To attract new customers, BMW has been offering plug-in hybrid versions of all of its models. They added an integrated electric motor to the 745’s 6-cylinder combustion engine a year ago, creating the 745e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid. The 2021 model retains all the features of the 2020 model. This is understandable, as last year’s model was significantly updated with a more powerful engine and a bigger electric motor than its predecessor.

The 2021 BMW 745e uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine that produces 280 hp and an electric eDrive motor that adds 113 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Together, they create 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, which is supervised by an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission which provides silky-smooth shifting. Top speed is 130mph. With high performance tires added, the limit moves up to 155mph. The hybrid achieves 0 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds.

The car’s Driving Dynamics Control offers Adaptive, Sport, Hybrid and Electric modes. The 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes use an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Brake Energy Regeneration to charge the e-battery.

With almost all the regular 745’s exterior design characteristics carrying over to the 745e, the exterior offers few signs the car is a plug-in, save for the plug point door on the driver’s side fender and a subtle badge on the trunk lid. The PHEV’s exterior retains the regular 745’s Adaptive LED headlights with Adaptive LED brake lights, enormous front grilles and massive dual-exit exhaust outlets, a panoramic sunroof, fender vents and standard 18” wheels.

The plug-in achieves an EPA-estimated 22mpg. With the hybrid system of gas engine and electric motor activated, the car gets an EPA-estimated 56MPGe. Using electric power only, the car will take you 16 miles before the 12.0kWh Lithium-ion battery needs to be recharged. A Level 1 wall socket replenishes the battery in around 10 hours. Using a Level 2 charger, you’ll replenish the battery in 3 hours. The EPA-estimated Annual Fuel cost for the 745e is $1,650 (www.fueleconomy.gov)

The BMW 7 Series will seat 5 adults, but all its models have really been designed to be occupied by no more than 2 passengers in the back, with the center back seat being fairly small. As a general rule, saloon car passengers experience more comfort in the back seats, but the 745e’s front seats are impressive as well, boasting 20-way power adjustments. Legroom in the front and back is spacious.

Because it’s a flagship luxury sedan, the 745e comes with a prodigious list of standard features, including: push-button start, keyless entry, remote start, an automatic stop/start system, adaptive dampers, self-leveling air suspension, heated power wing mirrors, a 12.3-inch driver info display, dynamic cruise control, and a hands-free trunk. Heated front seats and armrests and a heated steering wheel, along with a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, quad-zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, extended ambient lighting, and a power rear sunshade are standard. These features get added as well: wireless smartphone charging, automatic high beams, adaptive LED brake lights, a collision preparation system with post-collision braking, a driver condition monitor, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a drive recorder. Want more “stuff”? The options list includes: a head-up display, rear side power sunshades, a “Sky Lounge” LED roof-lighting arrangement, traffic jam assist, lane keep assist, and heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, in both front and rear.

The car’s infotainment system is BMW’s iDrive 7.0. It uses a 10.25-inch dash-mounted touchscreen display. The system can also be operated with steering wheel controls, a rotary iDrive controller, voice control, and gesture control. iDrive 7.0 contains a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and a pair of USB ports, but no Android Auto, which will likely be added next year. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system is standard. It can be upgraded to an optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. Also available is a rear-seat entertainment system with its own iDrive controller and two rear screens. If you enjoy playing books-on-tape or music CDs, you’re out of luck. BMW has removed the in-dash CD player.

With a massive length (207.4”), a long wheelbase (126.4” and a curbweight of 4,848 lbs, this is a bulky luxury sedan. Despite its weight, it gets great speed and has wonderful handling. But parallel-parking-wise, its length can make finding an accommodating spot challenging.

Car and Driver reviewers say of the 2021 BMW 7-Series cars in general: “Classy exterior styling, smooth-running powertrains, serene cabin. While it’s not as much fun to drive as we expect a BMW to be, the 7-series has the comfort part of the luxury car equation down pat.”

Bottom line: this is a plug-in hybrid for drivers who want to say “I own a plug-in hybrid,” without worrying about loss of luxury creature comforts or low all-electric range.

The 745e xDrive’s starting MSRP is $95,900. A Federal Tax Credit will knock off $5,836.