When the sixth-generation BMW 7 Series launched in South Africa in early February this year, the German automaker promised that a plug-in hybrid derivative would later be added to the range.
And now we’ve found pricing for this frugal new variant, which is dubbed the BMW 740e, and due to arrive in the coming months. The basic model will start at R1 431 500, while adding optional equipment packages will obviously inflate the price.
The plug-in hybrid 740e draws its urge from a 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine linked to an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack (similar to the system used in the BMW X5 xDrive40e), which together generate a total system output of 240 kW.
According to the Munich-based automaker, the 740e is capable of returning a combined fuel consumption of just 2,1 litres per 100 km and a combined electric power consumption of 12.5 kWh per 100 km.
CO2 emissions come in at around 49 grams per kilometre, which allows this model to avoid CO2 emissions taxes altogether. All-electric driving is offered at speeds up to 120 km/h, with a range of up to 40 km.
If you put your foot down and forget around range, BMW reckons the 740e can hit 100 km/h from standstill in 5,6 seconds.
