The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series is a true flagship of the BMW range, blending comfort, style, dynamic ability and cutting edge technology in equal measure to create an inspiring mode of luxury transport.
Thanks to the intelligent use of multiple materials in the construction of the body, including carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the Carbon Core, the new BMW 7 Series is both stronger and up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor. This advanced construction is complemented by six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines taken from the latest generation of BMW power units.
With a wealth of interior comfort and driving features, from new ConnectedDrive technology to the sumptuous Executive Lounge feature, the new BMW 7 Series redefines luxury on the move.
The design of the new BMW 7 Series is a thoroughly modern interpretation of luxury. Every detail has been executed with meticulous precision, clearly positioning the new BMW 7 Series as the flagship model of the current BMW range: a car of elegance, refinement, advanced technology and high quality workmanship.
Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7 Series is offered in two body variants. The wheelbase of the extended version is 14cm longer, at 3,210mm and offers extra rear space as a result. At 5,098mm in total length (long-wheelbase version: 5,238mm), 1,902mm in width (excluding mirrors) and 1,478mm (1,485mm) in height, the new BMW 7 Series is the largest series-produced car the brand has ever built. Both body variants display familiar BMW proportions, characterised by a long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase and a set-back passenger compartment. A smoothly downward-sloping roofline adds a hint of sportiness.
From the front, the new BMW 7 Series radiates a feeling of assured presence. It is the brand’s first car to feature an Active Air Stream kidney grille, improving aerodynamics as well as making a strong visual statement. The headlight units extend up as far as the grille, while the light graphic of the familiar BMW twin circular headlights is levelled off at its upper and lower edges. The headlights have a precisely detailed design that portrays the sophisticated technology within both in standard full LED form and when optional BMW Laserlights are specified. The lower air intake stretched wide across the front end, the chrome bars in the outer edges of the intake and the horizontal contours of the LED fog lamps underline the car’s broad-set stance.
Viewed in profile the new BMW 7 Series is defined by outward curving surfaces and a double swage line. The wrap-around window frame, taking in the Hofmeister kink, is a single-piece element for the first time in a series-produced model, while the Air Breather surround in the front side panel spawns a chrome trim strip which runs along the lower edge of the doors, emphasising a low centre of gravity. The exterior mirrors appear to grow organically out of the window frame, a slender stalk providing the sole connection between mirrors and car body.
The double swage line extends into the upper contour of the body and the light strips of the rear lights. All the light sources for the tail lights feature LED technology, with both L-shaped light units connected by a chrome bar that extends the full width of the rear end.
Two non-metallic and nine metallic colour shades are available for the exterior paintwork of the new BMW 7 Series. Another two variants can be ordered exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport package and also one BMW Individual special paint finish completing the set. Depending on the model variant, the new BMW 7 Series comes as standard with either 18- or 19-inch light-alloy wheels, while the options list and Original BMW Accessories range offer a selection of other light-alloy wheels in 18- to 21-inch sizes.
The balance of dynamics and comfort so central to the new BMW 7 Series’ character is reflected in the design of the interior. Whether it’s the driving pleasure generated from behind the wheel, or the sublime sense of well-being when sat in the rear seats, the ambience of the new BMW 7 Series is both modern and luxurious. All the control and display elements share a new design that highlights their innovative functionality – such as the chrome buttons on the multifunctional steering wheel and centre console, and the touchscreen surface for the control panel of the Automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control.
The controls on the centre console are – like the interior trim strip – framed by fine wood or aluminium surfaces. Both the trim strips and the instrument panel’s chrome surrounds which border them are made individually for each car; their dimensions are therefore matched to the nearest millimetre. The standard and optional equipment items are crafted from carefully selected materials and with the build quality expected of precision craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the generous levels of space on board are highlighted by a horizontal surface structure that extends through the door trim. Customers can choose from six colour variants for the standard Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery.
Furthermore, the Design Pure Excellence package, which is available separately for both the exterior and the interior, features an additional chrome strip above the front fog lamps, high gloss back-painted brake callipers and a chrome strip for the rear apron. An Alcantara headliner, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and roof grab handles in the rear embellish the interior. On long wheelbase models the Design Pure Excellence exterior package is standard whilst the optional interior package also includes deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment.
The M Sport models include an M aerodynamic body styling package comprising model-specific front/rear aprons and side skirts, plus 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design, illuminated door sill finishers bearing the M logo and accents in either light or dark chrome. Inside there’s a BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite and Fineline black wood interior trim strips with high-gloss metal effect.
BMW UK aims to sell circa 1,400 7 Series models in its first full year of sales. The new BMW 7 Series goes on sale on 24 October 2015. Prices start at £64,530.
