New 2020 BMW 7-Series Plug-In Hybrid Has Dismal Electric Range
It can go up to 16 miles (26 km) in all-electric mode (EPA) and starts from $96,545 (before federal tax credit deducted)
The new BMW 745e xDrive iPerformance enters the U.S. market, but the latest EPA range rating of just 16 miles (26 km) using 12.0 kWh battery doesn't sound good. The previous 740e was rated at 14 miles (23 km) using a 9.2 kWh battery.
It seems that enlarging the ICE engine to 3.0L V6 combined with enlarging the grill negates some 3 kWh of battery capacity.
Without an increase to the electric motor power, the bigger engine didn't do much in terms of performance either, as the 0-60 mph acceleration takes now just 4.9 seconds (compared to 5.1 seconds previously).
The 2020 745e xDrive iPerformance starts in the U.S. from $96,545 (including $995 D&H), which after deducting some $5,836 for the federal tax credit (same as in case of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV), the effective price is $90,709.
Well, it's hard for us to encourage anyone to consider the plug-in hybrid 7-series, as we prefer more efficient models. The previous generation (740e xDrive) sold just 1,112 units over 29 months in the U.S. (at an average of 38 per month).
BMW 745e Specs:
- Max system output 290 kW / 394 hp and 600 Nm - six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine (210 kW / 286 hp) and 83 kW electric motor
- 12.0 kWh battery for up to 54-58 km (33.5-36 miles) or all-electric range
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds
- Top speed 250 km/h (155 miles)
- Top speed (electric) 140 km/h (87 miles)
- Charging time for 100% charge: 4.4 h at 3.7 kW (16 A / 230 V)
BMW 745Le Specs:
- 12.0 kWh battery for up to 52-55 km (32-34 miles) or all-electric range
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds
BMW 745e/745Le xDrive Specs:
- 12.0 kWh battery for up to 50-54 km (31-33.5 miles) or all-electric range
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds
- Acceleration 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 4.9 seconds
The new BMW 7 Series specs in detail here
Gallery: BMW 745e, 745Le, 745Le xDrive
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