The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has just issued the rating for the 2020 BMW 745e plug-in hybrid. According to the Environmental Agency, the flagship PHEV will go 16 miles on fully electric power, that’s 2 more all-electric miles than the model it replaces, the 740e xDrive. The new 745Le, or simply 745e in the United States, will arrive in the Spring on this side of the pond and brings a significant drivetrain upgrade over the outgoing 740e. Instead of the 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, the new 7 Series PHEV uses the brand’s popular 3.0 liter inline-six patron engine which aims to correct some of the power deficiencies of the 740e.
The petrol engine itself makes 286 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor has a rated output of 113 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, gains of 2 hp and 9 lb-ft. Total power output: around 394 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The lithium-ion battery pack now has great energy density, storing 12 kilowatt hours of energy (10.4 kWh usable) compared with the prior model’s 9.2 kWh. Charging time for the 745e is 4.4 hours at a rate of 3.7 kW.
ZF’s famed 8-speed automatic transmission is also integrated with the electric drive motor and has been slightly revised for the 745Le. The high-voltage battery is positioned underneath the rear seats, while the 46-liter fuel tank (12 gallons) is located above the rear axle.
The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph), while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds.
Though Europe will get several 7 Series PHEVs, the US market stays true to its strategy to only offer a long-wheelbase, all-wheel drive limousine. The 745Le xDrive sold in Europe is branded in the US as the 745e xDrive. Furthermore, US customers won’t see the M trim that puts an M logo on the front fenders.
The 2020 BMW 745e xDrive comes in U.S. spec in Luxury and M Sport versions. It arrives this spring, starting at $96,445, which includes a $995 destination fee. It should be eligible for a federal EV tax credit of $5,836.
[Source: GreenCarReports]
