As a plug-in hybrid, the BMW 7 Series iPerformance is described by TopGear as the half-way house between a luxo-barge and a BMW i8. By Staff Writer
The BMW 740e iPerformance can also be specified as an option with anti-dazzle BMW Laserlight, which celebrated its world premiere in the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.
The plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series allows top-level driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and luxury to be experienced in combination with all-electric, locally emission-free mobility as well.
The BMW 740e iPerformance represents the most rigorous implementation yet of Efficient Dynamics in vehicles from the BMW brand.
The best of two worlds: BMW eDrive and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.
The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower 
Turbo technology employed by the plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series is a member of the new Efficient Dynamics engine family. Developing maximum output of 190 kW, it is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a series-produced BMW.
The electric drive system, based on the principle of a permanently excited synchronous motor, boasts exceptionally high power density with a maximum output of 83 kW. As is characteristic for electric drive systems, it serves up its peak torque of 250 Newton metres from the word go. The boost effect for the combustion engine provides the driver with thrillingly instantaneous responses.
Furthermore, the electric motor takes on the role of a generator which – depending on the hybrid function selected – is powered either by recuperating braking energy or by efficiently raising the engine’s load points. It then feeds the energy it generates into the high-voltage battery.
The electric motor is fully integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. This ensures that pure-electric driving, the dynamics-enhancing electric boost function and the recuperation of braking energy are all extremely efficient. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission has outstanding internal efficiency, top-class shift dynamics and shift comfort, and a compact construction.
Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel are available as an option, enabling the driver to make manual gear selections with exceptional swiftness and the greatest of ease.
The cars’ sporty driving characteristics are accompanied by extraordinarily low petrol consumption and emissions. The BMW 740e iPerformance records combined petrol consumption of 2.2 – 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The CO2 emissions associated with petrol consumption are 50 – 45 grams per kilometre.
eDrive button allows powertrain control to be configured as desired. The driver can use the eDrive button on the centre console to change how the plug-in hybrid drive system operates.
The driver can switch to the MAX eDRIVE pure-electric mode at the touch of a button. In this setting the car is powered exclusively by the electric motor, although the combustion engine can be brought into play at any time by pushing the accelerator into kickdown. In the MAX eDRIVE setting, the BMW iPerformance variants of the new BMW 7 Series have a pure-electric top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).
