In February 2016, BMW announced the introduction of the "iPerformance" model designation, which was to be given to all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles from July 2016. The aim is to provide a visible indicator of the transfer of technology from BMW i to the BMW core brand. The new designation will be used first on the plug-in hybrid variants of the latest BMW 7 Series, the BMW 740e/740Le iPerformance being the first of such plug-in hybrids.[31]
The 740e iPerformance was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, together with the new BMW M760Li xDrive and the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition special-edition model.[31] Sales of the 740e/740Le iPerformance began in Germany in July 2016.[32]
The 740e/740Le iPerformance features the same drivetrain as the BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid, and has an all-electric range is 25 mi, dropping to 23 mi in the xDrive version, both under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Under the EPA test cycle, the all-electric range was rated at 14 mi. According to EPA, the 740e/740Le burns some petrol during the first 14 mi, so the actual all-electric range varies between 0 and 14 mi.
The 740e/740Le iPerformance mates a turbocharged 192 kW (258 hp) 2.0-litre, inline four petrol engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined power output of 242 kW (325 hp) and 500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft) of torque.[33] BMW's Auto eDrive function allows drivers to choose how the car operates and features modes for pure electric driving and performance. Drivers can also select from the usual Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport modes too. The 740e/740Le can be charged in less than four hours from a domestic socket, or in under three hours from a wall box charger.[34] All models get an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The 740e can sprint to 0 - 62 mph in 5.6 s—the 740Le version is 0.1 s slower while the xDrive variant is 0.2 s faster.[34]
Official fuel economy figures under the NEDC test are 134.5 mpgimp, with emissions of 49 g/km. The 740e is available in both standard and long-wheelbase forms, and also as an all-wheel drive xDrive variant. In all-wheel drive variation, the 740e returns 122.8 mpgimp and emits 53 g/km of .[34] Under the EPA test cycle, the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance has a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 64 mpgus, corresponding to an energy consumption of 52 kWh/100mi. When running only on gasoline, the EPA-rated fuel economy is 27 mpgus.[35]
Alpina B7
The Alpina B7 xDrive was announced by BMW North America in February 2016 with sales starting in September. With an electronically limited top speed of 310 km/h and a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 3.7 seconds along with a sportier setup, it is the sportiest 7 Series but is sold by BMW only in the United States and Canada.[36] The B7 is sold in other countries by Alpina as the B7 Bi-Turbo, with a delimited top speed of 330 km/h.
The Alpina B7 features a 447 kW 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering 800 Nm of torque and a more luxurious interior. It was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The facelift model was unveiled on 11 February 2019. The power band of the engine is improved, with the maximum 590 lbft of torque now being available from 2,000 rpm, and the output of 447 kW between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm.[37] Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is achieved in 3.6 seconds while the 330 km/h top speed is now unlimited worldwide.[37] Public introduction took place at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and deliveries began during July.[38]
M760Li xDrive
The M760Li xDrive is the top trim of the 7 Series. It was unveiled in February 2016 and made its official public debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It is powered by BMW's N74B66 engine, a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 which generates a maximum power output of 449 kW and 800 Nm of torque.[39] If the optional M Driver's Package is specified, the limited top speed is raised to 305 km/h, versus 250 km/h as standard. As the first 7 Series to be an M Performance model, the M760Li receives technical upgrades over the standard 7 Series as standard equipment, including M Performance-specific tuning of the transmission's shift programmes, 19 in M Sport brakes, an M Sport exhaust system, performance tyres and standard fit Integral Active Steering. It is also the first V12-powered BMW model ever made to feature xDrive as standard, breaking the trend of the previous V12-engined BMWs which were only rear-wheel drive.
The M760Li features several visual cues to differentiate it from base 7 Series models. These include a 20 in alloy wheel design exclusive to the M760Li. Several pieces of exterior trim are finished in "Cerium Grey", most notably the mirror caps, side "Air Breathers" and the tailpipe embellishers. There are V12 badges on the C-pillars, and a unique tailpipe design at the rear.
The M760Li can also be specified as an "Excellence" top of the range model. This receives modifications to the exterior and interior which create a luxurious appearance, compared to the sporty aesthetics of the standard M760Li.[40]
Final V12
On 18 January 2022, BMW announced a new limited edition M760Li xDrive simply called "The Final V12."[41] As the name suggests, it will be the last BMW series production vehicle to be fitted with a V-12 engine.[41] Built exclusively for the United States, just 12 examples will be sold to the public.[41] BMW plans to approach previous buyers with a history of V-12 BMW ownership with an invitation to purchase the Final V12.[41]
