BMW 7 Series 740e xDrive iPerformance: Luxury Hybrid Sedan Review

The BMW 7 Series has long represented the pinnacle of the brand's luxury sedan offerings, combining cutting-edge technology with refined performance. The 740e xDrive iPerformance plug-in hybrid variant takes this legacy into the electrified era, blending traditional BMW driving dynamics with eco-conscious engineering. But how does this luxury PHEV stack up against its combustion-only siblings and premium rivals?

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BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance: Hybrid Engineering Meets Luxury

The 740e xDrive iPerformance represents BMW's approach to electrifying its flagship sedan without compromising the driving experience that defines the brand. The naming convention follows BMW's evolving electrification strategy:

• 740e: Identifies the plug-in hybrid variant
• xDrive: BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system
• iPerformance: Links the model to BMW's broader electrified lineup
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Under the hood, the 740e combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 332 horsepower. This configuration outperforms the conventional 740i's 322 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, demonstrating that electrification can enhance performance as well as efficiency.

Powertrain and Performance Specifications

Driving Experience: Traditional BMW Feel with Electric Boost

Behind the wheel, the 740e delivers a driving experience that largely maintains BMW's reputation for dynamic luxury. The transition between electric and hybrid operation is seamless, thanks to the conventional eight-speed automatic transmission that avoids the droning sensation common to many hybrids.

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Notable Driving Characteristics:

• Smooth powertrain transitions: Electric to hybrid operation is nearly imperceptible
• Confident all-wheel drive: xDrive system provides excellent traction in poor conditions
• Hybrid brake feel: Regenerative braking creates a slightly nonlinear pedal response
• Engine note: Four-cylinder sound doesn't match the car's luxury aspirations

The 740e's acceleration is impressive for a hybrid, matching the 740i xDrive's 5.1-second 0-60 mph time despite its smaller displacement engine. This performance positions it competitively against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S550e (5.2 seconds) though it can't match the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid's 4.4-second sprint.

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Electric Range and Charging: Practical Limitations

Where the 740e shows its age is in electric-only operation. The EPA-estimated 14-mile range feels inadequate compared to newer PHEVs, and real-world conditions often reduce this further. Cold weather testing showed range estimates as low as 12 miles, with the system sometimes refusing full electric operation until the car warmed up.

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Charging Options and Times:

• Standard 120V charging: ~7 hours for full charge
• Level 2 (240V) charging: ~3 hours for full charge
• Onboard charger limitation: 3.7 kW maximum limits charging speed

The limited electric range impacts overall driving range too. While a conventional 740i can travel nearly 500 miles on a tank, the 740e's combination of smaller fuel tank (12.1 vs. 20.6 gallons) and modest electric range yields just 340 miles total.

Fuel Economy: Modest Improvements Over Conventional Models

The 740e's EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined represents a modest improvement over the 740i's 22-24 mpg (AWD/RWD). This efficiency gain may not justify the plug-in system's compromises for many buyers, especially those without regular charging access.

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Fuel Economy Comparison:

Luxury Interior and Technology Features

The 740e maintains the exceptional interior quality of the 7 Series lineup. Passenger space remains unchanged from conventional models, though cargo capacity shrinks slightly to 14.8 cubic feet (from 18.2) to accommodate the battery pack.

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Standout Interior Features:

• iDrive 6.0: Touchscreen interface with hybrid-specific displays
• Display Key: Color touchscreen remote with charging status and climate control
• Gesture control: Innovative but imperfect motion-sensing interface
• Wireless charging: Convenient smartphone power option

The cabin's electric operation enhances luxury at low speeds, providing near-silent operation that complements the already excellent noise isolation. However, when the four-cylinder engine does engage, its coarse sound reminds occupants this isn't the silky smooth six- or eight-cylinder 7 Series they might expect.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

As a flagship luxury sedan, the 740e comes well-equipped with advanced safety features, though official crash test ratings aren't available for the 7 Series.

Available Safety Technologies:

• Standard backup camera with optional 360-degree view
• Driver Assistance Plus packages adding:
  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Lane keeping assist
  • Forward collision warning with automatic braking
  • Pedestrian detection
• Traffic Jam Assistant: Semi-autonomous driving in congestion
• Night Vision: $2,300 option with pedestrian/animal detection
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The Traffic Jam Assistant represents one of the more advanced systems, capable of steering, accelerating, and braking in slow-moving traffic while requiring only occasional driver input. In testing, it performed well in various lighting conditions, though like all such systems, it requires constant supervision.

Competitive Landscape: How the 740e Stacks Up

The luxury plug-in hybrid sedan segment remains small but competitive. The 740e's closest rival is the Mercedes-Benz S550e, while the Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid offers more performance at higher cost.

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Value Proposition: Who Should Consider the 740e?

The 740e xDrive iPerformance presents a compelling case for specific buyers:

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• Urban luxury buyers with short commutes and charging access
• Eco-conscious executives wanting to reduce emissions without sacrificing luxury
• Tech enthusiasts drawn to BMW's latest innovations
• BMW loyalists seeking the most advanced 7 Series variant

However, the limited electric range makes it difficult to recommend over conventional 7 Series models for most buyers. The $4,668 federal tax credit helps offset the price premium, but the overall package feels like a transitional step toward more capable electrified luxury sedans.

The Verdict: A Capable but Compromised Luxury Hybrid

The BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance successfully integrates hybrid technology into the 7 Series without fundamentally altering its luxury character. The powertrain delivers impressive performance, and the car retains all the technology and comfort expected in BMW's flagship.

Yet the modest electric range and small fuel tank create practical limitations that may frustrate buyers expecting more from a plug-in hybrid. As newer PHEVs push electric ranges beyond 30 miles, the 740e's 14-mile estimate feels increasingly dated.

For buyers who can regularly charge and whose driving patterns align with the car's capabilities, the 740e offers a compelling blend of luxury and efficiency. Others may find the conventional 740i or 750i better suits their needs while delivering the traditional BMW luxury experience.

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Ultimately, the 740e represents an important step in BMW's electrification strategy, but one that shows the challenges of adapting existing platforms to hybrid technology. As BMW develops dedicated electric architectures like those underpinning the i7, we can expect more compelling luxury EV offerings in the future.