BMW sent
us a Press release that we are republishing. We have not yet driven the new BMW 7
Series 740x drive Performance Model. All data is what BMW has stated to us.
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 hp. 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 $89,100
plus $995 Destination and Handling.
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.
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).
The best of two worlds: BMW eDrive and BMW TwinPower Turbo
technology.
The plug-in
hybrid system of the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance brings together the latest
innovations from the world of combustion engines and electric drive systems.
The combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology belongs to the BMW
Group’s new EfficientDynamics engine family. Developing a maximum output of
255 hp, it is the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted in a
series-produced BMW. Instantaneous power delivery and peak torque of 295 lb-ft
– on tap between 1,550 rpm and 4,400 rpm, ensure dynamic performance at all
times.
The new engine
makes use of a TwinScroll turbocharger integrated into the cast-steel exhaust
manifold, High Precision Injection with a maximum pressure of 200 bar, the
latest version of VALVETRONIC variable valve lift and variable camshaft control
on both the intake and exhaust sides (Double-VANOS). Balancer shafts with
rolling bearing supports in the aluminum crankcase enhance the engine’s
refinement, while the electrically controlled wastegate for the turbocharger
optimizes power delivery. Moreover, electronically switchable engine mounts
provide the connection with the body. These mounts smooth out the vibrations
caused by the engine as required, ensuring that all occupants experience
exceptionally low vibration levels and the engine delivers outstanding
refinement.
Since the iPerformance
variant of the luxury sedan come with a specific, extremely powerful starter
motor for the combustion engine and a compressor for the climate control system
that operates using energy from the high-voltage battery, the gasoline engine
is equipped with a special belt drive. This removes the need to integrate the
generator and refrigerant compressor as required in conventionally powered
vehicles. A large proportion of the engine’s output and torque available to be
converted into dynamic performance.
The electrical
machine also displays hallmark BMW performance characteristics. Based on the
principle of a permanently excited synchronous motor, the electric drive system
stands out with its linear power delivery up into the higher reaches of the rev
range and its exceptionally high level of efficiency. Its maximum output is
111 hp and, as is characteristic for electric drive systems, it serves up
its peak torque of 184 lb-ft. The boost effect for the combustion engine
provides thrilling, instantaneous responsiveness and power build-up with
absolutely no delay when accelerating. The electrical machine also takes on the
role of a generator – powered, depending on the hybrid function selected,
either by recuperating energy on the overrun and under braking or by
efficiently raising the engine’s load points. It then feeds the energy it
generates into the high-voltage battery.
The electrical
machine is fully integrated into the car’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission
ensuring optimal operation of pure-electric driving, electric boost and
recuperation of braking energy. This integration also means the transmission
does not require a torque converter (enabling a reduction in weight), while the
electrical machine takes over the function of the starter element. The 8-speed Steptronic
transmission combines efficiency, comfort and dynamic gearshifts at a high
level. The transmission’s broad spread of ratios helps the car quick
acceleration figures but also promotes low energy consumption when driving at
higher speeds. Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel are standard, enabling
the driver to make manual gear selections with exceptional swiftness and the
greatest of ease.
Working
together intelligently, the combustion engine and electric drive system bring a
system output of 322 hp and combined peak torque of 369 lb-ft. Immediate
response to every movement of the accelerator and sustained delivery of dynamic
power allow the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance to dash from 0 to 60 mph in just
5.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
BMW eDrive can
be combined with a large number of combustion engines and model-specific drive
configurations. The BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance follows the same concept as
the BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance Sports Activity Vehicle as the brand’s second
model to distribute its power permanently to all four wheels in all drive
combinations.
The
intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures ideal traction, optimized directional
stability and enhanced agility through corners in all weather and road
conditions. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch enables the fully
variable distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels.
By linking up with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), the xDrive system can act
in advance to counter understeer or oversteer and direct the power from the
engine and electrical machine to optimize handling dynamics at all times.
The eDrive
button on the center console allows the driver to select from the AUTO eDRIVE,
MAX eDRIVE and Battery Control settings, to determine the operating approach of
the plug-in hybrid drive system. AUTO eDRIVE, which is automatically activated
when the vehicle starts up, uses intelligent energy management to ensure the
combustion engine and electrical machine work together to the best possible
effect in terms of both efficiency and dynamics. The operating strategy
defaults to all-electric mode at low and moderate speeds to utilize the
advantages of locally emission-free mobility as widely as possible. The
combustion engine only joins in at a speed of 50 mph or under heavy throttle
applications. The electrical machine ensures the switch from pure-electric to
hybrid mode takes place extremely smoothly.
The electric
drive system also delivers additional torque through its boost function
allowing instantaneous throttle responses and a noticeable increase in pulling
power at all times. These characteristics lend the engine the appeal of a unit
with a far larger displacement. The electric assist function enables a targeted
lowering of the engine’s load points when greater power is needed, and that
enhances the system’s efficiency. Whenever the navigation system’s route
guidance function is activated, proactive energy management adapts the drive
system’s operating strategy to optimize efficiency. It also ensures the
high-voltage battery has sufficient charge remaining to reach the selected
destination in pure-electric driving mode.
