BMW 7 Series plugs in

BMW Group Australia will charge $229,000 plus on-road costs for its first plug-in limousine, the 740e iPerformance, which made its world debut at the Geneva motor show in March.

That makes it $11,545 more expensive than the entry-level 730d diesel ($217,455) and $5745 pricier than the six-cylinder petrol-powered 740i on which it's based ($224,155).

However, the 740e's sub-$230K pricetag is only $6800 more than the non-plug-in previous-generation ActiveHybrid 7 and almost $90,000 cheaper than its only direct rival, the new Mercedes-Benz S 500e ($319,715 plus ORCs).

The 740e will be the third member of BMW's new iPerformance sub-brand to arrive Down Under – late this year – following the X5 xDrive40e SUV and 330e sedan earlier this year.

Similarly, the plug-in X5 ($118,900) undercuts its opposite number at Benz, the $124,900 GLE 500e, while the 330e ($71,900) is cheaper than the C 350e ($75,300), although the latter is also available in wagon form, for $77,800.

What's more, as we detailed here, the 740e comes with a lower claimed fuel consumption figure than the S 500e (2.2 versus 2.8L/100), lower CO2 emissions (50 v 65g/km) and a longer claimed electric-only driving range (48 v 30km).

Conversely, the Mercedes is slightly quicker and a lot more powerful, its 245kW/480Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 combining with an 85kW electric motor powered by an 8.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The latter reduces boot space, eliminates the spare tyre and takes 4.1 hours to charge via a regular household power outlet, or 1.9 hours with a Mercedes Wallbox charger.

The result is combined outputs of 325kW and 650Nm, resulting in 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.2 seconds and an electric-only top speed of 130km/h.

The 7 Series meantime, matches a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with an 83kW/250Nm electric motor to deliver total system output of 240kW/500Nm.

BMW says that's enough to accelerate the 740e to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds – two-tenths slower than the Merc – and to 140km/h in EV mode (10km/h faster than the S-Class).

Like the S 500e, the 740e incorporates its synchronous electric motor within its automatic transmission – in this case an eight-speed torque converter auto – and drives its rear wheels.

But the BMW's higher-capacity (9.2kWh) liquid-cooled high-voltage Li-Ion battery is stored beneath the rear seat and reduces luggage capacity to 420 litres – 25 more than the Benz.

BMW says the 740e can be fully charged via a standard 230-volt power supply in around five hours, reducing to 2.5 hours with an BMW I Wallbox under the BMW 360º ELECTRIC program, which charges at up to 3.7kW at 16 amps – making it slightly longer to charge than the S 500e in both cases.

The 740e comes with three distinct control modes for the hybrid drivetrain, selected via the eDrive button on the centre console.

In the default Auto eDrive mode, it combines both electric and petrol propulsion, while MAX eDrive mode only engages the petrol engine in Sport auto mode or when the throttle is depressed beyond the kickdown détente.

Finally, Battery Control mode allows the 740e to engage the combustion engine for the dual purposes of providing drive and charging the battery pack, where it's stored for later use.

Naturally, the 740e comes with plenty of standard features, including – like the S 500e – adaptive air suspension.

The equipment list echoes that of the 740i, but adds hybrid-specific items like a charging cable, Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians, six-year/100,000km high-voltage battery warranty, BMW ConnectedDrive eDrive Services and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (replacing sports automatic transmission).

Other standard features include 19-inch light-alloy wheels, BMW Display Key, BMW Touch Command, Lane Change Warning with Steering Assist, Exterior Design Pure Excellence, 16-speaker harman/kardon surround sound system, leather instrument panel, Interior Design Pure Excellence, Nappa leather upholstery, Professional Navigation with Gesture Control and electric rear/side blinds.

While an M Sport package is a no-cost option, also included are Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam, Head Up Display, Parking Assistant, Rear View Camera, Soft-close doors, Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, Surround View with 360-degree and panorama view, voice control, glass sunroof, front active seat ventilation, front/rear Active Park Distance Control, Comfort Access System including contactless tailgate opening/closing, Comfort front seats, DAB+ digital radio and heated front seats, armrests and steering wheel.

Also present is BMW's Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO mode (including ADAPTIVE mode), Servotronic steering, Intelligent Emergency Call, TeleServices, Remote Services, Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge Services, Internet, Driving Assistant Plus (Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with light city braking function, front/rear Crossing-traffic Warning, Rear Collision prevention and Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function).

Optional extras include a Rear Seat Indulgence Package offering active ventilation, heating, massaging and reclining functions for the rear seats, plus Rear Entertainment Experience comprising two tiltable 10-inch screens and Blue-Ray drive and TV function with digital reception.

Two versions of the BMW Service Inclusive (BSI) package -- Basic or Plus – will be available via a single, one-off advance payment.

“The new 7 Series has already set new benchmarks for innovation in its segment,” said Marc Werner, BMW Group Australia Chief Executive Officer.

“Now with the 740e iPerformance, we reinforce our commitment to a greener future, without sacrificing the performance and luxury expected of our 7 Series flagship.”