2018 BMW 740e Review

2018 BMW 740e - BMW's hybrid flagship doesn't disappoint.

By: Mark Bilek

The BMW 7-Series is one of a handful of flagship four-door luxury sedans. Available with rear- or all-wheel-drive the 7-Series seats five. Competitors include the Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera and Volvo S90.

With prices ranging from $83,100 to $138,000, several models are of the 7-Series are available including gas-only turbocharged 6-, 8- and 12-cylinder versions and a gas-electric model with a turbocharged 4-cylinder. All models get an 8-speed automatic transmission. Models denoted sDrive have rear-wheel drive and those denoted with xDrive get all-wheel drive.

The 740e xDrive iPerformance mates a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to provide a combined output of 322 horsepower. There's also a 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides roughly 14 miles of range when fully charged. The battery can be topped off via electrical outlet or by the engine during routine driving.

When given the opportunity, the BMW 740e will race from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Though quick for a large sedan, in reality, the BMW can feel somewhat sluggish in stop-and-go driving unless Sport mode is selected. Active Sport and the 740e comes alive with instant throttle response and ample passing power. Though exciting, Sport mode puts a dent in overall fuel economy, so the best setting is Auto, which blends electric and gas drive to provide solid acceleration and good throttle response. Acceleration in electric-only model is lackluster and top speed is limited.

EPA ratings for the 740e are 27 MPG overall and 64 MPGe with an electric range of 14 miles and a combined range of just 340 miles. Routine driving is likely to yield about 25 MPG overall -- quite good for a large luxury sedan. Those able to take advantage of remote charging can see that number increase to nearly 30 MPG overall. A puny 12.1-gallon fuel tank means you'll be spending a lot of time filling up.

Though the 740e is far from a lightweight, it's still somewhat rewarding to operate from behind the wheel. The suspension deftly balances comfort with control to provide a level of athleticism that belies the vehicle's 124.6-inch wheelbase and nearly two-and-a-half-ton curb weight. Rather than being an outright performance sedan, the 740e provides a secure and composed ride that's tuned toward comfort. Steering feel is quite good and the tires provide ample dry-road grip. Body lean is kept nicely in check and good weight distribution only enhances the feeling of stability on twisty roads. About the only deficiency is a dull feeling brake pedal that's very hard to modulate.

The 740e packs a serious suite of electronic driving aids that mostly enhance the driving experience, including adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. When combined, these two features create a semi-autonomous highway driving experience but require frequent driver correction. Other features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor and parking assist.

The interior is swathed in leather, wood and real chrome accents. Overall the design is modern without undue flair -- in other words very German. Front-seat occupants are treated to ample head and leg room and comfortable seats. The wide-opening doors make it easy to get in and out and also feature a convenient self-closing mechanism that can also hold the door open at any position. Outward visibility is excellent with nary a blind spot to be found. With only a hint of wind noise at highway speed, interior noise levels are also notably low. When pushed hard the engine/electric motor combo produce a modest mechanical whine that is not at all intrusive, but certainly not as rich and throaty as a true 6- or 8-cylinder powerplant.

Like all BMW models, the 7-Series utilizes the iDrive infotainment system. It merges audio, climate, and vehicle function control into one system that's supported by a large centrally mounted display screen and controlled by a jog-dial. Unfortunately, it's complicated and hard to operate without diverting concentration from the road. Compounding matters is a dizzying array of programmable vehicle functions that require in-depth owner's manual scrutineering. In addition, the system does not support Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Other vehicles use touch-screen based systems that are generally more intuitive to operate. Thankfully, some basic functions like volume, temperature and a handful of radio presets are controlled by one button press.

Rear-seat passengers travel in first-class accommodations. Seats are thickly padded and adjustable. Head and leg room are generous and there are sunshades all around. In addition, there are rear-seat vanity mirrors and buyers can opt for rear-cabin climate and tech upgrades as well. Cargo space is an adequate 14.8 cubic feet, but that's down from the gas-only model's generous 18.2 cubic feet. Interior storage, as minimal as it is, includes a wireless cell-phone charging dock inside the center armrest.

Bottom Line -- There's little rationale for the purchase of a flagship luxury sedan, especially when near-luxury competitors offer similar refinement, room and technology at half the cost. Still, there's something irrationally alluring about a 7-Series, S-Class or XJ that comforts, coddles and excites buyers. Perhaps it is an obscene attention to detail, an absolute focus on premium or the desire to go above and beyond. The 7-Series continues to set the standard in the class for its blend of technology and driving experience.

Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association and the General Manager for DriveChicago.com. He is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Chicago Auto Show Web site.

Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show. Mark lives in the northwest suburbs with his wife and three sons.

2018 BMW 740e Review

2018 BMW 740e - BMW's hybrid flagship doesn't disappoint.

Mark Bilek

Find Used Cars in Chicago or Chicago Car Dealers at DriveChicago.com

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