With more technological advancements that deliver both outstanding comfort and handling, greater fuel efficiency and innovative driver assistance and connectivity, the new BMW 7 Series sets out its stall as the ultimate vehicle for luxurious driving pleasure.
In addition to striking exterior and interior design changes, BMW has updated the 7 Series engine range to include a new eight-cylinder engine and an in-line six-cylinder unit with plug-in hybrid system offering extended electric range.
The BMW 7 Series will continue to be offered in standard and long wheelbase body variants. The longer version of the luxury saloon has a wheelbase extended by 14 centimetres over the standard car to 3,210 millimetres. Both variants have grown by 22 millimetres over their respective predecessors.
The new BMW 7 Series incorporates an extensive design refresh at the front end that is now around 50mm taller at its foremost point. The traditional BMW kidney grille is now significantly larger and features active air flap control with adjustable vanes that only open when the need for cooling air is increased.
Wide-open air intakes for M Sport models have been updated and they feature C-shaped surrounds with integrated Air Curtains to underscore the positioning of air ducts at the outer edges of the front apron. The revisions also include aerodynamically optimised contouring of the front apron’s lower border.
With long wheelbase and short overhangs, a flowing roofline and the Hofmeister kink (the upturned line at the trailing edge of the side window graphic), the new BMW 7 Series has all the hallmark BMW design cues. Exterior mirrors attached to the window are surrounded by a thin stalk to further improve aerodynamics and the front side panels have been treated to a thorough redesign, too.
The new BMW 7 Series features new Air Breathers that optimise the flow of air through the wheel arches, helping to reduce turbulence. Air outlets that are integrated into the side panels now extend much further upwards and their trim strips form a 90-degree angle with the side trim elements.
The Air Breathers on either side of the car provide the starting point for a horizontal trim strip that runs above the side skirts and now reaches into the rear apron, both in standard form and when the M Sport trim level is specified. The M Sport model also includes side skirts.
At the rear of the new BMW 7 Series the outer sections of the rear apron adopt the design language used for the air intake trim in the front apron. The exhaust system’s tailpipes are edged in what are now wider chrome surrounds and are integrated flush into the lower section of the rear apron.
The three-dimensional rear lights of the new BMW 7 Series are around 35 millimetres slimmer than on the outgoing car. Other new features include a slim light strip sited below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate and connects the rear lights with each other.
he new BMW 7 Series models are equipped as standard with a hands-free phone system including wireless charging. Previously situated under the centre console armrest, the tray for smartphones that support wireless charging is now positioned immediately in front of the cupholders. LED ambient lighting with a choice of six colours is available as standard.
The rear-seat entertainment system comprises two 10-inch full-HD displays complete with a Blu-ray player. The system allows users to access the entertainment, navigation and online functions of the vehicle from the rear seats. The viewing angle of the screens, which now have touchscreen functionality, can be adjusted in accordance with the rear seat passengers’ existing seat position.
The new BMW 7 Series also includes the latest version of the BMW Touch Command unit. This removable tablet with a 7-inch screen can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle. It lets the occupants operate comfort functions such as seat adjustment, interior lighting and climate control, as well as the infotainment, navigation and communication systems. It can also be used to play external audio and video files. The graphics and menu system of the BMW Touch Command tablet and the rear-seat entertainment Experience displays are now aligned with the software features and functionality of BMW Operating System 7.0, which is also used for the all-digital displays of the instrument cluster and Control Display.
The new BMW 7 Series is available with petrol and diesel engines using six, eight and 12 cylinders as well as a plug-in hybrid drive system offering an increased electric range, enhanced performance and lower consumption. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission fitted as standard on all model variants has also undergone further improvement as has the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system that can be combined not just with the petrol and diesel engines but with the hybrid drive too.
The new BMW 7 Series is on sale from 13 April 2019 with prices starting from £69,430.
