BMW doesn’t usually have a grand presence at the SEMA Auto Show but for some reason, this year’s different. I’ve already written about the one-off BMW M3 30 Years America Edition that’s already making jaws drop in Las Vegas, but it’s also not the only Bimmer that’s stealing hearts in arguably the world’s biggest aftermarket auto show. One other model that’s getting some love in SEMA is the BMW 740e. It may not have the same exclusive status as the M3 30 Years Americas Edition, but it’s being presented with a bonanza of M Performance upgrades to show the dynamic potential of the German automaker’s flagship sedan.

For the record, I’m of the belief that the BMW 740e is fine on its own. These upgrades are interesting, but ultimately, flagship models are supposed to be developed in such a way that owners shouldn’t be asking for more out of its standard configuration. That’s why the term “flagship” means what it means. But, I’m also not opposed to the freedom of choice. If I owned a 740e - I don’t, by the way - I wouldn’t mind having a menu of upgrades available in the event that I’d like to get them at some point in the future. This precisely is what the BMW 740e with M Performance parts is all about. The build features enough parts and accessories with M Performance’s parts bin to give the plug-in hybrid luxury sedan enough aesthetic differentiation from its standard configuration, in the event that some of you 7 Series owners out there are open to the option. You don’t have to get them, but after seeing what’s on the table from M Performance, I wouldn’t blame you for taking the dive on this offer because, on the rare occasion that upgrades are warranted for the 7 Series, the best ones should come from the company that built the car in the first place.

Continue after the jump to read more about the BMW 740e with M Performance parts

What makes the BMW 740e with M Performance parts special

If you own a BMW 740e, I won't begrudge you if you decide to keep your Bimmer as it is. Like I said, the 740e is one of those cars that don’t really need any extra bits and accessories for it to stand out. But in the event that you’re looking for something extra, BMW’s M Performance division is as good a place as any to start.

So let’s start with the front section. The blacked-out kidneys are the first things you’ll notice, but the 7 Series also gets a new front bumper that gives the sedan a sportier appearance, even if it comes at the cost of losing the more luxurious look of the standard model. Move to the side, and the M Performance bits cover the mirror caps, which are now covered in carbon fiber. M Performance side skirts are also included in the package while the hockey stick design element - it really has taken a life of its own in the design of the current 7er - now gets a glossy black finish.

Over at the back, a discreet trunk lid spoiler gets thrown in to lend another layer of sportiness to the luxury sedan. It’s hard to make out in some of the photos, but that’s part of the appeal of the spoiler. It’s there to improve the sedan’s looks and aerodynamics without taking too much away from its luxury design roots. Last but not least is a set of 21-inch wheels with matching blue brake calipers from M Sport brakes.

Step inside the 740e, and this is where BMW Individual takes the reigns. The personalization department is known for some creative works in the past, and it’s no different here with the significant use of Fiona Red Merino leather upholstery. The seats, center console, door panels, and even the lower half of the dashboard are all covered in the exotic material.

A piano black trim on the doors help complement the full-scale leather treatment, keeping the whole cabin from turning it into a red eyesore. I fully expect though that more colors are available in the event you 740e owners ask for them. It’s the same story with the menu of optional safety and tech features that Bimmer’s showcasing in the SEMA showpiece. For the record, a $3,400 Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, and a $2,700 rear-seat entertainment system are included in the model that’s in SEMA at the moment. Expect more options to be available though because nothing short of BMW’s full list of options should be available on its flagship model.

Engine upgrades are nowhere to be found though that’s to be expected. This car, after all, is based on the plug-in hybrid 740e variant so expect it to carry a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric generator. Together, the two combine to generate a total output of 326 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, good enough to get a range of 25 miles at a top speed of 75 mph in all-electric mode. Bimmer didn’t say whether the M Performance parts are available on other 7 Series variants, but considering that it’s still pretty much the same model, I don’t think there’s going to be any issues whether it’s a 740e, 740i, or 750i.

Pricing details for the package should come soon, though if you’re in the market for the new 7 Series, you’re looking at a cost of $83,100 for the base 740i trim. The 740e, on the other hand, fetches $90,700 while range-topping 750i will sell for $99,400.

References

BMW 7 Series

Read our full review on the 2017 BMW 740e iPerformance.

Read more news on the 2017 SEMA Show.