ABU DHABI: The new BMW 7 series facelift (G11 / G12 LCI) was just launched by the German automaker and now details about the plug-in hybrid variants have been revealed. The model names of these plug-in hybrid variants are 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive.

Compared to the 740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive, which uses a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder, the 745 series uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight 6-cylinder engine. It churns out 286 PS and 450 Nm. Combined system output is 39 4PS and 600 Nm.

What remains same, however, is the eDrive aspect of the powertrain. This electric motor is married to the 8-speed Steptronic gearbox and doubles as a generator to recuperate energy during braking and coasting. The motor sees a 15 Nm torque bump to 265 Nm while the power output remains the same at 113 PS. The new facelift has a bigger 12 kWh motor over the 9.2 kWh in its predecessor. This lithium-ion battery is located under the seat and powers the car’s onboard network, auxiliary, and AC systems.

BMW says that the battery can be charged in about 4.4 hours with a 16A/230V 3.7 kW outlet. Due to the presence of the battery, the fuel tank has been reduced to 46 litres over the regular 78. The luggage space also takes a hit from 515 litres to 420 litres.
The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 5.2 seconds for the 745e while the 745Le is a tenth slower at 5.3, and the xDrive Le is the fastest at 5.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 kmph. The fastest 7 Series, however, is the M760Li xDrive which does a 3.8 second 0-100 sprint. It is being powered by the 6.6-litre twin turbo V12 producing 585 PS and 850 Nm.

The e-drive 7 Series are focused on efficiency and green driving, this makes the electric range, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions important factors. The electric range varies from 50-58 km with the 745e being the most efficient and 745Le xDrive the least. Mileage varies between 47.6 to 38.4 kmpl and CO2 emissions in the range of 48-59 g/100 km depending on the model. The motor alone has a top speed of 140 kmph.

A selection of drive modes are on offer to cater to the users’ needs. These are Sport, Adaptive, Hybrid, Electric, and Battery Control. The default setting is Hybrid which provides a balance between the engine and electric motor, focusing on fuel consumption. The hybrid 7 Series is available in Pure Excellence and M Sport trim package along with other optional equipment except for the Executive Drive Pro roll stabilization package.