The new BMW 7 Series is the Bavarian brand’s ultimate expression of luxury and technology. Discover BMW’s new flagship below.
While the new BMW 7 Series retains the styling direction of the current model, it takes an entirely different approach in virtually every other area. That means technology, equipment, engines and platform - essentially everything. In this class, manufacturers spare no effort in their bid to outdo the competition, particularly when the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, widely regarded as the segment’s benchmark in recent years, is the rival.
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For this contest - soon to include the next-generation Audi A8, which will adopt much of the technology first introduced on the Q7 - BMW has used composite materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) at several key points of the body structure, known as Carbon Core. It also employs high-strength steels, aluminium, magnesium and even plastic. According to the manufacturer, the new BMW 7 Series is the first car in its class to combine carbon fibre with steel and aluminium, cutting as much as 130 kg from the vehicle, depending on the version.
In Europe, the new 7 Series will be offered with two petrol engines: a 3-litre inline six-cylinder producing 326 hp for the 740i and Li, and a 4.4-litre V8 delivering 450 hp for the 750i xDrive and 750 Li xDrive. A diesel alternative will also be available, in the form of a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 265 hp for the 730d and 730 Ld.
One of the most noteworthy variants is the 740e plug-in hybrid. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 326 hp. Over the first 100 km, this version records average fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The electric motor can operate independently at speeds of up to 120 km/h and provides a range of 40 kilometres.
In terms of equipment, the new BMW 7 Series features adaptive automatic air suspension (Dynamic Damper Control), which varies damping stiffness and ride height according to the road surface and driving style, together with four-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering). Joining these systems for the first time is Executive Drive Pro, designed to control body roll.
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Full LED headlights are fitted as standard, while the Laserlight technology first seen on the i8 is available as an option. The new BMW 7 Series also uses an updated iDrive system, operated via a touchscreen and gesture controls. A 3D sensor detects hand movements, allowing access to various functions, including telephone calls and audio volume adjustment.
The new 7 Series also introduces autonomous parking for the first time. Remote Control Parking enables drivers to carry out parking manoeuvres using the ignition key, which incorporates its own display.
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