2019 BMW 7 Series to get more powerful 745e variant?

It’s now looking very likely that BMW is working a more potent version of its plug-in hybrid flagship limo. Just as we reported last year, Autocar now says the BMW 740Le iPerformance will make way for a more powerful 745e iPerformance variant, set to be introduced in 2019 as part of the LCI facelift exercise.

Currently, the G12 BMW 740Le xDrive packs a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s married to a plug-in hybrid electric motor. The total system output is rated at 326 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It manages the century sprint in 5.3 seconds and is claimed to have an electric-only range of 41 km (on 19-inch alloys).

Now, the 745e (or the long-wheelbase 745Le) will reportedly be equipped with a more advanced motor juiced by batteries of higher energy density (a total power output of 390 hp was rumoured before). That means more power and longer electric range, possibly close to the 50 km mark. Wireless charging via BMW i’s new induction pad could also be featured here.

As for the G11/G12 facelift, it is expected to feature a larger kidney grille and redesigned tail lights on the outside. It should also receive a new steering wheel design, bringing it up to date with the marque’s current crop of cars.

Back home, the G12 BMW 7 Series is only available in the sole 740Le xDrive variant, and it’s priced at RM565k, sans GST. For more details of its specifications and equipment, visit CarBase.my. Also, watch the video review below to see what we think of the plug-in hybrid limousine.