2022 BMW 7 Series Plug-in Hybrid Sedan

To differentiate the plug-in hybrid model from the rest of the trims, BMW named the sedan 745e xDrive. With the xDrive badge, it is evident that the car comes with an AWD layout as standard. The sedan comes in a fully equipped form right out from the factory and is only different from the base 740i in terms of some unique interior accents. Since the upcoming sedan will come with no change, the interior features and specs will also remain the same. Some standout features include four-zone automatic climate control, power-operated panoramic roof, adaptive air suspension system, and surround-view camera system among other features.

Which trim should you buy?

Since the sedan is itself a trim level of the 7 Series lineup there are no further sub-trims on offer. However, you can opt for the Autobahn Package and the Luxury Rear Seating package for an enhanced experience.

The BMW 745e returns some excellent fuel economy ratings for the segment. Without the hybrid mode, the sedan returns a decent 22mpg of combined mileage, making it at par with the rivals. However, with the hybrid system active, it delivers an impressive 56mpg of combined mileage and it is one of the highest in the class. 

*2021 data taken for reference

The Audi A8 hybrid delivers a decent combined mileage of 53mpg and the Panamera hybrid returns a lower 52mpg. The overall driving range and fuel capacity are where the Beemer falls behind heavily. The 845e has the smallest gas tank capacity of 12.1 gallons and fails to offer even 300 miles of overall driving range whereas the A8 and the Panamera return 420 miles and 480 miles of driving range respectively.

The 2022 BMW 745e interior is a nice and cozy place to be in. The cabin gets almost all the luxury and comfort features but lacks some high-end ones when compared to its immediate rivals like the Audi A8 hybrid.

The headroom and legroom are more than adequate and the trunk capacity is quite generous despite housing the hybrid system’s battery pack. The cabin is covered with high-quality materials and premium metal inserts, soft-touch surfaces, and leather upholstery gives off a rich sensation every time you step inside the cabin. The 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating function and the quad-zone automatic climate control take care of the comfort levels of both the driver and the passengers. The overall interior design does deserve applause but the sedan’s rivals do offer a better interior and features.

*2021 data taken for reference

The Audi A8’s cabin is as good as the 745e’s cabin but in terms of features and overall build quality, the Audi sedan jumps ahead. The Porsche Panamera’s interior dimensions are not known but it is a spacious sedan along with some premium materials inside and a commendable trunk space.

Some interior features are:

• Digital instrument cluster
• Heated front seats, armrests, and steering wheel
• 16-way power-adjustable front seats
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• A power-sliding panoramic glass roof

What’s there to keep you entertained?

Every BMW vehicle shops with the brand’s iDrive infotainment system and it is one of the best in the industry as compared to Audi’s MMI.

The 745e also comes with the same system accessible through a big 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The interface is superbly fluid and there is no lack of features too. 

Some infotainment features are:

•  16-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System
• BMW Tele-services
• BMW Connected Drive Services
• Apple CarPlay Compatibility
• Satellite navigation system
• Dynamic Cruise Control
• Real-Time Traffic Information
• Bluetooth Streaming Audio

BMW messed up big time while it placed that ugly and huge front grille on the 7 Series too apart from its other vehicles. SOlely because of the grille, the front end looks awkward to most people, and even with a set of sleek yet powerful all-LED headlamp units, the overall appeal fails to come up.

Apart from that the rest of the sedan looks quite elegant and the rear fascia gets an impressive design. The side profiles are neat with nicely sculpted lines on the sheet metal running across the sedan.

*2021 data taken for reference

The Audi A8 is quite a long sedan and wide too as compared to the 745e but has a shorter wheelbase and a lower ground clearance too. The A8 looks quite the opposite of the Beemer with an aggressive yet elegant front fascia. The Porsche Panamera is way shorter than both the A8 and the 745e, having a shorter wheelbase as well. But the Panamera looks as beautiful as other Porsche vehicles with its smooth and curved edges.

Some exterior features are:

• Adaptive LED headlights and taillights
• Power-folding auto-dimming exterior mirrors
• Chrome body-side moldings
• Dual exhaust chrome tips
• Chrome window trim

With a steep price tag, the 7 Series sedan was never crash-tested by both the IIHS and the NHTSA. But BMW, as is expected from the brand, has equipped the 745e with a plethora of safety aids and a strong body structure to keep the occupants unscathed in major incidents. 

Some of the safety techs include:

• Parking sensors
• Surround-view camera system
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning 
• Forward collision mitigation 
• Adaptive cruise control with enhanced highway driving aids(optional)
• Improved lane-keeping assist system(optional)

BMW 745e vs Audi A8 hybrid

In the segment, the Audi A8 hybrid gives stiff competition to the BMW 745e with its similar price tag, significantly more features than the Beemer, and an overall better exterior design.

The Beemer, however, takes back its lost points in terms of overall fuel economy and performance but loses again when it comes to the overall driving range.

BMW 745e vs Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid

The Porsche Panamera hybrid is a strong competitor of the BMW 745e in terms of comfort, design, and performance.

But the Panamera lacks in the fuel economy department owing to its sporty performance. It is perfectly suited for those who seek performance with a decent fuel economy.

If you’re out to get a luxury sedan for yourself which will provide a carpet-like ride quality, impressive fuel economy, a strong performance, and a plethora of interior feature, the BMW 745e would be a nice option. However, the sedan’s awkward front fascia design and a low driving range can pose as a deal-breaker for some.