BMW 7 Series unveiled

KUALA LUMPUR: Following the numerous leaks, the all-new BMW 7 Series has finally come out in flesh. The updated flagship sedan not only gets aesthetic revisions but also comes with revamped mechanics. The front fascia of the sedan has gone through a major overhaul and the BMW’s trademark kidney-shaped grille is now 40% larger than before. Moreover, the 7 Series’ front end is now 50 mm taller courtesy the larger grille. The new and bigger grille is flanked by a pair of slimmer than before headlamps. The sedan comes equipped with Adaptive LED Headlights tech and there is also an option for the Laserlight. A larger BMW logo, revised hood with much more noticeable cuts and creases and revamped lower apron are the other significant updates at the front.

The new 7 Series also comes with better NVH levels than before thanks to the 5.1 mm thicker side windows as compared to the outgoing model. It should also be noted that the facelifted models of the 7 Series are 22 mm longer. While the taillamps feature the L-shaped design and are 3.5 mm slimmer than the previous units, the rear end as a whole is very much the same as before. New elements include a light strip running across joining the two taillights and a wider trim which houses the exhaust outlets. You can have the updated BMW 7 Series with wheels ranging from 17-inch to 21-inch in various finishes. Also, you can choose from the 11 metallic and 2 non-metallic paint jobs available.

Just like the other new BMWs, the newest iteration of the 7 Series comes equipped with company’s Operating System 7.0 (with Intelligent Personal Assistant). Barring the new steering wheel which has been borrowed from the X7, the interior on the updated 7 Series remains same as before. The sedan also comes equipped with wireless phone charger and an updated ambient lighting system. There are a lot of customisable packages like trim packages, Executive Lounge setup, different leather upholsteries, M Sport package, and rear-seat entertainment which includes two 10-inch displays.

While the safety packages like Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant packages are available as standard, customers can opt for Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus along with heads-up display and Night Vision system as well. The petrol powertrain options start with an N63B44T3 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 motor capable of producing 530 PS of power and 750 Nm of torque. This particular engine is available on the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive. On the other hand, the M760Li xDrive gets a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 mill good enough for 585 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 850 Nm.

Moving on to the diesel variants, the 730d, 730Ld, 730d xDrive, and 730Ld xDrive feature a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine which makes 265 PS of power and a peak torque of 620 Nm. Moreover, the 740d xDrive and 740Ld xDrive are powered by a 3.0-litre multi-stage turbo in-line six-cylinder motor churning out 320 PS and 680 Nm. Finally, the 750d xDrive and 750Ld xDrive house a 3.0-litre quad-turbo in-line six-pot which pumps out 400 PS and 760 Nm. Coming to the hybrid variants, the 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive models of the new 7 Series are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six motor which makes 286 PS and 450 Nm. Accompanying this engine is an electric motor which produces 113 PS and 265 Nm.

This electric motor is incorporated in the Steptronic gearbox and as a result, acts both as a powerhouse and a generator which charges the 12 kWh lithium-ion battery. Using the 3.7 kW charger (16 A/230 V) alone, the battery pack takes around 4.4 hours to charge completely. The total power output of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is 394 PS and 600 Nm. All electric range has been rated at 54 kms by the manufacturer. Two-axle air suspension with an automatic self-levelling and adaptive suspension which incorporates electronically controlled dampers come as standard on the all the variants. Rear-wheel steering with the Integral Active Steering system and active roll stabilisation with Executive Drive Pro can also be had as options. Different driving modes which affect the powertrain, suspension, and steering will still be accessible to the drivers via the Driving Experience Control switch found adjacent to the gear lever.