German OEM BMW has announced that its 2020 7 Series model line-up will include an all-new PHEV variant with an in-line six-cylinder engine. The sedan will also be available with a 6.6-liter V12, a 4.4-liter V8 or a 3-liter six-cylinder.
The new plug-in hybrid system will feature a more advanced high-voltage battery, more power and torque, plus improved figures for electric range. Available at launch, the newly developed drive technology consists of a specially adapted six-cylinder in-line engine from the current BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units.
The engine, which has a maximum output of 283ps, is paired with an electric motor that will develop 115ps and 265Nm of torque and a new lithium-ion battery with the latest battery cell technology and increased capacity. Enhancements have also been made to the power electronics.
Upgraded intelligent energy management ensures optimized interaction between the two drive units and, if the proactive driving function is activated, efficiently coordinates the electric driving phases to coincide with sections of the journey that should be covered without any emissions.
At the same time, added performance from the electrical boost is greater than before, as is the gain in efficiency produced by the assistance from the electric motor. With the Driving Experience Control switch set to Sport mode, the PHEV can generate a combined output of 394ps, while the maximum combined torque is up to 600Nm.
The new plug-in hybrid drive technology enables the BMW 745e xDrive to record a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds. The energy required for this is stored in a latest-generation lithium-ion battery located underneath the rear seats with an increased gross capacity of 12.0 kWh.
Also available is a 12-cylinder engine. Powering the new BMW M760i xDrive, the V12 has a displacement of 6.6 liters from which it extracts 608ps between 5,500rpm and 6,500rpm. The peak torque of 850Nm is on tap over a wide rev range from 1,550rpm to 5,000 rpm. The high-performance engine pushes the sedan from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
Under the hood of the new 750i xDrive is an eight-cylinder unit. After undergoing an extensive overhaul covering everything from the crankcase through to the engine management, the 4.4-liter generates a maximum output of 530ps – 81ps more than the engine it replaces – between 5,500rpm and 6,000rpm. The 750Nk of peak torque represents an increase of 100Nm and is available from 1,800–4,600rpm. The engine’s standout features include the pair of twin-scroll turbochargers nestled in the 90° angle between the two banks of cylinders.
The power unit fitted in the new BMW 740i is an in-line six-cylinder. The 3.0-liter unit employs a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection technology with a maximum pressure of 5,076psi that ensures precise fuel delivery.
The straight-six generates its maximum output of 340Nm between 5,500rpm and 6,500rpm, while 450Nm peak torque is available from 1,500rpm to 5,200rpm. The new BMW 740i will reach 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the BMW 740i xDrive’s extra traction enables it to do the same in 4.8 seconds.
