Is the 2018 BMW 740e Plug-in Hybrid a Good Car?
If you’re looking for a luxurious PHEV with tons of high-tech features, the 2018 BMW 740e plug-in hybrid is a top choice among the luxury class.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The 2018
BMW
740e Plug-in Hybrid delivers the same level of performance, style, and high-tech features that drivers have come to expect from the BMW 7 Series—except with an improved fuel economy.If you’re looking for a full-size luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that will save you at the pump without sacrificing performance, the 740e might be worth a look. But as a luxury car with a luxury price tag, it’s not the most affordable used plug-in hybrid on the market.
Want to learn more? Here to give you an overview of the 2018 BMW 740e plug-in hybrid is
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2018 BMW 740e plug-in hybrid
True to BMW’s reputation, the 2018 740e offers plenty of class in an efficient full-size sedan package. From the handsomely stylish exterior to the spacious, high-end interior with an ample amount of tech, the 740e is a top contender in the luxury car class. That said, if you’re looking for a simple plug-in hybrid at an affordable price point, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Pricing
Though the original MSRP price for the luxury plug-in hybrid started off at a staggering $91,695, it’s gone down quite a bit thanks to four years of depreciation. You can now find a 2018 BMW 740e PHEV for somewhere between $41,000 to $47,000, according to Kelley Blue Book.
While this is still not the most affordable plug-in hybrid option out there, it might be worth considering if you want a used luxury sedan with all the bells and whistles.
Performance and fuel economy
Even as a plug-in hybrid, the 740e doesn’t compromise on performance power. But compared to the rest of the 2018 BMW 7 Series, you’ll receive fantastic fuel economy. That comes courtesy of the 740e’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that cranks out 322 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
However, you can only go so far when this luxury PHEV is in electric mode. The 2018 740e comes equipped with a 9.2-kWh lithium-ion battery that only provides 14 miles of electric range when fully charged. When relying on gas alone, the EPA estimates a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, while gas and electric combined drastically improve with 64 MPGe.
And what about charging time? With a 240-volt charging station, you can reach a full charge in about three hours. But if you’re using a standard 120-volt household charger, expect to wait between five and six hours for the 2018 BMW 740e to fully charge.
Exterior styling
As with most BMWs, you’ll feel like a million bucks when driving around in the ultra-chic 2018 740e. In addition to the luxury sedan’s stylish design, it’s also longer in length than the previous model year. It also features a bolder twin-kidney grille and an active-shutter system that improves both aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Interior and comfort
The BMW 740e plug-in hybrid’s high-end interior oozes refinement. The luxury sedan features exquisite aluminum trim, wood veneer, and chrome accents. The PHEV also comes standard with leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control to provide a stylish, comfortable ride. And bonus—the 740e also comes with an 18.2 cubic foot trunk, which is fairly roomy for the luxury class.
Technology
If you’re a tech-savvy driver, you’ll appreciate the generous amount of high-tech features that come standard with the BMW 7 Series. BMW’s iDrive infotainment system includes a 10.2-inch touch screen display, navigation, wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. Apple CarPlay is available for an extra fee, but note that Android Auto isn’t an option at all.
The 2018 BMW 740e also comes equipped with some advanced safety features, including:
- Rearview camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic LED headlights
- Keyless entry and start
- Park-distance control
If you’re looking for more safety tech features—like night vision assistance, surround-view parking camera, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring,these are also available for an added cost.
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Warranty coverage
Even with a used BMW, you can still get a warranty! All BMW-certified vehicles are covered by the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty—providing comprehensive coverage for one year with unlimited miles. This kicks in after the 4-year/50,000-mile BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty expires, but BMW also provides
additional plans
to extend your warranty. Trim levels and options
The BMW 740e is the only plug-in hybrid model available in the 2018 BMW 7 Series. Other trim levels in the lineup include the 740i and 750i—though it’s important to note these are gas-only vehicles.
The bottom line
If money is no object and you’re looking for a luxurious PHEV with some pep in its step, then the 2018 BMW 740e might be a great choice for you. It’s a stylish, high-quality luxury full-size sedan with tons of high-tech features that doesn’t scrimp on performance power. But if you’re on a budget, you might want to look into affordable options like the
Hyundai Ioniq
Plug-in Hybrid. MORE:
The best BMW hybrids
2018 BMW 740e PHEV vs. 2018 Cadillac CT6 PHEV
How does the 2018 BMW compare to the 2018
Cadillac CT6
Plug-in Hybrid? Compared to the 740e, the CT6 slightly slacks when it comes to fuel economy. It has 25 mpg combined when using gas alone and 62 MPGe with gas and electric combined, although you do get significantly more driving range with 31 miles. That said, it is more affordable than the BMW and you can possibly save between $6,000 and $7,000 if you opt for the Cadillac. Here’s how the 2018 BMW 740e and 2018 Cadillac CT6 compare:
Model | Used price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 BMW 740e Plug-in Hybrid | $41,000-$47,000 | 27 mpg | 64 MPGe | 14 miles | 3 hours |
2018 Cadillac CT6 Plug-in Hybrid | $35,000-$40,000 | 25 mpg | 62 MPGe | 31 miles | 4.5 hours |
2018 BMW 740e PHEV vs. 2018 Volvo XC90 AWD T8 PHEV
Another top competitor for the BMW 740e Plug-in Hybrid is the 2018
Volvo XC90
AWD T8. Like the Cadillac CT6, the 2018 Volvo XC90 AWD T8 is more affordable and you get similar fuel economy to the 740e with a combined 27 mpg and 62 MPGe. However, you’ll receive a slightly better electric driving range with the Volvo at 19 miles compared to the BMW’s 14 miles. Model | Starting price | Fuel economy (gas only) | Fuel economy (gas + electric) | Driving range | Charging time (Level 2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2018 BMW 740e Plug-in Hybrid | $41,000-$47,000 | 27 mpg | 64 MPGe | 14 miles | 3 hours |
2018 Volvo XC90 AWD T8 Plug-in Hybrid | $33,00-$39,000 | 27 mpg | 62 MPGe | 19 miles | 3 hours |
How to save money on car insurance
If you’re looking to cut down on fuel costs, a plug-in hybrid will help you on that front. But to save even more
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