BMW plug-in hybrid 740e now on sale in the UK for £68,330

New 7 Series PHEV is the most efficient version ever with a quoted 49g/km CO2 and 134.5mpg.

BMW has launched the 740e, the latest in its offensive of plug-in hybrid models, in the UK with prices starting at £63,330 on-the-road. 

The flagship saloon borrows i technology from the German company’s range of electric and part-electric cars and is the most fuel-efficient 7 Series ever – BMW quotes 134.5mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions start at 49g/km.

For business users, this means an attractive seven per cent Benefit in Kind tax, as well as £0 VED.

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 258bhp petrol engine along with a 112bhp synchronous electric motor, total system output is 326bhp, with 0-62mph coming up in 5.4 seconds, thanks to the 368lb ft (500Nm) of peak torque. 

Electric range is quoted as 29 miles, while the electric motor itself is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The lithium-ion battery is rated at 9.2kWh, has a net capacity of 7.4kWh, and is stored under the rear seat to save luggage space.

External differentiators between the PHEV versions and the petrol and diesel-powered variants of the BMW saloon include a charging flap on the UK nearside front wing, ‘eDrive’ badges on the rear pillars, as well as BMW ‘i Blue’ elements in the front grille.

Inside, there are hybrid-specific functions in the instrument display, an ‘eDrive’ button to select between ‘Auto eDrive’, ‘Max eDrive’ and ‘Save Battery’ settings, and electronic display of drivetrain information and battery range.

A long-wheelbase four-wheel drive version, the 740Le xDrive, costs £74,880 OTR. Range is a quoted 27 miles, while CO2 emissions are 54g/km. Combined fuel consumption is a little down on the two-wheel drive 740e at a quoted 117.7mpg.

The BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive join the i3, i8 and plug-in hybrid models such as the X5 eDrive40e, 225xe and the 330e which are already on sale.