(August 12, 2016) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The pioneering character of the new BMW 7 Series model range is in the spotlight once again with the introduction of an intelligent drive concept. The BMW eDrive technology based on the knowledge gained from the development of BMW i cars has arrived in the luxury class and adds outstanding sustainability-led qualities to the new BMW 7 Series.

The new 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance is powered by a plug-in hybrid drive system using the precisely executed interplay of a four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electrical machine integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission to generate a system output of 322 horsepower.

This iPerformance model features BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system to distributes the combined power of the combustion engine and electrical machine permanently and as required between the front and rear wheels. The 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance is already in production and will arrive at U.S. dealerships in August starting at $90,095 including destination charge.

The plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series delivers a dynamic driving experience and long-distance comfort with the added virtues of all-electric, locally emission-free mobility. The BMW iPerformance Automobiles represent the most rigorous implementation of BMW EfficientDynamics. Their BMW eDrive technology teams up with intelligent energy management, an extensive weight-reduction program as part of BMW EfficientLightweight and innovative aerodynamics optimization measures.

The BMW Group defined the sustainability targets for the new BMW 7 Series to include the vehicle’s entire life cycle since the beginning of development. The environmental impact termed the “greenhouse potential," is measured on the basis of the CO2e emissions produced by everything from the extraction of raw materials through the entire manufacturing, the actual usufruct of the vehicle and finishes with the recycling at the end of the vehicle’s life.

These improvements have been achieved through measures including the use of secondary aluminum in cast components and recycled plastics, and by increasing the proportion of power from renewable sources used in vehicle production. The BMW eDrive technology in the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance ensures its greenhouse potential (CO2e) is approximately 30 percent lower than that of the gasoline powered 740i over the full lifecycle of the car.

Like the BMW eDrive technology on the plug-in hybrid of the new BMW 7 Series, the intelligent lightweight design featuring carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is also based on expertise forged in the development of BMW i cars. The body structure with Carbon Core, first presented in the new BMW 7 Series, is the result of the BMW Group’s unparalleled know-how in the industrial use of CFRP in the automotive industry. Experience gathered at BMW i has also been used in the model-specific configuration of the electrical machine, power electronics and lithium-ion high-voltage battery. Customers can rely on innovative products and mobility services originally developed for BMW i cars, such as the BMW i Charging Station and the ChargeNow service, for charging the high-voltage battery at home and during a journey.

The BMW eDrive technology has been tailored specifically for the plug-in hybrid member of the new BMW 7 Series family. The electric boost function provides a noticeable increase in dynamic performance – expressed most prominently by the powertrain’s instantaneous responses — and combines with enhanced efficiency. With its eDrive technology the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance can be driven in all-electric mode up to 75 mph. Combined fuel economy of 64 MPGe and an all-electric range of 14 miles is possible (EPA official figures).