Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW 745e hybrid saloon

The latest BMW 7 Series PHEV benefits from improved performance and EV driving range, making it a solid rival to the Mercedes S-Class  

Carbuyer Rating

4.2 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Impressive performance
  • Low running costs
  • Undercuts the S-Class

Cons

  • Polarising looks
  • Slightly firm ride
  • Reduction in boot capacity

BMW has established itself as a leader in Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) technology and has pulled out all the stops for its flagship 7 Series PHEV, which is badged as the BMW 745e and the 745Le in long-wheelbase form.

The wheezy four-cylinder petrol engine used in the previous model is gone, replaced with a powerful twin-turbocharged straight-six that's more befitting such a luxurious model. The electric motor and battery pack now return an improved pure-electric driving range of up to 36 miles, so running costs are virtually unchanged despite the extra performance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Carbuyer's favourite hybrids

Here, then, is a car with emissions of less than 60g/km, allowing it to slip into city centres like London's without incurring congestion charges, and official economy in three figures. Importantly, however, it’s also a car that can transport dignitaries from 0-62mph in five seconds and along a German autobahn at speeds of up to 155mph.

All the while, back seat passengers will be able to enjoy unruffled calm, regardless of whether the petrol engine is running or not. The latest BMW operating system ensures the infotainment system offers the latest technology via its widescreen displays, and a 22mm increase in length boosts passenger space and comfort.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Whether customers like the outside as much as the 7 Series' opulent interior is up for debate. Where the company once played exterior styling safe, its latest take on the BMW 'kidney grille' has proved rather controversial. Much taller and considerably shinier than before, it's a statement piece to rival the nose of a Bentley or Rolls-Royce.

What is clear, is that prospective Mercedes S-Class PHEV customers will have a dilemma, particularly as the BMW undercuts the Mercedes by a healthy margin.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Despite its size, the BMW 7 Series PHEV can travel up to 36 miles without a drop of fuel

BMW is no stranger to offering a plug-in hybrid version of its luxury saloon, with customers able to purchase one since 2016. However, its four-cylinder petrol didn’t feel suited to a large and refined car, hence the bigger six-cylinder now found under the bonnet. Its electric motor is more familiar but now enables the car to travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone - a significant increase of 15 miles. In EV mode, the 745e can even reach a speed of 90mph, making short bursts on the motorway or a dual carriageway possible too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As with all PHEVs, driving modes play a big role in how the 745e drives. 'Battery Control' puts charge back into the battery pack, while ‘Sport’ prioritises performance and ‘Electric‘ aims to use just the electric motor for zero emissions driving - until the battery is depleted. ‘Hybrid’ mixes the power sources according to the car's calculations for the most efficient driving. Probably the most impressive thing happens when you select a destination in the sat nav, because the 7 Series will work out the best use of energy along the route. Pass through an urban area and it'll automatically switch to EV mode, for example.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite the switch to a bigger petrol engine, official fuel-efficiency of 108.6mpg is still sure to put a smile on the fleet operator's face, while CO2 emissions of 59g/km mean the 745e can be driven into London (and many other cities) without incurring any emissions-related tariffs. The short-wheelbase version will be even cleaner, emitting 48g/km.

Benefit-in-Kind taxation is in the lowest 13% band, while road tax will cost £130 but with a £310 surcharge in the first five years owing to its £40,000-plus purchase price.

Engines, drive & performance

The switch to six-cylinder petrol power for the new 7 Series PHEV is a big improvement

While the old 7 Series PHEV drove well in EV mode, customers weren't overly enamoured with its four-cylinder petrol engine because it didn’t have the refinement and opulent character expected. The switch to a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 282bhp should certainly placate most people, and with a total combined output of 389bhp, the 7 Series PHEV feels as effortlessly fast as it should. For countries with a wet or cold climate, it's also offered with xDrive four-wheel drive for added grip and security.

In Hybrid and Sport modes, the car feels fast and responsive, with progress accompanied with an appropriate six-cylinder growl. BMW hasn't ignored the car’s dynamics, and the xDrive version we sampled offered impressive grip even in wintry conditions with almost no body lean. The sprint from 0-62mph takes just over five seconds, while its top speed is limited to 155mph.

Interior & comfort

The BMW 745e interior is both well made and full of hi-tech features

With plenty of soundproofing to keep unwanted noises out of the interior, the switch from near-silent electric driving to petrol power is barely noticeable. Meanwhile, ride comfort is firmer than in its Mercedes S-Class rival but can never be classed as anything other than comfortable.

Interior quality is as excellent as you'd expect, with swathes of metal, leather and high-gloss plastic leaving you in little doubt that the 7 Series ia luxury product, with almost no nasty materials to be found. It also benefits from the latest BMW iDrive 7.0 operating system, with more computing power and useful features beamed onto the widescreen infotainment display. If there's an in-car feature you can't find either in the car or on the options list, then it probably hasn't been invented yet.

Practicality & boot space

A growth spurt has made the 7 Series PHEV interior even more accommodating

Both the standard 7 Series and the long-wheelbase version we tried have grown in length by 22mm, so space in the all-important back seats is even better than before. Aimed squarely at transporting business people and officials between their destinations, sitting in the rear of the 7 Series is closer to first-class airline travel than ever before.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Exact figures haven't been released yet but the PHEV's powertrain is expected to reduce the car’s boot size slightly, but at 515-litres as standard, it should still be quite big. It's worth noting that the rear seats don't fold down as they do in many models, but the boot lid is electrically controlled to make loading and unloading easier.

Reliability & safety

BMW's reputation amongst owners seems to have slipped but safety equipment is impressive

The sheer complexity of the 7 Series PHEV can be worrying to think about but BMW is well established in the plug-in hybrid arena and we haven't heard any disaster stories about the previous model. Extra reassurance is provided by its three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, which will cover the myriad electronics should anything go wrong. BMW's slip to 21st out of 26 brands in our 2018 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey is concerning though, with 28.2% of owners reporting at least one fault with their cars within the first year of ownership.

Due to their low sales volumes, luxury models like the 7 Series don't tend to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but that's not to say there should be any safety concerns. In fact, thanks to its size and premium status, the flagship BMW should be one of the safest cars on the road, packed with the latest active safety features and driving aids.

Price, value for money & options

The plug-in hybrid undercuts its direct rival from Mercedes

The BMW 745e costs from just over £76,000, while the long-wheelbase 745Le xDrive version takes the cost to around £83,000. This makes it around £7,000 more costly than the entry-level diesel, but for the running cost savings and environmental benefits, many will find it an easy expense to justify.

It also comfortably undercuts its closest rival, the £97,000 Mercedes S 560e hybrid saloon, while offering equivalent performance and running costs.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV
Skoda Elroq
In-depth reviews
9 Dec 2024

Skoda Elroq review – a great-value compact electric SUV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

More on 7 Series hybrid

New 2022 BMW 7 Series and electric i7 revealed
BMW i7 driving - front
News
20 Apr 2022

New 2022 BMW 7 Series and electric i7 revealed

The new BMW 7 Series flagship debuts with the i7 xDrive60 EV
2019 BMW 7 Series: prices, specification and on-sale date
News
5 Mar 2019

2019 BMW 7 Series: prices, specification and on-sale date

New BMW 7 Series sits at the top of the range with upgraded engines and bold new look
BMW 740e iPerformance hybrid (2016-2018)
In-depth reviews
14 Jul 2017

BMW 740e iPerformance hybrid (2016-2018)

“The BMW 740e adds lower running cost to the top-rung BMW’s broad list of talents”

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024