With more technological advancements that deliver both outstanding comfort and handling, greater fuel efficiency and innovative driver assistance and connectivity, the new BMW 7 Series sets out its stall as the ultimate vehicle for luxurious driving pleasure.
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN?
In addition to striking exterior and interior design changes, BMW has updated the 7 Series engine range to include a new, eight-cylinder engine plus an in-line, six-cylinder unit with the plug-in hybrid system offering extended electric range. The BMW 7 Series will continue to be offered in standard and long wheelbase body variants, with the latter having a wheelbase extended by 14cm over the standard car. Both variants have grown by 22mm over their respective predecessors. Externally, the front end of the new model is about 50mm taller and, as you can’t fail to have noticed, the BMW kidney grille has been made significantly larger. It dominates the front of the car, and features active air flap control to manage cooling air flow.
At the rear of the car, the outer sections of the rear apron adopt the design language used for the air intake trim in the front apron. The exhaust system’s tailpipes are edged in wider chrome surrounds, and are integrated flush into the lower section of the rear apron.
The body structure comprises a material mix of high-strength steels, aluminium and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The Carbon Core used for the passenger cell makes a major contribution not only to the high level of safety, but also to the car’s handling capabilities.
A significant role in the optimisation of the vehicle’s aerodynamic characteristics is played by the active air flap control system along with Air Curtains and Air Breathers. Air drag is also reduced by the cladding covering almost the entire underbody. Standard equipment will include a hands-free phone system including wireless charging, and LED ambient lighting with a choice of six colours among many other features.
The rear-seat entertainment system comprises two, 10in full-HD displays complete with a Blu-ray player. The system allows users to access the entertainment, navigation and online functions of the vehicle from the rear seats. The viewing angle of the screens, which now have touchscreen functionality, can be adjusted in accordance with the rear seat passengers’ existing seat position. The new BMW 7 Series also includes the latest version of the BMW Touch Command unit. This removable tablet, with a 7in screen, can be used from any seat, and even outside the vehicle. It lets the occupants operate comfort functions such as seat adjustment, interior lighting and climate control, as well as the infotainment, navigation and communication systems. It can also be used to play external audio and video files. Under the bonnet the new 7 will be available with petrol and diesel engines using six, eight and 12 cylinders, as well as a plug-in hybrid drive system offering an increased electric range, enhanced performance and lower consumption.
The eight-speed Steptronic transmission fitted as standard on all model variants, has also undergone further improvement, as has the xDrive system, which can be combined with the hybrid drive system. Spearheading the engine line-up will be the 12-cylinder, 6.6-litre, 585hp petrol unit in the M760Li xDrive. Developing 850Nm of torque, this engine will power the model to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds. It’ll return 21.6mpg and produce 282g/ km of CO₂.
The entry-level petrol model will be the 740i, that’ll deliver 340hp and 450Nm of torque and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds. That model will be capable of 31.7-34.0mpg, and will emit 161g/km of CO₂.
The choice of models equipped with BMW eDrive technology will include the 745e and the 745Le xDrive. The integration of a six-cylinder, in-line engine into the plug-in hybrid system, with a more advanced, high-voltage battery, will deliver more power and torque, plus improved figures for electric range, consumption and CO₂.
The new 7 Series will also offer the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, in-line diesel engine in 730d and 740d models, both delivering impressive performance and economy figures.
Being the flagship model, all variants of the new 7 Series will, of course, bristle with standard tech and tasty options, but there’s just too much information to detail here. The range goes on sale from 13 April 2019, with prices starting at £69,430.
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