2019 BMW 7 Series to get more powerful PHEV variant

khodrocar - BMW is preparing an uprated plug-in hybrid version of its 7 Series as part of the car's mid-life update, according to a new report out of the UK.

Autocar claims the current 740e iPerformance PHEV will be replaced by a more powerful '745e' with the upcoming 'LCI' facelift, reportedly due for release in 2019.

Currently, the 740e makes a combined 240kW of power and 500Nm of torque from its plug-in hybrid system, which pairs a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo four with an 83kW/250Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to the British publication, the forthcoming update will bring a more powerful electric motor and a higher-density battery pack to lift system power to around the 400bhp (298kW) mark.

The upgraded battery will also bring improvements to all-electric range – currently the 740e claims up to 48km of zero-emissions driving from its 9.2kWh pack.

Meanwhile, the wider 7 Series LCI range will get improvements too, with Autocar expecting power bumps and improved efficiency from the various turbocharged petrol and diesel engines currently offered.

Other updates coming as part of the mid-life refresh should be the company's latest semi-autonomous driving systems as per the new 5 Series, along with the newest iDrive infotainment system and digital driver's display that will likely debut in the 8 Series coupe – due to be revealed on June 15.

We're expecting the revised 7 Series to be revealed late this year or early next. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest updates.

Source: caradvice.com