A Leap Towards a Great New World

Is this the evolution of cars, or the devolution of enjoyment? The electrification (powertrain) and digitalization (advanced safety and connectivity) of cars are accelerating rapidly.

BMW seems to be steadily laying the groundwork for the coming era while preserving the joy of driving. The latest "740e iPerformance" is a prime example.

The BMW 740e iPerformance is a plug-in hybrid model added to the flagship 7 Series. It features a hybrid system combining a 2-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor in a spacious body exceeding 5 meters in length. Fuel efficiency is 15.6 km/l. A key feature is its ability to travel 42 km on electric power alone.

Introduced to the Japanese market in October 2016, it offers the characteristic BMW driving pleasure while highlighting its cutting-edge electronic technology.7 SeriesThis model adds the characteristic of ecology to the 7 Series.

The engine is a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo, boasting a maximum output of 190 kW (258 hp) and a substantial maximum torque of 400 Nm. This is combined with an electric motor (integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission) that delivers an instantaneous 250 Nm of torque.

It is equipped with an "eDrive" button that allows switching between the roles of the engine and motor, as well as selecting the driving style. Selecting the Battery Control mode allows for full battery charging even while driving.

When the first generation was announced in 1977, it was a hot topic that BMW was finally challenging the stronghold of Mercedes-Benz'sS-Classwith the7 Series.The currentsixth generationcan be said to represent a significant leap into a new world.

It is surprisingly smooth to drive.

System Total Maximum Torque is 500 Nm

The hybrid system in the BMW 740e iPerformance integrates the electric motor and the 8-speed transmission. Developed by transmission manufacturer ZF, it incorporates the electric motor internally, which is touted for its space efficiency.

Indeed, there is no sense of lacking power with the hybrid system combining a 2-liter engine and an electric motor. The system's total maximum torque reaches 500 Nm.

Many German hybrid cars are set to start the engine when the battery charge drops below a certain level. In the 740e, the engine starts when you press the accelerator pedal a bit harder. Perhaps it's difficult to maintain a full EV mode due to the car's weight exceeding 2 tons and the hybrid system's size limitations, despite its high output.

There is also a mode called "MAX eDrive" for electric-only driving, but normally, the engine and motor frequently alternate as the main power source.

The transition is smooth (like in Japanese cars) and completely free of harshness. You only know the engine is running by the movement of the tachometer needle on the digital instrument cluster. For enjoyable city driving, the manufacturer's stated 15.6 km/l (JC08 mode) is a reasonable benchmark.

The appeal of the 7 Series lies in the unity between the car and the driver. The direct response when turning the steering wheel, despite the car's size, is a key attraction of the 7 Series.

Next to the shift lever are the "Driving Performance Control" switches. You can select "Sport," "Comfort," or "ECO PRO." BMW also touts an "Adaptive" mode that "adjusts the suspension to changing road conditions, corners, and intersections, ensuring optimal driving settings at all times."

In Adaptive mode, the suspension system, steering wheel, and 8-speed automatic transmission are continuously adjusted. For example, it provides optimal settings in response to curves, intersections, and changes in road surface. Preferences vary here; I tend to choose Normal or Comfort for premium sedans prioritizing comfort, and Sport for sportier models. I often use them to emphasize the car's inherent characteristics.

Rather than comparing which is superior between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and this car, there is a clear difference in taste. It might be like comparing a vintage champagne to a Bordeaux Grand Cru – which is better?

The 740e is a car that embodies advanced technology.

Starting at ¥11.69 Million for the Standard Model

The BMW 740e is a plug-in hybrid vehicle capable of external charging, equipped with a wealth of advanced safety features. Stereo cameras and radar play a significant role.

In terms of driving performance, it features "Active Drive Pro," which uses cameras to detect detailed road surface irregularities ahead and continuously adjusts the suspension accordingly. Vehicles equipped with active roll stabilization systems minimize body roll during high-speed cornering. Both systems are designed to enhance the comfort of rear-seat passengers during the drive.

There are also many notable safety features. Active Cruise Control, which automatically stops and starts in traffic jams, and Steering & Lane Control Assist are prime examples.

Steering & Lane Control Assist supports steering wheel operation to keep the vehicle within its lane and automatically follows the vehicle ahead in traffic jams by adjusting steering.

The collision prevention system, which combines cameras and radar, offers a wide range of functions. Active Side Collision Protection, designed to prevent side impacts, constantly monitors the movement of vehicles in adjacent lanes. When the car changes lanes or if an adjacent vehicle is about to collide, the computer intervenes with steering wheel input.

The monitor displays images showing the surroundings of the car. Notably, the new 7 Series adds "3D View" to its top-view function. BMW states this "enhances visibility when parking, in poorly visible alleys, or at parking lot exits."

Parking Assist allows remote parking using the display key from outside the car. However, the entry angle into the parking space must be 10 degrees or less, and it does not support reverse parking. This system is useful in situations where getting in and out of the car is inconvenient.

M Sport with a Sporty Ride Also Available

Among the comfort features, the thorough utilization of the information display is particularly noteworthy. Gesture Control, which uses motion capture technology to respond to finger movements, allows for audio volume adjustment by rotating a finger, for example. The advantage is that you don't need to reach out or search for volume switches on the complex center pad of the steering wheel.

The price starts at ¥11.69 million for the standard model. Competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class offer hybrid models such as the "S 300 h" (¥9.98 million) and "S 400 h" (¥11.23 million), but their plug-in hybrid model capable of external charging is the "S 500 e Long" (¥16.38 million).

Lexus also offers the "LS600h" (¥10,811,000), but it is also a hybrid model that cannot be externally charged. The 740e is also available in a sportier M Sport specification. A long-wheelbase version, available in its home market, may also be introduced. BMW clearly demonstrates its individuality here.

BMW 740e iPerformance
Body Dimensions | Length 5,100 x Width 1,900 x Height 1,480 mm
(M Sport) Length 5,110 x Width 1,900 x Height 1,480 mm
Wheelbase | 3,070 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,617 / 1,646 mm *
Vehicle Weight | 1,900 kg *
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Engine Max Output | 190 kW (258 ps) / 5,000-6,500 rpm *
Engine Max Torque | 400 Nm / 1,550-4,400 rpm *
Motor Max Output | 83 kW (95 ps) / 3,170 rpm *
Motor Max Torque | 250 Nm / 0-3,170 rpm *
System Integrated Max Output | 240 kW (326 ps)
System Integrated Max Torque | 500 Nm (51.0 kgm)
Drive Battery | 9.2 kWh Lithium-ion
Transmission | 8-speed AT (Steptronic)
Drivetrain | FR
Minimum Turning Radius | 6.15 meters *
Trunk Capacity | 420 liters *
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Ventilated Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 225/60R17 *
0-100 km/h Acceleration | 5.4 seconds *
Maximum Speed | 250 km/h *
Maximum Speed (Motor Only) | 140 km/h *
Fuel Consumption (EU Hybrid Measurement) | 2.0 L/100km (approx. 50 km/L) *
CO2 Emissions | 45 g/km *
Power Consumption | 12.5 kWh/100km *
EV Driving Equivalent Distance (Equivalent EV Range, MLIT Standard) | 42 km
Handle Position | Right
Price | ¥11.69 million (M Sport) ¥12.40 million