Details of upcoming BMW 7 Series released

BMW South Africa have released details on the upcoming 7 Series and are looking forward to innovative ways of offering driving pleasure, long distance comfort and a top-end digital experience. Part of this offering is the first ever BMW i7, which will be introduced alongside petrol and diesel variants in South Africa.

Forty five years after its initial debut, the BMW 7 Series aims to be the most advanced and innovative vehicle in the luxury segment. The 7 Series is a showcase of the BMW group’s overall design coherence, with features unmatched by any rival.

Striking monolithic design

The upright front end and new interpretation of the signature BMW design elements in the form of the twin circular headlights and BMW kidney grille, add a distinctive visual presence.

The 7 Series is fitted as standard with Adaptive LED headlights including matrix high beam and the BMW Selective Beam. The extremely slim strip of lights set higher up in the front end incorporate the daytime driving lights, sidelights and turn signals. The optional BMW crystal headlights create a lighting effect unmatched by any other car, with Swarovski crystals arranged in L shapes and backlit by LEDs, that perform the role of the sidelights and daytime driving lights. The headlights are positioned in the dark lower units chiselled deep into the front apron. The presence of the front end is further accentuated by contour lighting on the edge of the BMW kidney grille, which together with the BMW crystal headlights creates a visually impressive Welcome and Goodbye scenario.

A monolithic surface design, exterior dimensions that have grown in a discreet and harmonious way and a forward surging front section create a side view that brims with visual elegance, while a shoulder line runs from the daytime driving lights into the rear lights. The impression is reinforced by flush fitted side windows with window seals while at the rear slim LED rear light units add puristic excellence.

At 5.39m in length, which is 131mm more than the previous model, the new 7 Series offers more interior space, including generous head and legroom and more road presence than ever before.

Inside story

The new BMW 7 Series does a great job of demonstrating how an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of on-board wellbeing can be combined with a commitment to sustainability.

To the driver, the new 7 Series is an alluringly dynamic sedan, while the rear-seat passengers can luxuriate in a feel-good ambience from another dimension.

With a rationalisation of buttons much of the control has been transferred to the fully digital screen grouping. The offering consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display measuring 14.9 inches. The BMW Interaction bar makes its debut as a new breed of control and design. This functional unit, which boasts highly effective backlighting, extends from door to door.

The new BMW 7 Series will be available exclusively as a long-wheelbase model that maximises space in the rear. Newly developed comfort seats are standard fitment and offer wider seat surfaces than the outgoing models, as well as extensive electric adjustment, seat hating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

Innovative features such as a fold down 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen, multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive featuring the latest BMW Operating System Plus, BMW Curved Display and BMW Interactive Bar, highlights the progressive character of the luxury sedan. In addition to enhanced levels of comfort and unique in-car entertainment, optional extras such as Executive Lounge configuration for the rear bench and optimised reclining seat position and new BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool interior maximises interior comfort.

The BMW Theatre Screen is a 31.3-inch panoramic display in 32:9 format with 8K resolution, which extends downwards from the roof and transforms the second row of seats into an exclusive cinema on wheels. A Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and 5.5-inch touch screen displays for controlling operations in the rear doors complete the experience.

Under the bonnet

The BMW 7 series is available with a choice of combustion engines and for the first time all-electric drive, this flexibility is thanks to a newly developed flexible architecture that forms part of the global model strategy.

The i7 xDrive60 is powered by two electric motors, which together develop 400kW and boast a range of up to 625 kilometres.

The flagship BMW 760i xDrive features a V8 engine that boasts 400kW while the six-cylinder diesel in the 740d xDrive offers 220kW while using as little as 6.6 litres per 100km.

When launched towards the end of this year the BMW i7 xDrive60 and the BMW 740i models will be available locally with the diesel variant scheduled for later introduction.