BMW Adds a 740e iPerformance Model to its Lineup

2017 BMW 740e iPerformance (Credit: © BMW)

Not one to be left behind in the world of electrification, BMW has recently unveiled the newest addition to its plug-in hybrid lineup. This 740e xDrive iPerformance takes all the comfort of the 7 Series and tosses and efficient and fairly potent hybrid powertrain at it.

The look of this new plug-in hybrid sedan doesn’t stray far from the 740i, but it does have a handful of distinguishing traits. Its exclusive bits include the “eDrive” logos on the C-pillars and doorsill plates, the “BMW i” logos on the left and right front panels, the BMW i Blue BMW kidney grille bars, the charging ports, and the blue hub covers.

Inside, things are, once again, mostly carryover from the standard 7 Series. It does, however, have some hybrid-only bits. These include the eDrive button, which allows the driver to choose from three drive modes (AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE, and Battery Control), special graphic displays in the instrument cluster, and an energy-flow graphic with real-time info on the powertrain operation. In addition to these hybrid-only items, the 740e xDrive iPerformance also features LED carpet and ambient lighting.

2017 BMW 740e iPerformance (Credit: © BMW)

There are also plenty of options to choose from, including a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, the Ambient Air package, comfort seats, active seat ventilation, massaging seats, heated front and rear armrests, and the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof.

All of this is well and good, but the real moneymaker for the 740e iPerformance is its powertrain. On the gasoline side is a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder that pumps out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, making it the most-powerful four-cylinder engine that BMW has ever produced. Pairing up with this engine is an electric motor that produces an extra 111 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This motor is integrated into the 740e iPerformance’s eight-speed transmission, eliminating the need for a torque converter.

Altogether, this powertrain produces 322 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to sprint this plug-in sedan to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and up to 155 mph. In electric-only mode, the 740e iPerformance can travel up to 14 miles and reach speeds of 75 mph. Charging takes seven hours on the included Level 1 charging cable and as few as three hours on a BMW Charging Station.

The 2017 BME 740e iPerformance is in production now and should start arriving at dealerships this month at a starting price of $89,100.