BMW 7 Series: German Luxury Evolves

Motoring Channel Staff - 7/July/2008

Munich, Germany — Increasing the pressure on rivals Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, BMW has released it's all-new flagship limousine, the 7 Series.

Showing off an understated new look and underpinned by a pair of powerful twin turbo engines, the next generation BMW 7 Series rear-wheel drive large luxury car will rival cars such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Featuring a more intuitive version of the company's iDrive in-car infotainment system, the new BMW 7 Series will be launched in Europe later in the year, and will be coming to Australia in 2009.

There will be four versions of the new car, the 6-cylinder 740i and 8-cylinder 750i plus long-wheel based versions of both these models that add 140mm to the wheelbase: the 740Li and 750Li.

As BMW's most expensive, prestigious and some say its most important model, the new generation BMW 7 Series can is brimming with technology, and can be tailored to include the following features:

 Head-Up Display
 Side View and Reversing Cameras
 BMW Night Vision (with detection of individual persons)
 Lane Keep Assist including Speed Limit Indicator
Integral Active Steering
 Cruise Control with Stop & Go
 Lane Change Warning
 High-Beam Assistant
Active Seat Ventilation
Massage Seats
Contoured Sliding Roof
 High-Beam Assistant

As well as a complement of advanced technologies BMW has also updated the iDrive system, which was one of the most controversial aspects of the BMW range and has been roundly criticised since its inception in the previous model 7 Series (E65) in 2001.

Controlling all secondary car functions, such as the multi-channel audio system and in-built USB port, rear DVD system, plus phone, navigation and heating/cooling functions, BMW has changed the iDrive controller to be more user friendly.

BMW will even offer a rear-seat iDrive controller so that passengers can interact with the vehicle.

As BMW explains, the "trendsetting iDrive control system is coupled to a new, larger 10.2-inch display boasting high-resolution graphics, and a new optimised menu structure" and can be optioned with a hard disc to store music and other files.

Also new to the iDrive system are a range of by direct selection buttons and "freely programmable favourite buttons for even more intuitive control and operation" says the German car maker.

Standard features on the new 7 Series include bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime lights function, fog lamps and two-stage brake lights, Adaptive Headlights and Variable Light Technology.

There's also strong emphasis on safety with side airbags and side head airbags, crash activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres, a tyre defect indicator and strengthened passenger compartment.

BMW states that "the interior offers the latest rendition of typical BMW luxury" with an exclusive and sophisticated ambiance featuring "gently curving surfaces covered in high-quality materials that leave an incredibly luxurious impression".

Viewed from the outside, the new BMW 7 Series isn't hugely different from the previous model but there is a sense of freshness about the design that moves the BMW 'image' forward.

According to BMW, the new model "boasts a prominent, sporty frontal aspect, comprising enlarged trade-mark kidney grilles to allow for the cooling needs of the new engines."

The new look headlights also give the front end a sportier image, while from some angles parallels can be drawn with the Lexus LS600hL. 

There also appears to be a subtle influence from the BMW Concept CS, particularly in its stance, and a new-look rear end with a stylised brake light design and integrated exhaust pipes will identify the new model to followers.

Power for the 2008 BMW 7 Series comes from two turbocharged, direct petrol injection engines that "ensure the new BMW 7 Series makes the lowest possible impact on the environment, while remaining true to its dynamic persona" claims the Bavarian automaker.

The BMW 740i will be powered by a tuned version of the twin turbo 6-cylinder engine that made its debut in the BMW 3 Series Coupe, outputting 240kW of power. 

The 740i can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, while it's bigger brother the 750i takes 5.2 seconds to complete the benchmark sprint. Both cars are limited to 250km/h top speeds.

At the top end of the 7 Series range is the 750i, powered by a new twin turbo V8 engine that outputs 300kW of power and was first seen in the BMW X6. Details of the two engines are as follows:

BMW 740i
 Engine: 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, Twin Turbo
 Capacity: 2,979 cc
 Max output: 240 kW @ 5,800rpm
 Max torque: 450 Nm @ 1,500–4,500rpm
 Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.9 s (BMW 740Li: 6.0 s)
 Top speed: 250 km/h
 Fuel Use: 9.9 l/100 km (BMW 740Li: 10.0 l/100 km)
 CO2 emissions: 232 g/km (BMW 740Li: 235 g/km)

BMW 750i
 Engine: 4.4-litre, 8-cylinder, Twin Turbo
 Capacity: 4,395 cc
 Max output: 300kW @ 5,500–6,400rpm
 Max torque: 600Nm @ 1,750–4,500rpm
 Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 5.2 s (BMW 750Li: 5.3 s)
 Top speed: 250 km/h
 Fuel Use: 11.4 l/100 km (BMW 750Li: 11.4 l/100 km)
 CO2 emissions: 266 g/km (BMW 750Li: 266 g/km)

All models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and gear changes are controlled via a sleek new electronic gear selector.

BMW has talks about improved car dynamics which is helped by "keeping overall weight as low as possible" thanks to doors, roof, bonnet and side panels constructed of aluminium. 

Unlike some of its rivals which feature aluminium space frames, the BMW 7 Series has a steel frame.

Equipped with a new suspension system that "optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort" the 2008 BMW 7 Series is expected to be one of best-handling vehicles in its class.

The double-arm front axle and an exclusive BMW integral V rear axle form the basis of the suspension, while air suspension at the rear ensures a smooth ride and the standard fitment ofDynamic Damping Control offers comfort, normal and sports settings at the push of a button.

BMW will debut Integral Active Steering, which is "a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering" according the European car maker.

Pricing has not been confirmed at this stage, but BMW has stated that the new 7 Series will be be launched internationally "later in 2008". 

It will be available in Australia in 2009.

Related articles:
- BMW Hydrogen 7 (2007)
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)
- BMW GINA Light Visionary Model (2008)
- BMW M3 Coupe (2008)
- BMW 335i Coupe (Road Test)
- BMW X6 (2008)
- BMW X1 (2010)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 6 Series Update (2007)
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- BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007)