The BMW 7 Series facelift was showcased earlier this year and will make it to India soon. Along with the obvious petrol and diesel versions, BMW India will also offer the 745Le plug-in hybrid as the flagship variant in the 7 Series facelift range. The 745Le will be available as a CBU and BMW India will also provide a range of options on the car, including the more luxurious individual four-seat layout with a central tunnel that will feature fold out tables. The 745Le will also be available with the choice of rear-wheel steering or what BMW calls ‘Integral Active Steering’ that will help make the 5.2m car a lot more nimble in city traffic and a lot more planted at higher speeds.
Under the skin, the BMW 7 Series plug-in hybrid (745Le) will feature an in-line, six-cylinder petrol engine that makes 286hp and 450Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to an electric motor that makes 113hp and 265Nm of peak torque. As a combination though, the 745Le is rated at 394hp and 600Nm of peak torque. The batteries for the hybrid powertrain are stored underneath the rear seats and have been updated to 12kWh. On the electric-only mode, the batteries can power the 745Le for up to 55km and reach a top speed of 110kph.
While the standard 745Le will have its power sent to the rear wheels only, considering the fact that the new 745Le will be a CBU and will be completely configurable, there might also be the 745Le xDrive or all-wheel-drive variant on offer that will send power from both the engine and the electric motor to all four wheels.
Other options that will be available for the 745Le will include an even more premium audio setup from Bowers and Wilkins, ceramic finish controls on the dashboard and gear lever and a head-up display. Expect the BMW 745Le to be priced at a premium compared to the standard 740i and 730d models, at over Rs 1.5 crore (ex-showroom).
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
Ameya Dandekar
