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BMW 7 Series Rumored to Get Four-Cylinder Variant for Chinese Market

BMW’s 7 Series could receive its first four-cylinder engine for the Chinese market.
BMW 7 Series 1 photo
Photo: BMW
According to a report quoted by Paul Tan, the Munchen flagship could get an entry-level version with a four-cylinder engine. The unit would be the same B48 turbo engine employed in the BMW 330i facelift, good for 252 HP and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), and it would only be offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The gasoline B40 engine currently powers six products of the BMW Group. It is used in the MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper JCW, BMW 225i Active Tourer, BMW 220i Gran Tourer, BMW 320i facelift, and the BMW 330i facelift. The unit provides between 184 HP and 252 HP. Torque is situated between 280 (206 lb-ft) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft), depending on version. The unit is all new, born from the Munich manufacturer’s new modular engine range and each of its cylinders has a capacity of 500 cubic centimeters.

Since the Chinese market is pretty keen on long wheelbase cars, the entry-level 7 Series could only come in such a variant. The reports are based on an environmental registration for the future version of the 7 Series and announce a March 2016 launch. The model is yet to be confirmed by BMW officials and might probably not make it to Europe, as it often happens with most versions destined for the biggest car market in the world.

Currently, the BMW 7 Series does have a four-cylinder engine variant, but it also comes with a hybrid powertrain and will be called 740e. The presumed 730Li will be the first 7 Series ever to exclusively use a four-cylinder powerplant for propulsion purposes.

While there were rumors announcing a four-cylinder variant of the Audi A8, the only engine of this kind found under the four-ringed flagship was under the hood of the hybrid version. Meanwhile, on Mercedes-Benz territory, the only gasoline four-banger is also associated with a hybrid powertrain. So BMW’s Chinese 7 Series version would be a premiere for current flagships of the German premium trio.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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