The driver can
switch to the MAX eDRIVE operating function at the touch of a button. In this
setting, the car is powered exclusively by the electrical machine, although the
combustion engine can be activated at any time by pushing the accelerator into
kickdown.
The Battery
Control setting allows the charge of the high-voltage battery to be set
manually. The driver can input a target value between 30 and 100 percent of
maximum charge, which is then available for pure-electric driving later in the
journey. Depending on the driver’s requirements, the charge of the high-voltage
battery is maintained at a constant level or – using the electrical machine’s
generator function – increased to the target charge level selected.
The iPerformance
model of the new BMW 7 Series is also fitted as standard with the newly
designed Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console. At the touch of
a button, the driver can activate a vehicle setting that optimizes dynamics,
comfort or efficiency. Their selection adjusts the characteristics of the
accelerator and steering, the gearshift profile of the Steptronic transmission
and the responses of the Dynamic Damper Control system. The range of characters
encompassed by the ECO PRO, COMFORT and SPORT modes are even more clearly
defined than with conventionally powered vehicles.
COMFORT mode
provides the plug-in hybrid BMW 7 Series model with a smoothly balanced overall
set-up. In this mode, the electrical machine delivers relaxed driving with the
lowest possible energy consumption. In SPORT mode the power of both the
combustion engine and the electrical machine team up to provide a firmer damper
setting, increased accelerator response, sharper gear shift dynamics and direct
steering characteristics to maximize dynamic performance. The electric boost
function is also increased, as is recuperation under braking and on the
overrun.
The
hybrid-specific version of the ECO PRO mode supports an operating strategy
which aims to maximize the car’s electric range. As a result, the electric
boost function supplementing the power of the combustion engine is only
activated if the accelerator is pushed into kickdown. Energy recuperation on
overrun also takes a limited strategy. Instead, a hybrid-specific coasting
function is triggered at speeds between 25 – 100 mph. As soon as the driver
releases the accelerator, the combustion engine is switched off. In addition,
recuperation of braking energy is reduced to the level required by the onboard
power supply. The car therefore runs on the minimum possible energy consumption
and with the lowest possible mechanical resistance. As with the other models in
the new BMW 7 Series, ECO PRO mode features precisely measured power control
for electrically operated convenience functions, such as the climate control
system, seat heating and exterior mirror heating.
The Driving
Dynamics Control switch also offers drivers of plug-in hybrid variants of the
new BMW 7 Series the option of selecting ADAPTIVE mode. In this setting, the
car adapts to the driver’s style and route profile, taking their cues from
movements in the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal, as well as from
the position of the gearshift lever (D or S position). The navigation system’s
map data is used to ensure the right set-up option is made available when the
driver switches from city driving to highway, for example, as well as on twisty
sections of road or when approaching an intersection.
The
high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance stands out
with its compact construction and has a gross capacity of 9.2 kWh (net
capacity: 6.5 kWh). It consists of 96 cells arranged in six modules and has its
own cooling system integrated into the climate control system for the interior.
The high-voltage battery was developed specifically for this model and is
accommodated underneath the rear seat bench in a space-saving position that
also ensures optimum crash safety. As in its BMW 7 Series siblings, the trunk
area of the new BMW iPerformance variant also benefits from a level surface and
high-convenience practicality. It provides 14.8 ft3 of space, which far exceeds
that of comparable plug-in hybrid models in the luxury sedan segment, while
extra capacity can be gained by using the storage compartment underneath the
load compartment floor, lowering the cover in the rear section of the trunk or
opening the side storage compartments.
The energy
flow between the high-voltage battery, electrical machine and charger is
controlled by power electronics also developed specifically for this iPerformance
model. The power electronics also regulate the supply of energy from the
high-voltage battery to the 12V onboard electrical system via a voltage
transformer.
BMW 360° Electric Lifestyle: Simple, convenient and flexible
charging.
The
high-voltage battery on the 7 Series iPerformance can be charged from most
dedicated standard household outlets (120V), or for more convenience, a BMW
Charging Station designed for quicker charge time at home. On the go, drivers
can easily access participating public charging stations using the ChargeNow
access card included in every BMW 740e xDrive (in the glovebox). The BMW 740e
xDrive iPerformance comes standard with a Level 1 charging cable (“Occasional
Use Cable” “OUC”), which is stored in a bag and can be held in place using a
tension belt on the left-hand side of the trunk.
The battery
can be charged to full capacity in under 7 hours from a residential 120V outlet
using the OUC, while tailor-made solutions enabling safe, straightforward
charging are available through BMW 360° Electric Lifestyle, such as the BMW
Installation Services and BMW Solar Energy programs. The BMW Charging Station
uses its output of 3.6kW - 7.2 kW (16/32 A, 240 V) to reduce charging time to
just under three hours, to wake up to a fully charged vehicle each day. The
progress of the charging process can be tracked via a graphic in the car’s
instrument cluster or the BMW Connected app on a smartphone.
