BMW adds to hybrid assault with 740e

BMW’s newest edition to the hybrid era has arrived, the 4 cylinder 740e. It’s good but is it a better option than the petrol and diesel equivalents? And are you one of the handful of early-adopters who will help blaze the electric trail?

This decade has seen in-car technology take leaps forward and recently with the launch of Mercedes E Class and BMWs 7, the limits have been pushed even further. It wouldn’t be outrageous to say these innovations are shaping the automobiles future. BMW 740e employs all the trick bits such as the scarcely believable “wave your fingers around to control the volume” function to having a fully enabled tablet at the back to control, well everything.  From the seats, to the curtains, to the sunroof, all stowed away neatly in the centre armrest. With 7 series being such a technological marvel, it’s the perfect platform for BMW to usher in its hybrid technology to another segment.

Inside the 740e

Hybrid tech from BMW’s other models now converges in BMW’s premium sedan and the eerily silent saloon benefits well from it.  Put the car in Comfort+ and although a little floaty the suspension is more heard than felt, the engine surge, more felt than heard. Isn’t this what luxury motoring is supposed to be like?

Whether you’re being chauffeured around resting your head against the ridiculously soft headrest, or adjusting the curtains just so. Maybe you’re driving and strategizing for the next board room brawl as your fingers get warmed up on the steering wheel. With a near perfect seating position and ergonomics so good they’re hardly noticeable,  740e fades into the background and you arrive at your destination without realising the journey’s done.  For some this might seem uninvolving, but that is missing the point of this car.

The dials take a fair bit of getting used to and I would have preferred a more conventional layout, but this is the future and for those willing to embrace it, it’s a small price to pay.

The Engine

At just 2000cc in such a large machine, the car would need extra help. It gets that in the form of an electric engine producing 50kW, that’s 240kW combined. Total torque is 400Nm from as low as 1550/rpm. Although overall acceleration is not that impressive, overtaking acceleration is jaw dropping.  Around town driving in EV only mode is where the 7 series really excels and driving in traffic can be a surprisingly calm(ing) experience.

The four cylinder engine is quiet and some may miss the aural pleasure provided by BMW’s inline 6 and V8 models.  That combined with the lack of feel and recalcitrance almost discourages spirited driving.

Fuel efficiency is a claimed 2.1 litres/100kM, however we managed nowhere near that. We did partake in some brisk driving but we doubt the car would attain those figures in anything other than perfect test conditions.  Charging 740e has however become more accessible with charge points available for your home, at selected malls and now an ever expanding dealership network. The truth is though that most owners will rely on the regenerative charging option while driving, thus negating the fuel saving benefits of the hybrid.

Boot Space

Interior space remains largely the same as other 7 series however boot space now drops from 515 litres to 370, with additional stowage available below the parcel tray.   This is arguably the biggest price to pay when opting for the hybrid model.

Verdict

Alongside the 740e BMW also showcased its X5 Hybrid and updated i8 (now available in a choice of interesting colours) This serves as a commitment from BMW to keep pushing the technology, to keep expanding and giving early adopters incentive to take the leap.  Between the current models the i3 and 740e certainly make the most sense. One an urban commuter, the other a luxury sedan. If you’re in the market for a luxury sedan I urge you to test drive the new 740e.

The future is hybrid and the future is inevitable.  How fast it happens is now largely up to the consumer and the supporting technology. At this stage one has to applaud BMW’s commitment to a very niche segment but when it does grow, then the rewards will follow.