New BMW 7-Series Hybrid to Return 47 Km/l; Reveal at Geneva Motor Show
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Feb 12, 2016, 08:12 PM
BMW has revealed the new M760Li xDrive and 740e Plug-in hybrid models online based on the G11 7-Series, ahead of the official unveil at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show on March 1. Two very different versions, the M badged model adds power to the flagship luxury sedan, whereas the hybrid version ensures optimum fuel efficiency figures. Interestingly, BMW says that the 740e Plug-in hybrid returns an overwhelming figure of 47 km/l.
The arrival of the new BMW 740e Plug-in hybrid also marks the announcement of the manufacturer's new 'iPerformance' brand that will be used on all plug-in models produced by the company. With the brand, the 740e lineup now conists of the 740e iPerformance, the 740Le iPerformance and the all-wheel drive 740Le xDrive iPerformance.
Power on all three plug-in hybrid versions comes from a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor that cumulatively produces 326hp of power. No slouch, the 7-Series hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/hr in 5.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/hr. Fuel efficiency stands at 47.61 km/l under European drive cycle while emissions levels are restricted to 49 g/km.
An interesting feature on the BMW 740e iPerformance is the special eDrive button that allows the driver to configure how the hybrid drive system operates. With the eDrive button switched on, the sedan moves into full electric drive shutting off the petrol engine and can be brought to life when the accelerator is pressed hard. The sedan has an all-electric range of 40 km for the rear wheel drive version and goes down to 37 km/hr on the all-wheel drive model. The BMW 740e uses a 9.2 kWh battery that is chargeable in four hours using a domestic power socket, while the automaker provides a BMW I Wallbox that will completely charge the battery in under 3 hours.
Coming to the new BMW M760Li xDrive, the version can be simply described as the M7, even if the automaker chooses to call it something more complex instead. The sports luxury sedan is the first ever M Performance model (different from M Power) and uses a 6.6-litre TwinPower Turbo all-aluminium V12 engine that generates 600hp and a peak torque of 800Nm. Compared to M Power, the new division uses a mono scroll blower per six-cylinders. As a result, this allows a higher compression ratio and improved throttle response without sacrificing too much in fuel and emission figures.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and uses the xDrive unit with rear-defined bias. Moreover, the M760Li gets launch control as standard, so the 0-100 km/hr sprint comes up in 3.9 seconds with an electronically top speed of 250 km/hr. Suspension settings remain the same but have been upgraded on the M760Li with the new Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive minimize bodyroll, whereas active cameras constantly scan the road and tune the suspension in a bid to offer maximum comfort.
Expect India to get the plugin hybrid version in the near future most likely as a CBU, but BMW won't bring the M760Li M Performance to the country anytime soon. That said, the automaker recently launched the new generation 7-Series at the recently concluded 2016 Auto Expo with prices starting at Rs. 1.1 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Power on all three plug-in hybrid versions comes from a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor that cumulatively produces 326hp of power. No slouch, the 7-Series hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/hr in 5.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/hr. Fuel efficiency stands at 47.61 km/l under European drive cycle while emissions levels are restricted to 49 g/km.
Power is transmitted to all four wheels using an 8-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and uses the xDrive unit with rear-defined bias. Moreover, the M760Li gets launch control as standard, so the 0-100 km/hr sprint comes up in 3.9 seconds with an electronically top speed of 250 km/hr. Suspension settings remain the same but have been upgraded on the M760Li with the new Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive minimize bodyroll, whereas active cameras constantly scan the road and tune the suspension in a bid to offer maximum comfort.
Expect India to get the plugin hybrid version in the near future most likely as a CBU, but BMW won't bring the M760Li M Performance to the country anytime soon. That said, the automaker recently launched the new generation 7-Series at the recently concluded 2016 Auto Expo with prices starting at Rs. 1.1 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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