EVEN high-flying company car executives can benefit from hitting the gym and that’s what the sixth generation of BMW’s flagship 7 Series has done by losing weight and gaining strength.
Despite market-leading levels of luxury, the new BMW 7 Series is leaner, meaner and more dynamic than the outgoing model.
New BMW 7 Series highlights
- Stronger and up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor;
- Massage and passenger ‘gym’ programmes;
- Six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines;
- Hybrid BMW 740e claims 134mpg and 49g/km of CO2;
- Wealth of interior comfort and driving features, from new ConnectedDrive;
- World first remote parking facility;
- Prices from £64,530.
That’s thanks to the intelligent use of multiple materials in the construction of the body, including carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the Carbon Core, which makes the new 7 Series both stronger and up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor.
And just as the car’s been working out, the rear passengers can too – using a Vitality Programme that has been specially devised for the new BMW 7 Series and allows the passengers to engage in active training to revitalise the body on longer journeys.
The training programme instructions are displayed on the rear-seat entertainment system screens.
Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7 Series is offered in standard and long wheelbase versions. The wheelbase of the extended version is 14cm longer, at 3,210mm and offers extra rear passenger space.
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.
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.
Inside, all the control and display elements share a new design and include 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. Customers can choose from six colour variants for the standard Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery.
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.
The six-cylinder in-line engines, with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology stem from the BMW Group’s latest generation of engines. The 3.0-litre petrol unit under the bonnet of the BMW 740Li produces an output of 326hp, 7hp more than the engine it replaces. The new power unit’s crankcase, cylinder head and oil sump are all made from aluminium.