Hybrid-specific Instrument Cluster and Central Information
Display.
The charger
connection for the high-voltage battery, which can be found under the flap in
the left-hand front side panel of the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance, points to
the character of the drive concept, as does the “eDrive” badge on the C-pillars
and the door sill plates. The high-set position of the connection makes the
charging process easier. The transfer of technology from BMW i is also noticed
by the BMW i logo on the front side panels (left and right), the BMW kidney
grille bars in BMW i Blue and blue hub covers.
The
hybrid-specific features in the interior alongside the eDrive button are the
special graphic displays in the instrument cluster and Central Information
Display. The CID can display the energy flow with real-time information about
the operation of the hybrid drivetrain in combination with the combustion
engine, electric machine and high-voltage battery and indicate the charge level
of the Li-Ion battery. Details on the car’s electric range and overall range
can be called up at any time, as can the current gasoline/electric power
consumption, the flow of regen electric energy into the high-voltage battery
and the progress of a charge.
The iDrive
operating system also offers hybrid-specific menu items and displays. During
the course of a journey, the driver can call up an energy flow graphic
providing information on the interaction of the combustion engine and
electrical machine, as well as the supply of energy into the high-voltage
battery. Other Infotainment functions include displays detailing the car’s
gasoline/electric power consumption history and the distance covered on
electric power alone, not to mention a diagram showing how the hybrid system is
using navigation data to prepare for an imminent change under the current
driving profile.
Standard equipment includes auxiliary air conditioning.
The high level
of standard equipment for the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance includes LED
headlights, the BMW Display Key, the ConnectedDrive navigation package,
smartphone integration with wireless charging for mobile phones, an iDrive
operating system expanded to include a touchscreen function for the Control
Display and the globally unique BMW Gesture Control feature. Customers can also
look forward to auxiliary heating and air conditioning, which allow them to
precondition the car’s interior temperature in advance. The heating and air
conditioning system of the plug-in hybrid models is supplied with energy via
the high-voltage battery and works almost silently due to the electric
operation of the refrigerant compressor and water heater. The auxiliary air
conditioning function is powered by the mains supply when the car’s battery is
being charged, while a timer function allows the advance preparation of the
interior and charging of the battery to be programed via the iDrive menu.
In addition,
the BMW Connected app allows the driver to activate the auxiliary air
conditioning function from outside the car via a smartphone. It also supplies
information on the charge of the high-voltage battery, the location of public
charging stations, the distance covered on electric power alone and the amount
of gasoline saved as a result.
BMW eDrive
technology brings together exceptional efficiency and a form of luxurious
driving pleasure and long-distance comfort that speaks to both the present and
the future. Individually adjustable dynamics and comfort are the product of
advanced chassis technology, which in the BMW iPerformance new BMW 7 Series
also includes two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling and Dynamic
Damper Control. Integral Active Steering, meanwhile, is available as an option.
Occupant protection is provided by an extremely high-strength passenger cell,
generously sized deformation zones and precisely defined load paths to redirect
impact energy. Other standard safety equipment include: front and side airbags,
head/curtain airbags for the front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat
belts with belt force limiters and belt tensioners in the front seats, ISOFIX
child seat mountings in the rear.
Adding to the standard
equipment list is the Ambiance Lightning, which includes the LED Light Carpet
and Ambient highlight in the rear compartment. Optional features providing an
exceptionally luxurious way to travel are the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround
Sound System and the Ambient Air package. Customers can also specify comfort
seats, active seat ventilation, the massage function with Vitality Program and
the heated front and rear armrests for both front and rear seats. The Panoramic
Sky Lounge LED Roof is also available as an option.
The selection
of driver assistance systems includes the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display,
Parking Assistant, Active Driving Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop &
Go, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance and Surround
View systems. The BMW iPerformance variant of the new BMW 7 Series can also be
specified as an option with the M Sport package, an Interior Design Package and
BMW Individual Design Composition.
Since the
launch of the BMW i3 in 2013, the BMW Group has been series-producing its own
electrical machines and high-voltage batteries. The company is using the
expertise developed under the BMW i brand in the field of electric drive
systems with the aim of bringing electrification to other models. BMW eDrive
technology is used both in BMW i cars and the BMW brand’s plug-in hybrid
models.
The electric
drive system expertise developed in-house has earned the BMW Group a
considerable competitive advantage. This is reflected not only in the
exceptional performance figures posted by the electrical machines and
high-voltage batteries, but also in efficient production methods. The BMW Group
has employed an intelligent modular system for eDrive technology to enable the
manufacture of a wide variety of electric drive components.
We look
forward to driving the new eDrive 7 Series models
Bruce
Hubbard
Bonnie
Lynch
J
Bradley Hubbard
Auto Advisor
Group
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