BMW is sharpening the profile of its flagship models in the luxury segment. The new edition of the BMW 7 Series makes a clear statement of intent with its confident presence, sophisticated elegance and strikingly innovative control/operation, driver assistance and connectivity technology.
The new exterior design of the luxury sedan showcases its prestige and status more vividly than ever. And on the inside, sumptuous leather trim with extended quilting and optimised acoustic comfort, not to mention the digital display grouping of instrument cluster and Control Display, the BMW Operating System 7.0 and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, set new benchmarks in wellbeing and comfort on the move.
The line-up of power units for the new BMW 7 Series has also been updated and includes a new eight-cylinder engine, a six-cylinder in-line unit, and plug-in hybrid systems offering extended electric range. All of the model variants already meet the stipulations of the Euro 6d-Temp emissions standard. And the driver assistance systems now boast a broader range of functionality. The latest advances towards automated driving are highlighted by technology such as the new Reversing Assistant
Big V12 at the top
The choice of power units for the new BMW 7 Series includes petrol and diesel engines with six-, eight-, and 12-cylinders, as well as an all-new plug-in hybrid drive system. Topping the range is the 6.6-litre V12 engine at the heart of the BMW M760Li xDrive, which produces 430kW (fuel consumption combined: 9.6 – 9.5 L/100km) and now comes with a gasoline particulate filter to minimise emissions.
Meanwhile, the BMW 750Li xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 9.6 – 9.5 L/100km) features a newly developed V8 engine with 4.4-litre displacement and maximum output raised by 60kW to 390kW.
The plug-in hybrid variant of the new BMW 7 Series takes all of the luxury sedan’s sporting prowess, passenger comfort and feel-good ambience and combine them with exceptionally high efficiency and the ability to offer a virtually silent, all-electric driving experience with zero local emissions. The plug-in hybrid system now employs a specially adapted six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and a more advanced high-voltage battery. As a result, the system can unleash a combined output of 290kW with the Driving Experience Control switch set to ‘Sport’ mode. The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 745 Le xDrive is between 2.6 and 2.1 L/100km. The three models achieve an electric range between 50 and 58km.
The highly efficient and low-emission six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with a 3.0-litre displacement and up to four turbochargers rounds off the local drive system line-up for the new BMW 7 Series. The 195kW engine for the BMW 730Ld (fuel consumption combined: 5.5 – 5.3 L/100km) represents the first step on the diesel ladder for the new BMW 7 Series.
Innovative technologies
The new BMW 7 Series underlines its status as one of the luxury segment’s most innovative and progressive models with a comprehensive range of standard and optional driver assistance systems. The Driving Assist Professional provides a comprehensive package of functions aimed at making driving as comfortable and safe as possible. They include Lane Keep Assist with active side collision protection, the evasion aid, the Cross Traffic Alert, Wrong-way warning systems, plus Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function.
The standard-fitted Park Assist helps the driver with parking and manoeuvring. And it now also includes the Reversing Assistant, which can reverse the car for distances of up to 50m by steering it along exactly the same line it took when moving forward.
Read: All the cars BMW launched in 2019
The new 7 Series comes with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional as standard. This comprises a navigation and multimedia system, together with a fully digital, high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3-inches and a Control Display measuring 10.25-inches across. The new BMW Operating System 7.0 stands out with its cutting-edge digital functionality tailored precisely to the needs of the driver. Touchscreen functionality for the Control Display, the iDrive Controller, steering wheel buttons and voice control allow the driver to choose from various forms of intuitive operation.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is another element of the operating system. The digital companion can be activated with the spoken prompt “Hey BMW” and helps the driver to use various vehicle functions. What’s more, it will keep acquiring new capabilities all the time thanks to the updates transmitted seamlessly by Remote Software Upgrade. The driver and passengers can also use natural voice commands with the help of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to activate the Experience Modes and the vitality and relaxation programmes, which offer need-based compositions of various functions – such as interior lighting, air conditioning, fragrancing and shading, not to mention seat massage, heating and ventilation.
