BMW Malaysia has just launched their latest flagship limousine to the Malaysian market and will be offered as a locally assembled BMW 740Le xDrive plug-in hybrid model from the onset.
Thanks to Government Approved CKD EEV Incentive and Excise Duty Reduction, the refreshed 7 Series is priced at RM594,800, significantly more competitive than its three-pointed star rival. Without the incentives and exemptions, the 7er would be RM907,144.87, yikes.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | BMW 740Le xDrive |
| Engine | 2,998cc; turbocharged in-line 6 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Max Power | 286 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 450 Nm @ 1,500 – 3,500 rpm |
| Electric Motor | 113 hp & 265 Nm |
| Combined System Output | 394 hp & 600 Nm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 5.1 seconds; 250 km/h |
| Price (OTR without insurance) | RM594,800 |
The 7 Series LCI or facelift in BMW speak, wears a significantly more prominent face courtesy of the larger kidney grille with active shutters and slimmer headlamps. As a result, the entire hood now sits 50 mm higher than the outgoing model. BMW says this new face is a result from customers feedback wanting more road presence from their limousine.
At the rear, the new LED taillamps measure 35 mm slimmer and are joined by a light strip to further give the 7 Series a distinct look. With the LCI model, BMW has removed the front foglamps replaced by new air curtains for better aerodynamics. The exterior changes combined, increased the overall length by 23 mm while the wheelbase is unchanged at 3,210 mm.
Our local spec 740Le xDrive is dressed in the Design Pure Excellence exterior line identified by its high-gloss chrome elements and sleek body kit. BMW Laserlight headlamps and 19-inch double-spoke style 630 Bicolour alloy wheels wrapped in mixed tyre sizes of 245/45 front and 275/40 rear.
The interior is also equipped with the Design Pure Excellence Line, furnished with Nappa Leather upholstery with fine-wood Poplar Grain Grey fine-wood trim. Other luxurious touches on the 740Le xDrive include Sport leather steering wheel, Panoramic glass roof with Sky Lounge, Heads-up Display, powered tailgate, 460W 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, soft-close doors and powered roller sunblind.
The updated 7 Series now comes with the latest-generation BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch instrument cluster with BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW Navigation System Professional 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now supports BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command system.
Rear passengers will be entertained by the rear-seat entertainment with two 10.0-inch touch screen monitors and massaging seats, all operated by the 7.0-inch Touch Command tablet.
BMW purist will be happy to know that the refreshed 740Le xDrive is now equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder petrol engine, replacing the 2.0-litre four-cylinder of the outgoing model. The in-line six combustion engine developing 286 hp and 450 Nm of twist is supported by an eDrive electric motor with 113 hp and 265 Nm.
The combustion engine and electric motor give the car a combined output of 394 hp and 600 Nm of torque driving all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
To achieve the claimed century sprint time of 5.1 seconds, drivers will have to engage Sport mode where the system’s electric boost function is primed for maximum acceleration performance. Top speed on the luxury limousine is 250 km/h.
Under the rear seats is an improved lithium-ion battery pack that allows the 740Le xDrive to cover up to 46 km on pure electric power with an electric top speed of 140 km/h.
The 740Le xDrive also comes with the BMW Driving Assistant Professional that bundles Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Lane Keeping Assistant, Front Collision Braking as well as steering and lane control assistant.
BMW Malaysia offers four colour options – Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Bernina Grey and Imperial Blue along with two interior themes – Black or Cognac. Every purchase of the BMW 740Le xDrive comes with a 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, 2-Years Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW 7 Series LCI Design Pure Excellence
