New BMW 7-Series luxury saloon
The BMW 7-Series will go on sale in November 2008
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 07 July 2008
BMW has released official information and pictures on the new 7-Series luxury saloon, following the leak of the first pictures on the web last week.
BMW is lauding the 7-Series' hi-tech gadgetry, including Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, a side-view camera, Lane Change warning, speed-related Integral Active Steering and BMW's EfficientDynamics technology for reducing carbon emissions.
One diesel and two petrol engines will initially be available at launch, all featuring improved fuel economy and emissions over the outgoing lumps.
The new all-aluminium 245bhp 3.0-litre straight-six common-rail cylinder diesel engine 730d with 398lb-ft of torque is capable of hitting 62mph in 7.2 seconds and going on to 153mph, while returning 39.2mpg and emitting 192g/km.
BMW says the 730d is set to be the biggest seller in the UK, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of sales.
The BMW 740i and 740Li are powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with 326hp and 331lb-ft of torque; accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds (6.0 seconds for the 740Li) and goes on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.
The 3.0-litre BMW 740i and 740Li post combined fuel consumption figures of 28.5mpg and 28.2mpg respectively, while returning emissions figures of 232g/km and 235g/km. The BMW 750i and 750Li flagships are driven by a new 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring twin-turbochargers produces 407hp from 5,500rpm to 6,400rpm and 442lb-ft of torque between 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm.
Acceleration from zero to 62mph takes 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the 750Li) and top speed is limited to 155mph, while combined cycle consumption is 24.8mpg, and CO2 emissions equate to 266g/km. All BMW 7 Series models come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Fuel consumption and emissions are driven down by use of lightweight aluminium on roof, doors, bonnet and side panels, while EfficientDynamics technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration are also used on the new 7-Series.
Gadgetry
Options include a Side View camera system that offers easier parking in tandem with Park Distance Control. Two forward-facing cameras mounted in the front bumper can show an overview of traffic conditions on the iDrive display.
A new Night Vision system is also optional, with a pedestrian recognition system able to alert the driver if it detects a human is moving into the path of the vehicle. The 7 Series is the first BMW to feature Lane Change Warning combined with Lane Departure Warning, which provides a gentle vibration on the steering wheel should the driver drift out of lane.
Lane Change Warning alerts the driver to the presence of another vehicle approaching in the blind spot.
Speed-related Integral Active Steering allows the rear wheels to turn by up to 3º, making the 7-Series more manoeuvrable at lower speeds, and more composed at higher speeds.
Driving
A new suspension set-up and a raft of new driver dynamic gadgets enhance driving, while Variable Damping Control can bet set in comfort, normal, sport, sport + modes, and are also dependent on driving style and road surface condition.
The BMW 7-Series comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control + featuring additional functions such as Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake Pre-tensioning, Soft-stop and Brake Fade Compensation. Dynamic Traction Control can be activated via a button to enable spirited driving or greater traction of slippery surfaces such as snow and ice.
Interior
The new BMW 7-Series comes a new iDrive controller and larger 10.2-inch screen to control multimedia and navigation, while an 8Gb hard drive can store in excess of 100 albums.
Four-zone automatic air-conditioning is fitted as standard while a rear seat ventilation system combined with massage function can be specified.
The BMW 7-Series comes with BMW ConnectedDrive, which features a dedicated call centre with a concierge service, automatic fault awareness and BMW Assist, the electronic safety net that automatically dials the emergency services in the event of an accident, free of charge for three years. The BMW 7-Series goes on sale in the UK on 15 November, 2008
Pictures, specs and reviews of all the family saloons on the road.
Pictures, details, prices and reviews of all luxury models on the UK's roads.
Pictures of the new 2009 BMW 7-Series luxury saloon have been leaked to the internet.
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