The V12-powered BMW 7 Series died earlier in the year and has now been replaced by a new flagship model that’s powered by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
The 2023 BMW M760e xDrive, which replaces the V12-powered M760Li xDrive, was originally announced as part of the new-generation 7 Series and all-electric i7 reveal back in April, but now more details have been confirmed surrounding its PHEV powertrain.
Don’t expect this flagship 7 Series PHEV to be coming to Australia anytime soon, as BMW Australia has previously confirmed it’s only offering the 740i and i7 xDrive60 at launch.
The BMW M760e xDrive is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that’s mated to an electric motor. Total system output is 420kW of power during a temporary boost, and 800Nm of torque.
For context, the previous-generation M760Li xDrive was powered by a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 448kW and 850Nm. This is 28kW and 50Nm more than the newer PHEV flagship.
The electric motor in the M760e xDrive is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, and a pre-gearing stage increases the electric motor’s effective torque to 450Nm.
Power in the M760e xDrive is sent to the road through an xDrive all-wheel drive system.
BMW claims the M760e xDrive can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds slower than the previous M760Li xDrive.
The M760e xDrive has a 18.7kWh battery pack, with a claimed electric-only range of 77-85km, according to WLTP testing. It can be charged on AC power at up to 7.4kW.
Fuel consumption in the M760e xDrive is claimed to be around 1.0-1.3L/100km (with a full charge). The V12-powered M760Li xDrive had a claimed fuel consumption of 13.3L/100km on the other hand.
The BMW M760e xDrive sets itself apart from the rest of the new-generation 7 Series range with “M-specific” design features, interior trim and cockpit displays.
As previously detailed, Australian customer deliveries of the seventh-generation 7 Series flagship sedan, and electric i7, are set to start in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Local pricing starts at $268,900 before on-road costs for the 740i, and extends to $297,900 before on-road costs for the all-electric i7 xDrive60.
This new-generation 7 Series is larger in every single dimension than the previous model and has a number of new design elements.
The front end of the new 7 Series is dominated by a humongous double-kidney grille that’s illuminated and is flanked by a split headlight setup with adaptive LED technology and Swarovski crystal internals.
The 7’s side profile is described as “monolithic” by the German automaker, and has an angular interpretation of the company’s Hofmeister kink.
As with other recent new models and refreshes from BMW, the 7 Series and i7 features a Curved Display containing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Another notable new interior feature is the 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre screen for rear passengers which folds down from the headliner. It’s available as standard on the Australian-spec i7 xDrive60 and optional on the 740i.
There a number of different sustainable interior elements BMW has used throughout the interior of the new 7 Series including synthetic yarn floor covering, as well as recycled PET bottle trim for the headliner and pillars.
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