The BMW Group Malaysia has introduced a new 7 Series variant to the market, the BMW 740Le xDrive. The long wheelbase plug-in hybrid saloon with eDrive Technology is now the sole variant of BMW’s flagship model offered in Malaysia.
The 740Le is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, twin-scroll turbo engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that develops 258bhp and 400Nm of torque, boosted to a total maximum output of 326bhp and 500Nm by an electric motor that in pure electric driving mode has an output of 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. The 0-100km/h time is 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 40 kilometres to the litre or 2.5litres for every 100 kilometres. The electric power consumption is 13.9 kWh per 100 kilometres.
The 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged from any household power socket although it is faster to charge through the BMW i Wallbox Connect: less than five hours to a full battery. On the road, owners would have access to GreenTech Malaysia’s network of 181 ChargeEV stations across the country through the BMW ChargeNow mobility service.
eDrive allows the driver to dictate the configuration of the plug-in hybrid drive system. In the AUTO eDrive mode, the combustion engine and electric motor synchronise intelligently to maximise the use of the motor to reduce emissions, only activating the combustion engine at the speed of around 80 km/h or under heavy throttle conditions.
Pure-electric driving is engaged in MAX eDrive mode in which the car is powered exclusively by the electric motor but the combustion engine can be employed by kicking hard down on the accelerator. Finally, Battery Control allows the driver to manually engage the use of the high-voltage battery by setting the charge value to be available for pure-electric driving later in the journey. The all-electric driving range, based on the New European Driving Cycle is 41km.
Offered for the first time in their saloons in Malaysia is the xDrive four-wheel drive system that varies traction between the front and rear wheels are needed. Also introduced in the BMW 740Le xDrive is Adaptive mode in Driving Experience Control. This is a new mode alongside Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport, which takes into account the driver’s style and route to manage the car’s responses to changing terrain and road conditions and preps the car’s handling dynamics in anticipation for a smoother, more fuel efficient drive.
Control over the 740 Le is not limited to driving performance. Various functions and features like the windows, airconditioning and ventilation, battery charge levels, fuel tank level and service schedule can be accessed through both the BMW Connected app on a smartphone and the BMW Display Key with Touch Display. The app also gives the locations of charging stations, and driving data like the distance covered in electric power and the amount of petrol saved as a result. Through they key, the driver can also access information about the car like current vehicle range, electric charge status and the status of the central locking. The key and app can also be used to manage the battery charging process.
Entertainment for the rear seat passengers is via two ten-inch tablets. There is also a seven-inch tablet for passengers to access comfort and entertainment functions which include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
Safety features provided as standard include numerous airbags for front, side, head/curtain for front and rear passengers and knee protection for the driver; and ISOFIX child seat mountings. Driver assistance systems include the latest heads-up display, Park Assist, Driving Assistant Plus system including Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Pedestrian Collision Warning, Crossing traffic Front and Rear, Active cruise control with Stop&Go function, steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, and Surround View systems.
The All-New BMW 740Le xDrive is available in Black Sapphire, Imperial Blue, Mineral White, and Sophisto Grey. Inside, the upholstery is lined with exclusive Nappa leather while the interior trim finishes in Poplar Grain Grey fine-wood. The seats have eight massage programmes.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) for the All-New BMW 740Le xDrive is:
Retail Price Before Government Approved Hybrid Incentive – RM 853,800.00
Government Approved Hybrid Incentive – RM 255,000.00
Retail Price After Government Approved Hybrid Incentive – RM 598,800.00
