45 years after the launch of the first 7 Series, here comes the seventh generation of the Bavarian limousine. New style, long wheelbase only, high-tech comfort on board and electric variant i7 are on the menu. The latter starts at €139,900 in France.
BMW presents the seventh generation of its 7 Series, once again making its largest sedan the flagship of its advances in terms of comfort and technology. This new iteration ignores the “short” wheelbase and is only offered with a body 5.25 m long, 1.95 m wide and 1.53 m high. Wider and higher than its predecessor by 5 cm, it loses 1 cm in length compared to the previous model in the long version, but its wheelbase increases by 5 mm and amounts to nearly 3.22 m. Its dimensions place it directly opposite the Mercedes EQS, and for good reason: in addition to the micro-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the new BMW 7 Series is available in an electric version called i7. No 100% thermal engine is announced.
A personality apart
Side look too, the seventh 7 changes radically. It displays an oversized grille evoking that of the XM concept and destined to become a hallmark of the most upscale BMWs. The contours of its “beans” are backlit, and the front lights are two-stage. The very thin upper element incorporates the daytime running lights and indicators; Swarovski crystals are offered as an option for an even more luxurious appearance. The lower block includes the dipped and main beam headlights. The limousine is fitted with adaptive LED headlamps as standard.
The hood is hollowed out in its center. The front bumper includes a lower ventilation whose design varies according to the finish, and air guides on its sides. The particularly massive profile of the car, despite rims displaying at least 19 inches in diameter, can be visually refined by the optional two-tone configuration whose demarcation follows the beltline. The stern is more traditional with horizontal lights spilling over the fenders and forming a stretched “L” on each side. The i7 is distinguished by a few blue elements, the M Performance versions by glossy black details. The door handles are integrated into the latter, which can open or close automatically as an option. The new BMW 7 Series is fitted as standard with an adaptive air suspension. It can also be fitted with rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars powered by a 48 V electric motor.
Debauchery of technology for the 7 Series
In the passenger compartment, in addition to a steering wheel with two or three spokes and a central console with an original design, we note the virtual disappearance of the buttons in favor of screens and haptic controls. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen are united behind a curved, driver-facing dual slab. The latter benefits from a head-up display as standard. Over the entire width of the dashboard and up to the door trim runs a strip integrating mood lighting with geometric patterns, air vents, and control panels for both driver and passenger. The inserts are made of carbon fiber or wood. The standard upholstery is made of synthetic leather: a mixture of Merino leather and cashmere is offered as an option. The 7 Series is fitted with a fixed glass roof as standard; a panoramic sunroof is available as an option. Four-zone automatic climate control is standard equipment.
The battery of sensors, cameras and integrated software allows the new 7 Series to offer the most sophisticated driving aids such as recognition of vehicles or pedestrians at intersections, the reversing assistant or automatic parking, and to make the car compatible with level 3 autonomous driving (hands-free on the highway).
A home cinema for rear passengers
BMW has particularly pampered the rear passengers. 5.5-inch touchscreens are integrated into their doors to control the multimedia system, the optional right rear Executive Lounge seat can be extended, and a 31.3-inch 8K screen can drop from the ceiling to transform the rear part of the passenger compartment into a veritable cinema on wheels. The audio system is signed Bower & Wilkins, and the car embeds the Amazon Fire TV video-on-demand service, as well as a YouTube application also accessible on the front central screen. An interior camera can send its images to the owner’s smartphone.
The rear part of the passenger compartment can be transformed into a cinema.
100% electric launch in Europe
Initially, Europe is only entitled to the i7 xDrive60 electric version. It has one motor per axle and thus all-wheel drive, with a combined power of 544 hp and a torque of 745 Nm. BMW announces a time of 4.7 s to go from 0 to 100 km / h , a top speed of 240 km/h, and a WLTP combined cycle range ranging from 590 km to 625 km. The 101.7 kWh battery accepts a charging power of 195 kW, enough to gain 170 km of autonomy in 10 minutes on a suitable terminal. The BMW i7 xDrive60 starts at €139,900, or €14,200 less than a 523 hp Mercedes EQS 580 4Matic. A 660 hp i7 M70 xDrive will complete the “zero emissions” offer in 2023.
Next year, the Old Continent will also be entitled to the 740d xDrive six-cylinder diesel micro-hybrid 300 hp. Six-cylinder plug-in hybrid variants 750e xDrive (490 hp) and M760e xDrive (571 hp) that can exceed 80 km in electric mode are also planned, but their marketing with us remains to be confirmed. Some markets such as the USA and China benefit from micro-hybrid petrol versions, including a 760i xDrive with a 544 hp V8. Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7 Series will be produced in Dingolfing, Germany.
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