Munich. BMW presents a particularly contemporary and
technologically advanced form of automotive luxury. The extensively
advanced plug-in hybrid models of the luxury sedan likewise line up
for the start at the market launch of the new BMW 7 Series in spring
2019. They combine the sporty flair, travel comfort and feel-good
ambience of the brand’s top models with a particularly high level of
efficiency as well as the possibility of enjoying a purely
electrically powered, locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless
driving experience. This future-oriented driver experience in the
luxury performance segment is available in a choice of three model
variants: the BMW 745e, the long version BMW 745Le and the
BMW 745Le xDrive with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel
drive. Their plug-in hybrid system now includes a 6-cylinder in-line
petrol engine and a further advanced high-voltage battery with
enlarged capacity. Progress vis-à-vis the predecessor models is
reflected by a boost in output and torque as well as improved figures
for electrically powered range, fuel consumption and CO2emissions.
With their new drive technology, the BMW 745e, the BMW 745Le and the
BMW 745Le xDrive represent the typical character of the luxury sedan
more than ever before. Their plug-in hybrid system now includes an
in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine from the current BMW
EfficientDynamics engine family that has been adapted on a
model-specific basis to produce a peak output of 210 kW/286 hp and
offering unmistakable revving power and running smoothness, an
electric motor with a rated output of 83 kW/113 hp and a rated torque
of 265 Nm, along with a new lithium-ion battery featuring the very
latest battery cell technology and expanded storage capacity. The
likewise further advanced power electronics features intelligent
energy management for precisely controlled interaction between the two
power units and – with activated preview function – efficient
assignment of the electrical driving share to those route sections
which are to be covered with zero emissions. There is an enhancement
of dynamic performance generated by electrical boost and perceptible
in a highly spontaneous engine response, as well as an increase in
efficiency due to the electrical assist. When the driving experience
switch is set to SPORT mode, an overall system output of 290 kW/394 hp
is available. For a particularly powerful set-off manoeuvre, it is
even possible to draw on a maximum system torque of 600 Nm.
The new drive system gives the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7
Series optimised sprint capacity. The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2
seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes
5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h
mark from standing in 5.1 seconds. The maximum speed for all three
models is electronically cut off at 250 km/h.
The new high-voltage battery for the plug-in hybrid models of the
BMW 7 Series now has a gross energy content that has been increased to
12.0 kWh. The increased storage capacity of the lithium-ion battery
creates the basis for expanding the share of purely electrically
powered, locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless driving in the
luxury sedans well beyond the sphere of urban mobility. In HYBRID
mode, the new BMW 745e, the new BMW 745Le and the new BMW 745Le xDrive
can travel at a speed of up to 110 km/h – 20 km/h faster than the
predecessor models – in purely electric mode. The combustion engine is
not added until a higher speed is reached requiring a particularly
high load. In ELECTRIC mode, the power of the electric motor alone is
even sufficient to reach a speed of 140 km/h. The electrically powered
range of the new BMW 745e is between 54 and 58 kilometres*, while the
new BMW 745Le reaches 52 to 55 kilometres*. The new BMW 745Le xDrive
achieves an electrically powered range of 50 to 54 kilometres.
The fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures of the luxury
sedans with plug-in hybrid drive have also been further optimised. For
the new BMW 745e, a combined fuel consumption was measured of 2.3 to
2.1 litres per 100 kilometres*, a combined power consumption of 15.6
to 15.1 kWh/100 kilometres* and CO2 emissions of 52 to
48 grams per kilometre. The corresponding figures for the new BMW
745Le are 2.3 to 2.2 litres per 100 kilometres*, 15.7 to 15.6 kWh per
100 kilometres* and 53 to 50 grams pro kilometre*. The new
BMW 745Le xDrive reaches a level of 2.6 to 2.3 litres* per
100 kilometres*, 16.3 to 15.8 kWh per 100 kilometres* and 59 to
52 grams per kilometre*.
