2021 BMW 7 Series 740Le xDrive M Sport Review

The luxury executive sedan market has always been a battleground for brand technology and comfort experience. Consumers pursue the presence of flagship models while also caring about practicality and energy efficiency in daily use. As the plug-in hybrid version of the 2021 7 Series family, the BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport not only continues the sporty genes of the M Sport package but also balances power and fuel consumption through the combination of a 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine and electric motor, making it particularly standout among competitors in the same segment. In this test drive, we focused on experiencing the actual performance of its plug-in hybrid system, whether the executive-level comfort configurations are up to standard, and whether the M Sport package truly enhances driving pleasure.

From an exterior perspective, this car is highly distinctive. Under the addition of the M Sport package, the front adopts larger double kidney-shaped air intakes paired with blackened lower surrounds, giving it more sporty appeal compared to the standard 7 Series. The side profile is sleek with a length of 5260mm and a wheelbase of 3210mm, ensuring an elegantly extended executive look. The 19-inch dual-tone multi-spoke wheels paired with front 245/45 R19 and rear 275/40 R19 wide tires further enhance its sporty stance. At the rear, the LED taillights feature a smoked design, and the dual-sided exhaust layout corresponds with the M Sport badge. The overall style maintains the steadiness of a flagship sedan without losing youthful vitality. In terms of the lighting system, the full-LED headlights come with automatic activation and daytime running light features, offering clear night visibility, and the lights adjust automatically when turning, which is very practical.

Once you step inside, a sense of luxury is overwhelming. The interior features a combination of Nappa leather and wooden trim, with a cleanly laid-out center console. The 10.25-inch touchscreen center control display is tilted towards the driver for convenient operation. The fully digital instrument panel boasts high resolution and provides rich information, while the HUD head-up display projects key information such as speed and navigation onto the windshield, allowing the driver to check without looking down. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and they also come with memory functions, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seats are the highlight: with power-adjustable seats that include a massage function, a central armrest integrated with the BMW Touch Control panel allows passengers to control air-conditioning, audio system, and seat settings directly. Together with independent rear air conditioning and sunshades, it fully meets the needs of executive reception. Regarding storage space, the front central armrest box is spacious, and the door storage compartments can hold water bottles and small items as well. The trunk capacity is 420L, slightly reduced compared to the fuel version due to the battery placement, but it can still accommodate two 28-inch suitcases for daily use without issue.

The spatial performance meets executive-level expectations. A passenger at a height of 175cm seated in the front has a headroom of one fist and two fingers, with ample legroom. The rear is even more generous, with the same height passenger having more than two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, enabling a relaxed cross-legged seating posture. The rear seats are also equipped with ISO FIX child seat anchor points, making travel with children convenient. Notably, the interior is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets, allowing rear passengers to charge laptops directly when working, greatly enhancing practicality.

Powertrain-wise, the 3.0T inline six-cylinder engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 286PS, while the electric motor offers a maximum horsepower of 113PS, creating a strong combined system output. For daily driving, the pure electric mode with an official electric range of 46km is sufficient for short commutes. When driving on electric power, the noise is minimal, and the acceleration is smooth. Switching to hybrid mode, both the engine and the motor deliver power during rapid acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 5.1 seconds; in actual experience, the start is brisk, and there is ample power reserve for overtaking without feeling sluggish. The transmission is an 8AT, and the gear shifting logic is clear with almost imperceptible jerks.

Handling is BMW's strong suit, and this vehicle is no exception. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, providing a good tactile feedback. The chassis features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The tuning leans towards comfort while retaining a certain level of support. Bumps are filtered out effectively when passing over speed bumps, and the body remains stable even on continuous uneven roads. The xDrive all-wheel-drive system performs well on slippery surfaces, preventing wheel slippage during acceleration. The body roll is well-controlled when cornering, giving the driver enough confidence even with a car of this size.

In terms of fuel efficiency and range, we tested mixed urban and highway conditions. In pure electric mode, the actual range is about 40km, reaching approximately 90% of the official figure. In hybrid mode, the combined fuel consumption is 2.9L/100km, which is quite close to the official 2.8L figure. Running on 95-octane fuel is sufficient, which is significantly more fuel-efficient compared to the pure gasoline version of the 7 Series. The braking system performs consistently, with ventilated discs at both the front and rear ensuring timely response and no significant heat fade during continuous braking.

The comfort details for driving and riding are well implemented. The interior sound insulation is excellent, and at high speeds of 120km/h, both wind and tire noise are minimal. The Harman Kardon 16-speaker audio system delivers clear sound quality, and with the addition of rear LCD screens, long trips never feel boring. As for the seats, the front row features heating and ventilation functions, which are particularly practical in Malaysia's climate. The rear seats offer massage functions with various modes to effectively relieve fatigue from long sitting durations. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels, with the lowest level providing a driving experience similar to a traditional gasoline car, without obvious drag, making daily driving very smooth.

In summary, the 2021 BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport has distinct core advantages: its plug-in hybrid system balances power and fuel consumption, and its executive-level features cater to both business and family needs. The M Sport package enhances driving pleasure. Compared to its counterpart, the plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, it delivers a more sporty driving experience, and features such as rear massage seats and HUD come as standard, offering better value for money. When compared to the plug-in hybrid version of the Audi A8L, its brand appeal tends to be more favored by the younger demographic. This car is suitable for two types of users: first, business professionals who require an executive vehicle but care about fuel efficiency, and second, families who desire luxury and comfort while occasionally enjoying the fun of driving.

Overall, the BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport is a flagship plug-in hybrid sedan that balances luxury, performance, and efficiency. It does not compromise on comfort because of its plug-in hybrid system, nor does it lose its driving fun due to its executive positioning. It is a very balanced choice among its peers.