8.

Allow me to explain. Much like Windows 8, we liked the idea of combining silent, hybrid operation with the luxury and class of the 7 Series. The 7 Series itself is well-revered and the latest generation is a technological masterpiece, driving BMW technology forward at a rapid rate of knots. It makes sense that in the comfortable, highly digitized environment that is the 7 Series, that the addition of full-electric propulsion and the convenience of internal combustion charging and drive options would seem right at home. But it’s all a little unnecessary in all honesty.

Firstly, the eDrive system is going to necessitate a few modifications to the existing platform. The new 740e gains 175kg, going from an unladen 1725kg DIN (in the 740i) to 1900kg DIN. It may not sound like much, but it can be felt and where the regular 7 Series did a commendable job of isolating irregular road surfaces, it is marginally less adept in the 740e.

Then there’s the reduction in the luggage compartment, a side-effect of the batteries once again. While very few would test the limits of the relatively cavernous 515-litre enclosure in the fossil-fueled 7 Series, it still remains that the 740e has a smaller boot, coming in at 420-litres.

These are the two glaring compromises present in the new 740e iPerformance, the rest, in all honesty, are negligible.

You are still getting a fantastic car with an astounding drive and a smorgasbord of tech and convenience to rival the best. The drive is comfortable when it needs to be, sporty when you want it and integrates into your tech life like no other before it. Naturally, the options list that reads like the National Prosecutors State Capture Report means that the 7 Series can be tailored to suit your individual needs. It’s no different in the new 740e.

But what about fuel savings? Isn’t that after all why one elects to go the hybrid route?

The new 740e claims to have amazing fuel consumption. Quoted figures come in at 2.2 – 2.0l/100km, depending on the wheel and tyre combination that the saloon is specified with, but this I fear will only be achieved under the most stringent conditions. One has to understand how the eDrive system works in order to yield the best results. Knowing when to manually switch between the three different eDrive modes makes the world of difference. As with the X5 xDrive40e (and similar to the i8), you have three modes that provide different solutions.

The MAX eDRIVE will propel the car along using only the gearbox mounted electric motor, using batteries to supply the energy. You will have a limited speed of 140km/h with 83kW and 250Nm available at your disposal.

The AUTO eDRIVE mode will automatically switch between the 2-litre, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo equipped petrol engine and the electric motor, depending on the current demands, be it cruising at speeds under 80km/h at constant throttle, light throttle application like one would encounter in traffic or harder acceleration where the petrol motor comes into play. The petrol engine alone produces 190kW and 400Nm torque. Combined, you’re looking at 240kW and 500Nm on tap, resulting in a 0 -100km time of 5.4-seconds.

The petrol engine will also engage when the batteries have been depleted and serve to recharge the batteries and this can be done deliberately by selecting the third eDrive option, Battery Control (known as Save Battery in the X5 xDrive40e or Sport in the i8). With only the petrol engine running in this mode, the batteries are charged, forgoing the need to plug the new 740e into a power outlet.

More battery power is garnered from regenerative braking and dynamo-like kinetic energy systems in the new 740e. Then you always have the option of going the hard-wired route of plugging the 740e into a wall socket using the supplied charger or, at a place of residence, connecting it up to the optional Wallbox for a quicker, more efficient charge. Electric range on a full charge is said to be between 44- and 49km.

BMW is still rapidly expanding their public charging infrastructure at various dealers and locations around the country and 2017 will see charging points popping up at a variety of convenient and popular locations.

It’s when you consider all of the above, and the factor in the price of the new 740e that you are faced with a bit of a dilemma. Do you upgrade to what is touted as the latest and greatest Windows 8, with all of its new functionality and live with some of its quirks, or do you stick with Windows 7 that was doing just fine and has already proven itself as stable and reliable? Yes, the advances are there; but are you actually benefitting from it or is it just more work than it’s worth?

You can get a very similar experience and most of the economy from a BMW 730d. You then have that extra space and the ride is slightly better. There’s less to worry about in terms of charging and saving battery charge. You save roughly R30 000 on the purchase price too, depending on the derivative you choose and, naturally, your options.

The new BMW 740e iPerformance is thus a little confused. It’s a solid implementation of the eDrive technology into BMW’s flagship model and I don’t doubt that there will be buyers, I’m just struggling to see who the typical buyer would be.

Pricing:

BMW 740e iPerformance Standard	R1 431 500
BMW 740e iPerformance Pure Excellence Package	R1 444 300
BMW 740e iPerformance M-Sport Package	R1 474 800