Photo by Mark Kennedy/ The BMW 745e features a stylish ivory and black interior.The 2020 BMW 745e xDrive is not just comfortable, it's therapeutic. It may be the only car I've ever driven that actually made me feel better when I got out than when I got in.
As strange as it sounds, the 745e seems to have have healing properties.
Or maybe I've been jostled around by so many "luxury" SUVs lately, that it's just nice to fall into the loving arms of a true luxury sedan.
The only car that even approximated this blissful feeling is the Tesla Model S, but the BMW 745e surpasses even the big Tesla in pure comfort. It drives like a (silent) hovercraft, with seemingly unlimited power.
FAST FACTS
* Model: 2020 BMW 745e xDrive iPerformance * Exterior color: Donington Gray Metallic * Interior color: Ivory and Black Nappa leather * Engine: 3.0-liter V-6 gas and eDrive electric motor * Horsepower: 388 (total) * Transmission: 8-speed automatic * Fuel economy: 56 MPGe (electric + gas) * Local Dealer: BMW of Chattanooga * Price (as tested): $119,875
For good measure, it gets 56 MPGe in electric-gas mode. Plugging into a 240-volt plug, the electric motor charges in about four hours.
Locally, 7-series sedans are available at BMW of Chattanooga which had two of the flagship sedans in digital inventory late last week.
WHAT IS IT?
The BMW 745e eDrive iPerformance is a full-size luxury sedan with a plug-in hybrid power-train that includes 3.0-liter, six cylinder gas engine with a 111-horsepower electric motor. Together the two power sources make 388 horsepower. Suffice it to say, this car feels like a rocket. And a nearly silent one at that.
Photo by Mark Kennedy/ The 2020 BMW 745e features a new grill treatment. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Of course you pay for all this comfort, power and fuel economy. Our tester rings up at $119,875, which includes about $24,000 in options. The base price, before all those goodies are added, is $95,550.
WHAT WE LIKED
If you can foot the bill, it's easy to fall in love with the 2020 BMW 745e xDrive. Our logbook included a host of "likes" including the hushed ride and instant torque, limo-like back seats, beautiful Ivory and Black Nappa leather upholstery and the blue pinstripe of ambient light that gives that car an inner glow.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
The 745e xDrive comes with an extremely zealous lane-keep assist function that is dead serious about keeping you on track. Our feeling is that it goes a bit too far, as it sometimes feels like a hip check. The oversized grille, which wraps back over the hood, is a polarizing look. From a distance, the 745e resembles like a Lincoln.
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RIDE QUALITY
The 745e xDrive envelops the driver in splendid isolation. The ride is soft and relaxing, but with all that power lurking in the background if you need it. Our tester, provided for a one-week test drive by the manufacturer, is an all-wheel-drive model, which adds all-weather security.
NOTABLE OPTIONS
Even the base 745e is well equipped, but our tester included a luscious Bowers and Wilkins sound system ($3,400) and a rear-seat entertainment system with seat-back screens ($2,700). The executive package ($2,500) includes a panoramic roof and front ventilated seats. The $3,000 premium package includes rear sunshades and a head-up display. The rear-seat luxury package ($3,900) adds ventilated seats and a massaging function. Why pay for a spa day when your car can do the trick?
BOTTOM LINE
If it's comfort you crave - and your pockets are deep enough - the BMW 745e is one buttery Beamer.
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