When BMW brought out a V-12 in its second-generation 7-series, the move stunned the industry and prompted Mercedes-Benz to follow suit. (In fact, a V-16 had been considered.) Fast forward to the new, sixth generation of the 7-series and BMW is confirming the availability of a four-cylinder, the first ever for a 7. The four will come as a plug-in hybrid, called the 740e xDrive, and will be sold in the United States.
-The engine is a 254-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter. It’s supplemented by an electric motor integrated into the car’s eight-speed automatic transmission, and a lithium-ion battery. Total system output is 321 horsepower. The 740e will be able to drive up to 23 miles on an electric charge, although it will be virtually impossible to travel that far in real life even with an extremely soft touch on the accelerator.
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In the U.S. market, the 740e—like all 7-series models sold here—will be offered in long-wheelbase form only. All-wheel drive is standard, while it’s an option in other markets. With the extreme level of sound dampening that’s incorporated into the new 7-series, NVH should be a non-issue despite the diminutive engine. That said, our sources at BMW expect that the V-8 model will remain the top seller in the range. “We’ve tried, but we can’t seem to get people off them,” an executive joked.
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