BMW 7 Series updated with more comfort and engine options

ABU DHABI: The German automaker has quietly uncovered the updated 7 Series which is improved and advanced in almost every respect. While the driver assistance systems on the model have been improved, the driving dynamics have been made better along with the fuel economy. More comfort and convenience features are now included offering an exhilarated experience to the occupants.

Talking about the looks, the new 7 Series is a bolder version of what have seen over the years. The 40% bigger front grille has an active air flap control that comes in handy when there is a requirement for cool air to enter. The adjustable vanes on the grille open up to help the cause. The side trimmings are positioned in a more upright manner. Further, there are air breathers to reduce turbulence through the wheel arches.

While the 18-inch standard alloys aggrandize the side profile, they can be dumped for bigger 21-inch wheels as well. Additionally, the company offers new 20-inch and 21-inch lightweight alloys in star-spoke and W-spoke designs respectively. At the rear, the taillights are now slimmer than before and are connected with a full-width LED strip. The exhaust tailpipes are now wider with chrome highlights. Dimension-wise, the new 7 Series is 22mm longer than before and sports an extended wheelbase of 3,210 mm.

Inside, the new 7 Series gets LED ambient lighting with six colour choices, a hands-free phone system and a wireless charging station. The wireless charging tray for smartphones has now been moved from centre console armrest to the front of cupholders. Additionally, there is an advanced BMW Touch Command Unit which is a removable 7-inch tablet that can not only be used from different seats inside the car but also outside the sedan.

For occupants seated in the second row, there are two 10-inch full-HD screens with Blu-ray player, navigation, entertainment and managing other online features of the car. Furthermore, there is a bespoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with driver assist controls and exclusive Nappa leather seats with extended quilting.

The 7 Series engine line-up offers plenty for the users to choose. Starting off, the base 740i and 740Li variants are powered by a straight-six 3.0-litre engine that pumps out 345 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque. Next up is the 750i xDrive that features upgraded V8 4.4-litre engine with power and torque outputs rated at 537 PS and 750 Nm respectively. The top of the line petrol engine is the V12 6.6-litre featuring on the M760Li xDrive that churns out 593 PS of max power and 850 Nm of peak torque. Additionally, there are three six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesel engines are on offer as well.

The plug-in hybrid variants, 745e, 745Le, and 745Le xDrive come with a six-cylinder 3.0-litre petrol engine and a 115 PS (84kW) electric motor which collectively put out 394 PS of power. The total power output on the plug-in hybrid variants can be increased to 399 PS, courtesy of the Sport mode that turns on via the Driving Experience Control switch inside the car. The electric-only range for the above mentioned PHEV models is up to 57 Km. The xDrive BMW models come with the latest 8-speed Steptronic transmission while the PHEV models get a hybrid-exclusive 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

The new 7 Series will reach different markets of the world starting this April.