Among all the modern day BMW, the flagship 7 Series
is the oldest one, and it looks like one too. BMW technology and design
evolution do not follow the same coincidence cycle. For example, the 7 Series
might have debuted some of the electronic trickery that has been filtered down
to the mainstream model, but the updated design philosophy only debuted with
the new 1 Series and 3 Series. In an attempt to prolong relevancy of its
flagship series, BMW has thrown in some updates to keep the model fresh. The
new BMW 7 Series reinforces BMW’s commitment to building the finest flagship
model possible with a focus on sporting elegance, superb refinement and
luxurious comfort combined with efficient yet high performance powertrains.
Small design enhancements,
including new optional Adaptive LED headlights, accentuate the strong, powerful
lines and balanced proportions inherent to the 7 Series. Inside and the pursuit
of innovation is apparent with an enhanced control display and a new optional
multi-function Instrument panel providing access to the latest in BMW’s
ConnectedDrive technology. Additional in-car refinement measures and further
optimisation of the 7 Series’ chassis have led to an even higher level of
driving comfort for the occupants.
On the powertrain front,
the updated 7 Series features a revised range of highly efficient engines, a
standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and the full array of EfficientDynamics
technologies thus the new BMW 7 Series combines enhanced performance with significantly
reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
From the front, the new 7 Series now presents the
latest version of the famous BMW kidney grille which features a larger aperture
but with nine instead of 13 slats for greater visual impact. In the lower
section a full-width air intake is now split into three sections, defined by a
pair of chrome bars on the outer edges and flanked by vertical air intakes that
form part of the advanced aerodynamic package. The headlight internals also
have been updated with the graphic that is more in-line with the new 1 and 3
Series. At the back, additional chrome element has been added at the
lower valence, connecting the reflectors as well as connecting the rear light
(which anyway has more red lens). Side mirrors gain an LED indicator too.
The car also sits 8mm lower than before.
The interior has been re-crafted with newly design
front leather seat, new 1,200 watt Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System and
an optional rear seat entertainment system.
The powertrain range kicks in the entry level 730i
which runs on the naturally aspirated 3.0L punching out 258bhp and 310Nm. The
next up is the BMW 740i powered by the superb TwinPower turbo 3.0-litre
straight-six, a pioneer of BMW’s integration of twin-scroll turbo technology
with direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS and Valvetronic for maximum throttle
response and power with highly efficient consumption. The engine has a peak
power output of 320hp and a maximum torque of 450Nm.
Fans of a higher powered
version should opt for BMW 750i that comes with a revised version of the
TwinPower turbo 4.4-litre V8, with optimised high pressure direct fuel
injection and reduced charge cycle losses thanks to the clever integration of
Valvetronic variable control of intake valve lift. The engine now delivers
10per cent more power at 449hp, and 8.5per cent more torque at a mighty 650Nm,
developed over a broad rev band – enough for a 0-62mph sprint of 4.8 seconds.
Gasoline range topper meanwhile is the 760Li powered by an
all-aluminium, 5,972cc V12 features TwinPower turbo technology, direct
fuel injection and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control to produce 544hp and
750Nm of torque from as low as 1,500rpm. Predictably, this gives the 760Li
superb acceleration and speed (0-62mph takes just 4.6 seconds and the top speed
is limited electronically to 250 km/h), all delivered with the silky
refinement. More details after the jump.
