IN THE RAREFIED WORLD OF VERY expensive executive express vehicles, the BMW 7 Series more than holds its own, so high-end corporates will be examining their company car allowances when the seventh-generation 7 Series arrives in Q4 this year.
The all-new 7 Series encapsulates driving pleasure, unsurpassed long-distance comfort and an outstanding digital experience while showcasing new styling that underlines its commanding position and road presence.
This is aided by the standard offering of a long wheelbase variant across the model spectrum. The new wheelbase, at 3215mm, is 5mm longer than the sixth-generation long wheelbase model, while overall vehicle length, width and height has increased by 130mm, 48mm and 51mm respectively.
A combination of dynamic ability and first-class comfort are delivered through comprehensive chassis upgrades as well as by fitment of two-axle air suspension and adaptive damping as standard across the line-up.
An innovative technology toolkit with new generation of sensors, enhanced software stack and powerful computing platform with clear potential for Level 3 automated driving and parking capability allies with the latest suite of cutting-edge active safety technologies.
Significantly, the new 7 Series model will also include a fully electric version in its portfolio, the i7, which joins BMW’s rapidly expanding line-up of forward-thinking, zero emissions mobility solutions.
Development of the new 7 Series is in full alignment with BMW’s primary focus on C02 reduction and all-encompassing sustainability strategy with use of green energy and a high proportion of natural and recycled materials in the production phase.
BMW Australia will launch the all-new 7 Series with two models, the 740i and fully electric i7 xDrive60, with customer deliveries expected in Q4.
Announcement of pricing and specification will occur in the lead up to market launch.
A symbol of innovative strength and a milestone in the current model offensive
The new BMW 7 Series incorporates a highly modern style that focuses on key developments in the areas of exterior and interior design. Front-end styling for BMW vehicles in the luxury segment is marked prominently by features – including the split headlight design – that are typical of the brand but with a clear distinction between these models and others in the BMW line-up.
An M Sport package, which will be offered to Australian customers, will further elevate the styling of the new 7 Series with prominent and aggressive aspects evoking the high-performance BMW M division.
Innovative features highlight the progressive character of the new 7 Series sedan cabin, including the BMW Theatre Screen, the multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8, as well as the BMW Curved Display and the Manoeuvre Assistant for automated parking and manoeuvring.
In addition to the enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system, the Executive Lounge option for the rear with optimised reclining seat position and new BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool interior trim takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the vehicle.
Other prominent interior elements include a subtly backlit control panel in the centre console with a new gear selector, as well as glass applications for selected controls. Newly designed function buttons on the steering wheel include active haptic input. The two steering wheel designs vary depending on the model – with two and three spokes on offer – though both feature a flat-bottomed rim.
Market-specific drive system portfolio, tradition-rich production location
The new BMW 7 Series was designed from the ground up for demanding target groups in a globalised marketplace. The new range also includes models from the BMW i and BMW M brands, which allow its myriad characteristics – from elegant, modern and sustainable to expressive, sporty and dynamic – to be brought to the fore.
The new BMW 7 Series now offers a choice of combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and all-electric drive for the first time ever.
The degree of diversity in the drive system portfolio is based on a newly developed flexible vehicle architecture and represents an expression of a global model strategy for the new edition of the BMW 7 Series. This enables the BMW Group to take into consideration a customer’s individual needs, infrastructure factors and legal regulations in all relevant automotive markets around the world.
The first variant destined for Australian shores, the BMW 740i, is powered by the most powerful version of BMW’s renowned three-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine.
The power unit features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, as well as an ignition system featuring active coils and integrated electronics. Peak output is rated at 280kW and maximum torque 540Nm, helping to propel the new 740i from 0-100km/h in just 5.4-seconds.
The key engine changes are complemented by integration of an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the latest 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which comprises electric motor and power electronics. The system acts as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator and assists the combustion engine to deliver smooth, dynamic and efficient running.
The BMW i7 xDrive60 features fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology with highly integrated drive system, intelligent energy management, new charging process and advanced battery cell technology.
The combination of efficient electric drive, optimised adaptive recuperation, improved climate control and high energy density for the high-voltage battery with usable capacity of 101.7kWh deliver a range of 590-625km on the WLTP cycle.
High speed DC charging with up to 195kW will enable customers to increase the range of their BMW i7 xDrive60 by approximately 170 kilometres in 10 minutes. As with the BMW iX3, iX and i4, the i7 will be offered to Australian customers with a complimentary five-year unlimited usage subscription to the rapidly expanding Chargefox network.
The impressive range and charging capability of the BMW i7 are complemented by towering power and torque figures of 400kW and 745Nm. The BMW i7 xDrive60 achieves the standard sprint in only 4.7-seconds.
Plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 7 Series are expected to follow from the beginning of 2023, including the first BMW M model with a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and plug-in hybrid drive system.
As was the case with all its predecessors, the new BMW 7 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The company’s largest production facility in Europe will fuse tradition with the future and is also the BMW Group’s centre of excellence for the production of e-drive components.
The highly integrated electric drive system and the high-voltage battery of the BMW i7 will also be manufactured at Dingolfing, while vehicles with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and all-electric drive systems will come off the same production line.
In addition to the all-electric BMW iX and the new BMW 7 Series, the BMW 8 Series and BMW 5 Series models, among others, are also produced there.
Unique digital experience with new BMW iDrive and BMW Operating System 8
Driving pleasure, long-distance comfort and the user experience in the new BMW 7 Series are shaped largely by the latest innovations in the field of digitalisation.
The new BMW 7 Series offers customers the new multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8.
With the fully digital BMW Curved Display, the innovative BMW Interaction Bar, the enhanced capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant – plus additional My Modes, the latest version of the BMW Head-Up Display, and the Augmented View function available for the first time on the information display behind the steering wheel – intuitive dialogue between the driver and vehicle has reached new levels.
The new BMW Theatre Screen – a 31.3-inch panoramic display in 32:9 format with 8K resolution – extends downwards from the roof and transforms the second row of seats into an exclusive private cinema on wheels.