BMW 7 Series: Facelifted, Upgraded

By Motoring Channel Staff - 28/01/2005

When the current 7 Series made it's debut, internally known as the the E65 and it's long wheel based sibling the E66, both Joe Public and critics alike panned the new design.

The hump on the boot was the target of much ridicule and the man who penned the design, American-born Chris Bangle, wasn't getting much fan mail at the time.

Since the 7 Series was conceived, Bangle has presided over the new Z4, X3, 6 Series, 5 Series, 3 Series and 1 Series, most of which have been received with warmer welcomes.

But just as the dust began to settle on his oft-talked about original creation, he has returned to his original work to give it a facelift, which is due to go on sale in Australia half way through 2005.

But even with all the negativity surrounding the E65 7 Series, the impact of the fourth-generation BMW 7 Series should not be underestimated.

These have been the most successful luxury performance BMW 7 Series cars to date, with close to 160,000 units delivered to customers worldwide. Ugly duckling or not, sales easily exceeded the previous generation 7 Series, itself a highly successful model.

And with this mid-life upgrade, the new 7 Series is less offensive to the eye and incorporates more technology than before, but best of all BMW's luxury flagship model has also pumped up the power.

Save for the range-topping 760i, powered by a 12-cylinder engine, the 7 Series line-up gets a pair of new V8 engines and new badges to match:

750i/Li

Replacing the 745i/Li, the new 750i gets a thoroughly updated and enhanced V8 petrol engine. Capacity rises 9% from 4.4-litres to 4.8-litres.

It now generates 270kW @ 6300rpm, up 25kW on its 245kW predecessor, and 490Nm @ 3400rpm, up from 450Nm.

The 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in 5.9 seconds (previously 6.3 sec), which is only 4 tenths of a second slower than the 6.0-litre V12 found in the range-topping 760i.

740i/Li

Replacing the 735i/Li, the BMW 740i also gets a new engine, with capacity increased from 3.6-litres to 4.0-litres, bringing about more power.

Peak power of 200kW has risen by 13% to 225kW @ 6300rpm, while 390Nm @ 3500rpm represents an increase of 30Nm. The 0-100km/h dash has improved by 7 tenths of a second from 7.5 seconds to 6.8.

Now that BMW has researched and developed two of its more powerful V8 engines, it's only a matter of time before they filter down into different models, and seeing that the next generation M3 will be powered by a V8, it could take the form of one of the above powerplants.

BMW engineers have not only increased engine output but also reigned in fuel consumption, previously incompatible bedfellows.

As before, a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is standard on all models.

Further to the new 7 Series' increased performance capabilities, refinements in design bring a new, striking powerdome, or power bulge for the bonnet.

The trademark kidney grille and the front air dam have all been discretely updated with a subtle new look as well, while the headlight clusters more closely mirror those of the new generation BMW range.

At the rear, surfaces and body panels now have even clearer contours, and a new chrome trim strip, a redesigned brake light cluster and restyled rear air dam faired into the deck-lid complete the new tail end.

The nip and tuck procedure finishes with the restyled side skirts, which are sculpted to emphasise the higher levels of sportiness now present in the more powerful V8s of the BMW 7 Series.

To further delineate the new model from its precursor, the updated BMW 7 Series offers a choice of four new paint and three new upholstery colours, as well as one new 19-inch and two new 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

Inside the car, the unique feeling of luxury and peaceful tranquillity has been further refined by the choice of materials and colours, while the German automaker has also recalibrated its once-scorned iDrive system. BMW is adamant that the iDrive system will allow the driver to focus on driving and traffic conditions.

Optimised menu guidance in the Control Display, upgraded menu presentation, and direct access to the entertainment functions - in particular selection of the audio source and the radio frequency band - are the key changes.

Brake Force Display is also new to the 7 Series. Whenever the driver applies the brakes harder than usual, motorists following behind are warned by the larger and brighter brake light pattern that LED lights make possible.

Greater availability of digital terrestrial television means BMW can now offer an on-board DVB-T television set. Apart from receiving analogue television signals, this TV is also able to receive digital television broadcasts and the CD changer now has MP3 compatibility.

The BMW Assist telematics service (as well as the BMW Online Internet portal) come as standard on all models fitted with a car telephone and navigation system. In Australia these services will become available during 2005 under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive.

The chassis and suspension of the BMW 7 Series has also been looked at, updated and enhanced to an even higher standard. A 14mm increase in track at the rear, and enhanced axle kinematics, exert a positive influence on the car's driving dynamics, and BMW even offers owners the ability to customise their chassis setup at the factory through the selection of advanced technical solutions.

Adaptive Drive suspension now combines Dynamic Drive with BMW's EDC-C continuously adjustable damper control system, which almost completely eliminates body roll in bends and improves the car's steering behaviour on the road through the use of fully variable anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles.

More sporting drivers may choose a Sports Package that combines the sports setup of the suspension with Dynamic Drive for a sharper, highly responsive experience guaranteed to appeal to the high-performance driver. As a result, BMW offers the widest choice of suspension control systems in the luxury large sedan segment, naturally also including enhanced brakes reflecting the higher level of power and performance.

"The more powerful V8 engines, subtle chassis refinements and freshened styling will entrench the new 7 Series as Australia's most favoured premium class luxury sedan," said Franz Sauter, BMW Australia's big chief.

"Australians have a distinct affinity for powerful V8 engines, and the further improved performance, dynamic chassis control and cosseting ride of the new 7 Series will be received eagerly by those who demand and appreciate only the finest things in life.

"We are confident the success of the BMW 7 Series will continue," concluded Sauter.

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