The electric motor of the plug-in hybrid models is integrated in the
8-speed Steptronic transmission. In braking and coasting phases it
acts as a generator, feeding energy into the high-voltage battery by
means of recuperation. The lithium-ion battery also serves to power
the on-board network. In addition, it energy can be used to run the
standard auxiliary air conditioning system. The high-voltage battery
is positioned underneath the rear seats, while the 46-litre fuel tank
is located above the rear axle. This means that the luggage
compartment volume of the plug-in hybrid models is only slightly
restricted. What is more, the luggage volume of 420 litres can be
expanded as needed by means of the standard 40 : 20 : 40 split and
fold function offered by the rear backrests.
The vehicle set-up and operating mode of the drive system can be
selected at the press of a button using a joint control panel in the
central console. Here, the driving experience switch offers the modes
SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a set-up that
is geared towards the relevant driving style and situation, as well as
the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID
mode serves as the standard setting that activates a balanced set-up
and optimised interaction between the combustion engine and electric
motor. By pressing the HYBRID button twice, this operating mode is
activated in an efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). Driving
with a reduced fuel consumption is supported in this mode. The
coasting function is one of the factors that contributes to this
effect. Here, the electrical boost is only available for kick-down
manoeuvres. It also possible to select ELECTRIC mode as the standard
setting via the iDrive menu. This mode is for purely electrically
powered driving. A distinctive sound created especially for
electrified BMW models is used for acoustic pedestrian protection,
emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range
radiates a vibrant acoustic presence though without impairing the
acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.
In SPORT mode, the electric motor is not used on its own but solely
in support of the combustion engine. The BATTERY CONTROL setting
serves to keep the charge state of the high-voltage battery at a level
determined by the driver. When driving on a motorway for example, the
power reserves can be saved or even increased to be used later for
locally emissions-free driving in town, for example.
The selected operating mode is displayed as part of the new design of
the instrument panel, easily and clearly identified by means of the
relevant colour. Electric driving continues to be easily recognisable
by means of areas marked in blue in the speedometer as well as on the
output display/power meter. This also clearly displays the add-on
start limits for the combustion engine and the output and speed limits
that apply to electrically powered driving. When charging the
high-voltage battery, the driver can see all the relevant information
in the instrument panel such as charge level and duration, charging
current, currently available electrical range and the next departure
time selected, as well as the chosen conditioning level. This
information can also be clearly seen outside the vehicle.
The exterior design Pure Excellence and the M sports package are
available as options for new BMW 745e, the new BMW 745Le and the new
BMW 745Le xDrive. All driver assistance systems are likewise
available, as is the full range of optional equipment items to enhance
comfort and also, with the exception of the Executive Drive Pro
option, all the suspension systems of the new BMW 7 Series.
As of summer 2019, new digital services will be available for the
plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 7 Series which make charging the
high-voltage battery en route even more attractive and convenient.
When selecting a public charging station, the navigation system also
provides the driver with a list of recommended nearby hotels,
restaurants, cafés, tourist attractions and cultural institutions. In
addition the customer is provided with a charging station occupancy
forecast. BMW also enables ChargeNow customers to reserve a suitable
charging station for a limited amount of time directly from their car.
In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in the plug-in
hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series helps make life easier for the
driver. Among things, this includes selecting an interior experience
as a combination of seat conditioning, seat massage, interior
temperature, fragrance and shading based on specifically defined
Experience Modes. The search for parking spaces and charging options
is also supported by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
All figures relating to driving performance,
consumption, emissions and range are provisional.
Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power
consumption were measured using the methods required according
to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are
calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in
Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in
selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional
equipment. They may change during configuration.
The details marked * have already been calculated based on
the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison
purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those
published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other
vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on
CO2 emissions.
Last revised: 16. 01. 2019
For further details on official consumption figures, official
specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new
cars, please refer to the “Manual on fuel consumption,
CO2 emissions and power consumption of new
cars” available free of charge at all sales outlets, from
Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1,
73760 Ostfilthen-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.