740e

BMW introduced the 740e as the plug-in hybrid entry in the seventh-generation 7 Series, bringing eDrive technology from the BMW i program into the brand’s flagship sedan line. It first appeared for the 2017 model year in markets such as the United States, where it was sold as the 740e xDrive iPerformance, while BMW also offered related long-wheelbase versions in some markets under 740Le and 740Le xDrive naming. The 740e was positioned as the efficiency-focused alternative within the 7 Series range, combining luxury-sedan comfort with electrically assisted driving and a strong emphasis on everyday usability rather than outright performance bragging rights. Its arrival was part of the broader G11/G12 7 Series launch cycle and reflected BMW’s move to make plug-in hybrid drivetrains part of its core lineup rather than a separate sub-brand feature. The nameplate used a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, and BMW’s early marketing highlighted its Carbon Core body structure and lightweight construction as key supporting technologies. The 740e remained on sale through the 2018 model year, after which BMW replaced it with the updated 745e family for 2019, marking the end of the original 740e nameplate’s run. For enthusiasts and luxury-car historians, the 740e is significant as BMW’s first widely marketed plug-in hybrid 7 Series and an early example of how the company blended flagship luxury with electrification.