BMW Series 7 2016: luxury, comfort and exclusivity

After several months in which the Bavarian manufacturer has built up anticipation with teaser images and videos explaining the novelties of the new BMW Series 7, as well as major leaks that showed us what the final look of the saloon would be, it has finally been unveiled and features a series of innovations with which BMW aims to make it the benchmark of the premium saloon segment with standard or long-wheelbase bodywork.

Opinions are varied when it comes to design, where some are somewhat sceptical about the conservatism that BMW seems to have shown in the new generation of the 7 Series. Its exterior presents an evolutionary design, where the front is dominated by the huge split grille flanked by standard or optional Laserlight LED headlights. The redesigned bumper has a more sober character and also houses the LED daytime running lights.

The side view comes in two distinct, typically premium-segment options: the short-wheelbase body and the option 14 centimetres longer wheelbase. The characteristic design of the Bavarian brand is present in this new BMW Series 7, including a sinuous Hofmeister kink (the curve marking the end of the rear window over the C-pillar), chrome details and a wide range of wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 21 inches. Finally, the rear presents a serious, straight design, keeping the angular tailgate, the inverted L-shaped lights and the twin exhaust outlets integrated into the rear bumper.

Once inside the cabin, leather options come in Dakota or the typical Nappa, accompanied by wood and aluminium inlays. The metallic, touch-sensitive controls show the vehicle’s level of finish, while the new iDrive infotainment system features a touchscreen and gesture control. Meanwhile, optional equipment allows raising the comfort level of the new BMW Series 7.

The Executive Lounge package includes four-zone climate control, ventilated seats with massage function in the rear seats, a folding table, cup holders and a 7-inch touch tablet. Other options outside this pack include the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof for long-wheelbase variants, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system and an ambient air system that ionises the air and releases one of eight different scents.

Moving on to the mechanical section, the engines and performance are available on both bodies, but split across different trims. They start with the BMW 730d and 730d xDrive, with a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre Twin Power Turbo diesel engine producing 265 CV and 620 Nm of torque. These figures allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited, so no engine option exceeds this).

The second most efficient alternative is the 740e and 740Le xDrive, a plug-in hybrid fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, accompanied by a 95 CV electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Its combined output is 326 CV, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 240 km/h. Its consumption is just 2.1 l/100 km, while a range of 40 km at 120 km/h underlines its commitment to ecology.

Among the petrol alternatives is the 740i, with a six-cylinder 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine producing 326 CV and 450 Nm of torque. It reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.5 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The other option is the 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 of the 750i xDrive, a large engine delivering 450 CV and 650 Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reach the same electronically limited top speed.

The dynamic set-up is optimised for the greatest ride comfort for the occupants. For this reason, BMW has fitted standard two-axle air suspension with self-levelling and dynamic damping control. Optionally, the Executive Drive Pro package includes an active chassis control system with an active electromechanical anti-roll bar. Moreover, to further enhance comfort, this package features an anticipatory chassis control function, which uses navigation data and a stereo camera to adjust the suspension and avoid road irregularities such as potholes or speed bumps.

Another highlight of the new BMW Series 7 is the world premiere of the remote parking system, which allows the vehicle to manoeuvre without the driver being at the wheel. The driver starts the car’s movement via the screen integrated into the key and, while the vehicle performs the manoeuvres, the driver monitors obstacles. This brings us to the new key. It is inherited from the BMW i8 and, besides enabling the remote parking function, its 2.2-inch screen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels displays data such as the remote block, navigation instructions and range, among others.

Not everything in the BMW Series 7 2016 is about luxury and comfort, as there is also a sporty alternative called the Series 7 M Sport. Its styling is more aggressive, with sportier front and rear bumpers and side skirts, and chrome is replaced by gloss black inlays. It also includes matt black brake calipers and 19-inch light-alloy wheels with an exclusive M design.

The interior of the BMW Series 7 M Sport features Dakota leather upholstery and an Individual anthracite roof. The specific ambient lighting, black wood trims, the driver’s M footrest and the door sill plates illuminated with the characteristic M Power division logo make up everything this sporty package can offer the new BMW Series 7.

Source | BMW

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW Serie 73 versions · from 124,200 €