BMW 7 Series 2021 Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's luxury executive sedan market has become increasingly fierce. Consumers are not only pursuing the sense of identity brought by the brand but also paying attention to the comprehensive performance and practicality of the vehicle. The 2021 BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport, as a hybrid option in this segment, has its core selling points in merging the sporty DNA of the M Sport, the fuel efficiency of the hybrid system, and luxurious configurations. This test drive mainly aims to verify whether this car can achieve a balance between business and everyday use scenarios, while also testing the actual performance of the hybrid system.

From a distance, the 2021 740Le xDrive M Sport retains the classic executive sedan stance of the 7 Series. The body lines are long and smooth, and with the addition of the M Sport package, the overall style appears sportier. The front end features a large-sized double kidney grille, accentuated with black trim around the grille edges, and is paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides for high recognition. The sporty design on the lower part of the front bumper further enhances the vehicle's aggressiveness. On the side, the car's length of 5260mm and a wheelbase of 3210mm create an elongated proportion. The 19-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 R19 tires at the front and 275/40 R19 tires at the rear not only ensure grip but also enhance the visual appeal. At the rear, the horizontally designed LED taillights echo the front styling, while the dual exhaust layout under the rear bumper once again emphasizes its sporty attribute.

Inside the car, the interior maintains BMW's luxurious quality as always. The dashboard is wrapped in soft materials and paired with wood grain trim and metal accents, creating an advanced ambiance. The 10.25-inch touchscreen located at the center of the dashboard is highly responsive, supporting CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The fully digital instrument cluster displays information clearly, allowing drivers to switch between different display modes. Together with the HUD head-up display, drivers can access critical information without looking away from the road. The front seats are equipped with electric adjustment, memory, heating, and ventilation functions, providing excellent seating comfort. The rear seats feature electric adjustment and massage functions, and the center armrest integrates the BMW Touch Control system, which allows control of the rear climate control, multimedia, and other functions — meeting the needs of business scenarios. In terms of storage space, the trunk has a volume of 420L, which, although affected by the hybrid system battery, can comfortably store 2-3 pieces of luggage for daily use. Additionally, the door storage compartments and central armrest box inside the car are also quite practical.

In terms of power, the vehicle is equipped with a hybrid system consisting of a 3.0T inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 286PS, while the electric motor outputs a maximum of 113PS, making the system's overall output powerful. During daily driving, the vehicle defaults to hybrid mode. In the initial acceleration stage, the vehicle is driven by the electric motor for quick and smooth response; accelerating from 0-100 km/h takes only 5.1 seconds. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator firmly engages both the engine and the electric motor, ensuring ample power reserves. Switching to sport mode, throttle response becomes more sensitive, and the gearshift logic of the transmission leans towards aggressiveness, offering a satisfying driving experience. The suspension adopts a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent setup, tuned for comfort but retaining a certain level of support. When traversing bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, ensuring that passengers inside the cabin do not feel significant bumps. While cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle exhibits excellent stability.

In terms of fuel economy, the official combined fuel consumption is 2.8L/100km. During actual test drives, fuel consumption in congested urban areas is about 4.5L/100km, while on highways it is about 3.2L/100km, overall performing better than fuel-powered models in the same class. The official pure electric range is 46km, and under actual urban road conditions, it can travel about 40km, meeting short-distance commuting needs. In terms of noise control, the vehicle performs well in suppressing wind and tire noise during high-speed driving, ensuring excellent cabin tranquility; the seat massage function effectively alleviates fatigue during long-distance driving, enhancing the driving and riding experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2021 BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport lie in its balance of sportiness and luxury, the fuel economy of its hybrid system, and its rich configurations. Compared with the hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the same class, this car has more advantages in terms of power performance and driving pleasure; compared with the hybrid version of the Audi A8L, it has a higher level of configuration richness. This car is suitable for business professionals who value brand image, seek driving comfort and fuel economy, and it is also well-suited for consumers with family car needs who care about vehicle quality. If you need a luxurious executive sedan that can meet both business reception and daily driving pleasure, the 2021 BMW 740Le xDrive M Sport is a good choice.