BMW Malaysia has introduced the all new 740Le xDrive to the local market. This variant replaces the brand’s availability of the 730Li and 740Li which was launched early 2016. The latest 740Le now also joins the company’s X5 xDrive 40e SUV and 330e sedan plug-in hybrids which were unveiled last year as the brand’s trio of passenger plug-in hybrid vehicles in Malaysia (apart from the BMW i8 supercar).
Performance
Powering the new 740Le xDrive is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with the brand’s TwinPower Turbo that produces 258 hp with 400 Nm of torque, while the electric eDrive motor produces 113 hp with torque figures of 250 Nm. The 740Le can achieve an all-electric driving range of 41km. Together both the combustion engine and electric motors outputs 326 hp with a peak torque of 500 Nm and can do the century sprint in just 5.3-seconds. Both motors are propelled by an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
What’s New?
The Le denotes the brand’s longer wheelbase version of the 7 Series. And with the 740Le, is 14cm longer to provide that spacious interior.
Drivers of the new 740Le will be able to experience the ‘Adaptive’ mode which was first introduced in this current G12 generation and is also present in the new G30 BMW 5 Series. The mode is an addition to the standard Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport modes in BMW’s of today. This mode adapts with the transmission that is connected to the navigation system which registers driving behaviour and preconditions the vehicle for the road ahead. Here when Sport mode is activated with the Driving Experience Control switch, the ride height lowers 10mm at high speed.
On top of that, the brand’s all-wheel xDrive system usually found in the SUV range is also the first to be introduced in a sedan model for the Malaysian market.
Technology
Featured with the 740Le is the brand’s Laserlight technology that has a luminous intensity that is 10 times greater than conventional light sources. The result is an up to 600 metre visual range compared to others like LED units.
But of course, a luxury vehicle of today isn’t complete without the status data through the Display Key. Through the Display Key, drivers can check the fuel tank levels, current vehicle range, central locking with windows and glass roof, as well as activate the air conditioning and ventilation. With the 740Le, check the electrical charge status as well. And with this, the Display Key can be charged wirelessly in the 740Le.
Luxuries
The magic happens very much inside the cabin of the new 7 Series. Here for the front driver and passenger, a welcome light carpet illuminates in front of the doors, while all occupants will enjoy the Ambient lighting inside the car. Look towards the sky, and the panoramic Sky Lounge glass roof features over 15,000 LED light elements.
For rear passengers, the removable 7-inch Touch Command control unit located on the centre rear console can access comfort and entertainment functions. But of course it doesn’t stop there, the electrical adjustability of seats are available for all passengers – with lumbar support for the front, and eight massage programmes for the rear.
The Cost?
A mere RM598,800 on the road without insurance that comes with BMW Malaysia’s 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, free scheduled service program and BMW tyre warranty programme.
Have you checked out the new BMW 5 Series yet? Click here for our coverage of the new BMW 5 Series!
Also click here for A Brief History of the BMW 5 Series in an easy to read Infographic!
