The 745e, 745Le (long wheelbase) and 745Le xDrive (long wheelbase with all-wheel drive) will be seeing their market launch in the second quarter.
With a 286hp inline six-cylinder petrol engine working on conjunction with the more powerful 113hp/265Nm electric motor with a larger 12kWh lithium-ion battery - system output is now rated at 394hp/600Nm when in SPORT mode.
The benefit is that range has been increased and can travel between 54 and 58km (745e), 52 to 55km (745Le) and 50 to 54km (745Le xDrive) when fully charged.
In pure electric mode, the 7 series is ale to sustain travel at 110kph (+20kph), although its top electric speed still remains at 140kph.
With both engine and electric motor working together, the new drive system allows the new 7 Series to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.2 seconds (745e), 5.3 seconds (745Le) and 5.1 seconds (745Le xDrive) before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
Also, combined fuel consumption and exhaust emissions have also been optimised with the 745e measuring in at 2.1 to 2.3 litres per 100km and a combined power consumption of 15.6 to 15.1kWh per 100km.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been measured at 48 to 52 grams per kilometre.
The corresponding figures for the 745Le are 2.3 to 2.2 litres per 100km, 15.6 to 15.7kWh per 100km and 50 to 53 grams per kilometre.
As for the 745Le xDrive, it is capable of achieving 2.3 to 2.6 litres per 100km, 15.8 to 16.3kWh per 100km and emit 52 to 59 grams per kilometre.
As before, the electric motor has been is integrated in the eight-speed Steptronic transmission and acts as a generator under braking or when coasting to return some charge to the battery via energy recuperation.
The selected operating mode is displayed as part of the new design of the instrument panel and can be identified by their respective on screen colour scheme.
When in electric mode, the screen outlines the speedometer and output display/power meter in blue.
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 all three variants.
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 7 Series.
Upon becoming available in Europe, it seems there will be new digital services available for the 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.
Additionally, 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 vehicle.
Furthermore, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant of the new 7 Series will allow its owner to select 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.
