There has been a real shift-change in the luxury saloon market, as far as how these models are powered since the pandemic. The 7 Series’ closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, is available as a plug-in hybrid, and if that’s not enough there is its full-electric sister car, the EQS that has just been facelifted with even more range.
BMW’s response is the i7, which was launched in all-electric xDrive60 form, back in 2023. However, considering the general take up of EVs in the market currently, BMW is probably thankful to be offering two plug-in hybrid versions of the 7 Series – the 760e, or the 750e that we’ve got here.
The 750e is powered by a 306hp, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol turbo engine, combined with a 22kWh battery and an electric motor. The result is 483hp, 332lb ft of torque, acceleration to 60mph in 4.8 seconds, and a highly illegal 155mph top speed. Yet, despite the performance, it still has a WLTP fuel economy figure of up to 282.4 mpg. This figure seems achievable if the battery is kept charged – we regularly saw over 40mpg during the week we had this car, even in cold weather.
Also, when it comes to charging, the 750e can be charged at up to 7.4kW, which is the same as key rival the Audi A8 TFSI e. On the move, in EV mode, it can do up to 48 miles on electric power alone – but this isn’t really the point. In the 750e, the electric motor and battery’s primary use is to make the petrol engine feel peppier and increase its range – which it does very well!
Interior and design
The 7 Series sits on the same CLAR architecture as the X5, but this is its longest application, and results in a comfortable and spacious driving position, but almost palatial levels of space in the back, plus a 525-litre boot.
Considering the £130,000+ (including option packs) price of our test car, the 7 Series’ interior feels worthy of the price in our opinion, from the soft quilted leather on the seats, to the dark wood and cut-glass trim on the dash and the metal speaker guard on the doors.
Our test car also benefited from £11,025 of ‘Executive Pack’, and £5,775 of ‘Technology Plus Pack’, including the incredible BMW Theatre Screen and Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. With a 31.3in screen that folds down from the roof, combined with iPad-like controllers in the rear doors and the sounds, this BMW was transformed into a mobile cinema. It remains very impressive, even if tall drivers will be uncomfortable, as the front seats must be moved forward so the screen can come down.
Outside, the 7 Series’ unusual look means this BMW stands out – but time has made it stand out less. A tall, chunky, and distinctive design, it was improved with our M Sport spec’s de-chrome and 21in M Star-spoke alloy wheels.
Performance and drive
Like the i7 before it, refined, comfy and quick best describe the drive – in fact the 750e is so refined, if we hadn’t been told it has an engine, we would have thought it was an EV. Although the transitions from petrol to electric power become more obvious when there’s low charge in the battery. Sport mode is found in the ‘My Modes’ section of the drive modes, with names such as ‘Expressive’ and ‘Relax’. We tried the ‘Sport’ and ‘Relax’ modes, and the driving settings certainly lived up to their names.
The biggest compliment we can pay the 750e is just how easy and good to drive it is – despite its size. The steering is responsive and precise, and body roll is kept well under control in corners, while the xDrive four-wheel drive system gives welcome extra grip. Although sometimes on the move, you get the feeling the suspension is working hard to control the car’s weight.
It is hard not to be impressed by the 750e, it’s a keener drive than the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8, yet remains impressively refined and efficient – as long as you keep the battery charged.
Positive: Impressive refinement, practical interior and boot space, frugal if the battery is charged, stylish and quality interior, good to drive.
Negative: Unusual looks might not appeal to all, still expensive to buy, EV i7 and some rivals have lower BIK figures.
Standard equipment: Merino leather trim, fine oak wood interior finishes, anthracite roof lining, climate comfort windows, DAB radio, front and rear heated seats, power front sports seats.
Engines: Petrol plug-in hybrid : 489hp 3.0, 571hp 4.4
Equipment grades: Excellence, M Sport, M
Transmissions: Eight-speed automatic
| Model | BMW 750e xDrive M Sport |
| P11D | £109,955 |
| Residual value | 35.7% |
| Depreciation | £70,658 |
| Fuel | £6,887 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £4,906 |
| Cost per mile | 137.41p |
| Fuel consumption | 282.5mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 24g/km (8%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £146/£293 |
| Luggage capacity | 525 litres |
| Engine size/power | 2,998cc petrol engine with electric motor/489hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
