2017 BMW 740e – 2-Year Ownership Review
The 2017 BMW 740e is a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan that combines the performance of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the efficiency of an electric motor. As part of the 7-Series lineup, it offers premium comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a hybrid powertrain for fuel efficiency.
1. Price
Original MSRP: The 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance had a starting price of around $89,000 when new.
Used Market: In 2023, depending on the mileage and condition, you can find used models ranging from $35,000 to $50,000.
2. Size & Dimensions
The 2017 BMW 740e is a full-size luxury sedan with the following dimensions:
Length: 5,238 mm (206.1 in)
Width: 1,902 mm (74.9 in)
Height: 1,479 mm (58.2 in)
Wheelbase: 3,210 mm (126.4 in)
These dimensions contribute to the spacious interior, making it ideal for long journeys and rear-seat comfort.
3. Battery & Electric Range
Battery size: 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Electric-only range: The 740e can travel up to 22 miles (35 km) on electric power alone, according to the EPA. This range is best suited for short city commutes, after which the gasoline engine takes over.
4. Engine & Performance
Powertrain: The 740e pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an electric motor.
Total system output: 322 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with all-wheel drive (xDrive).
It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds, which is impressive for a hybrid luxury sedan.
5. Gas Tank Size
The gas tank capacity of the 740e is 46 liters (12.2 gallons), which is slightly smaller than non-hybrid 7-Series models due to the space taken up by the battery. However, it provides a combined gas and electric driving range suitable for long-distance driving.
6. Trunk Size
Due to the battery placement, the trunk size is slightly reduced compared to non-hybrid models.
Trunk capacity: 420 liters (14.8 cubic feet). This is still spacious, but it's smaller than the regular 7-Series (around 515 liters).
7. Fuel Economy
Electric-only mode: Zero emissions and no fuel consumption.
Combined fuel economy: Approximately 64 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when using both electric and gasoline power.
Gas-only mode: Around 27 mpg (combined city and highway), which is quite good for a car of this size and power.
8. Annual Maintenance Cost
As with many luxury vehicles, the annual maintenance costs for the BMW 740e can be on the higher side. Typical expenses can range from $1,000 to $1,500 per year, depending on factors like mileage, service intervals, and location. Plug-in hybrids might have fewer mechanical issues due to the electric components, but BMW maintenance (such as oil changes, brake pads, and battery checkups) tends to be more expensive than standard vehicles.
9. Ownership Experience
Pros:
Comfort: The 740e excels in interior luxury, with high-quality materials, massaging seats, ambient lighting, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Technology: The iDrive infotainment system, gesture control, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of safety features provide a high-tech experience.
Fuel efficiency: For a large luxury sedan, the ability to drive short distances in electric-only mode offers fuel savings, especially in urban environments.
Cons:
Trunk space: The hybrid system reduces the available trunk space, which can be a drawback for those needing to carry larger luggage.
Complexity: As with any plug-in hybrid luxury car, the maintenance can be more complicated, and potential battery replacements or repairs after the warranty period could be costly.
Depreciation: The 7-Series, including the 740e, experiences significant depreciation, so buying a used model can
offer great value compared to purchasing new. However, resale value might be lower if you plan to sell it later.
10. Conclusion
The 2017 BMW 740e offers a luxurious hybrid driving experience with strong fuel efficiency, especially in urban settings. It provides excellent performance, high-end comfort, and advanced technology. However, it comes with reduced trunk space, slightly higher maintenance costs, and significant depreciation. For someone seeking a blend of luxury, sustainability, and driving pleasure, the 740e is a strong contender, especially if found on the used market at a reduced price.
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The 2017 BMW 740e is a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan that combines the performance of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with the efficiency of an electric motor. As part of the 7-Series lineup, it offers premium comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a hybrid powertrain for fuel efficiency.
1. Price
Original MSRP: The 2017 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance had a starting price of around $89,000 when new.
Used Market: In 2023, depending on the mileage and condition, you can find used models ranging from $35,000 to $50,000.
2. Size & Dimensions
The 2017 BMW 740e is a full-size luxury sedan with the following dimensions:
Length: 5,238 mm (206.1 in)
Width: 1,902 mm (74.9 in)
Height: 1,479 mm (58.2 in)
Wheelbase: 3,210 mm (126.4 in)
These dimensions contribute to the spacious interior, making it ideal for long journeys and rear-seat comfort.
3. Battery & Electric Range
Battery size: 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Electric-only range: The 740e can travel up to 22 miles (35 km) on electric power alone, according to the EPA. This range is best suited for short city commutes, after which the gasoline engine takes over.
4. Engine & Performance
Powertrain: The 740e pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an electric motor.
Total system output: 322 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with all-wheel drive (xDrive).
It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds, which is impressive for a hybrid luxury sedan.
5. Gas Tank Size
The gas tank capacity of the 740e is 46 liters (12.2 gallons), which is slightly smaller than non-hybrid 7-Series models due to the space taken up by the battery. However, it provides a combined gas and electric driving range suitable for long-distance driving.
6. Trunk Size
Due to the battery placement, the trunk size is slightly reduced compared to non-hybrid models.
Trunk capacity: 420 liters (14.8 cubic feet). This is still spacious, but it's smaller than the regular 7-Series (around 515 liters).
7. Fuel Economy
Electric-only mode: Zero emissions and no fuel consumption.
Combined fuel economy: Approximately 64 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when using both electric and gasoline power.
Gas-only mode: Around 27 mpg (combined city and highway), which is quite good for a car of this size and power.
8. Annual Maintenance Cost
As with many luxury vehicles, the annual maintenance costs for the BMW 740e can be on the higher side. Typical expenses can range from $1,000 to $1,500 per year, depending on factors like mileage, service intervals, and location. Plug-in hybrids might have fewer mechanical issues due to the electric components, but BMW maintenance (such as oil changes, brake pads, and battery checkups) tends to be more expensive than standard vehicles.
9. Ownership Experience
Pros:
Comfort: The 740e excels in interior luxury, with high-quality materials, massaging seats, ambient lighting, and advanced driver assistance systems.
Technology: The iDrive infotainment system, gesture control, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of safety features provide a high-tech experience.
Fuel efficiency: For a large luxury sedan, the ability to drive short distances in electric-only mode offers fuel savings, especially in urban environments.
Cons:
Trunk space: The hybrid system reduces the available trunk space, which can be a drawback for those needing to carry larger luggage.
Complexity: As with any plug-in hybrid luxury car, the maintenance can be more complicated, and potential battery replacements or repairs after the warranty period could be costly.
Depreciation: The 7-Series, including the 740e, experiences significant depreciation, so buying a used model can
offer great value compared to purchasing new. However, resale value might be lower if you plan to sell it later.
10. Conclusion
The 2017 BMW 740e offers a luxurious hybrid driving experience with strong fuel efficiency, especially in urban settings. It provides excellent performance, high-end comfort, and advanced technology. However, it comes with reduced trunk space, slightly higher maintenance costs, and significant depreciation. For someone seeking a blend of luxury, sustainability, and driving pleasure, the 740e is a strong contender, especially if found on the used market at a reduced price.
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