- Pictured above is James Costin, the Product Operations Manager of BMW, along with the updated BMW 7 Series…and its crystal headlights
FOR CEOs and company bosses who like to be driven rather than taking the wheel, the new seventh-generation BMW 7 Series could be the car for you.
Crammed full of new technology and design from the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 and soon to be launched i3 saloon, the 7 Series represents the pinnacle of BMW luxury.
While the main target for the car is the chauffeur and high end corporate market, BMW’s General Manager of Corporate Sales, Andrew Jago, says “The key thing for me is the integration of Neue Klasse into 7 series which is informing the whole of the BMW range and what fleet buyers can expect in the future.”
Fleet&Leasing was attending a special fleet presentation of the new car, which was first unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.
James Costin – Product Operations Manager, BMW – presented the key details of the car.
Like the BMW iX3 with its 500 mile battery range, the new 7 Series brings extended travel distance on a battery charge with new Generation 6 battery tech enabling a range of up to 452 miles.
Electric BMW 7 Series First, PHEV Models To Follow
At the point of launch, the new BMW 7 Series range will feature three distinct all-electric derivatives: the BMW i7 50 xDrive, BMW i7 60 xDrive, and the range-topping BMW i7 M70 xDrive. Production starts July.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models follow in November: the BMW 750e xDrive and the BMW M760e xDrive. Both benefit from an updated straight-six petrol engine, equipped with a new turbocharger; maximum battery range is said to be 50 miles.
Choose Your Colour Palette From Over 500 Swatches
The one thing you won’t lack for choice with the new 7-Series is the extensive paint options.
“With the 7 we’ve seen a growth in customisation,” says Costin. “For the new gen 7 there are over 500 colour choices. These include gloss and frozen paint combinations, where the lower body features frozen paint and the upper gloss which can be further customised with a hand drawn coachline where the paint finishes meet.”
Frozen paint, by the way, refers to a matt paint finish.
Optional Packs for the new i7
There are three options packs to add to what is already a heady luxury spec. They are:
Front Comfort Pack
- Front Ventilated Seats
- Front Massage Seats
- Comfort Climate Windscreen
Rear Comfort Pack
- Executive Lounge Rear Console
- Multifunction Rear Seats
- Rear Ventilated Seats
- Rear Massage Seats
Executive Lounge Pack
- BMW Theatre Screen
- Executive Lounge Seating
- Technical preparation Digital Mirror
Costin says he is expecting most buyers opting for all three of the packs – the Digital Mirror replaces the traditional rear view mirror, as rear view is blocked by the Theatre Screen.
Motorway Assistant For Hands-Free Driving
Although UK availability remains a TBA, one of the funky features on the new i7 is Motorway Assistant. This supports hands-free driving on motorways. It performs assisted lane changes once the driver confirms with an eye signal and can also negotiate motorway junctions.
“I’ve tried it in Germany,” explains Costin. “You look towards the door mirror and it swaps lanes subject to traffic of course. It’s remarkably good – although a bit nervy for your passenger I suspect!”
What Else Do You Need To Know About The New BMW 7 Series?
According to BMW, the seventh-generation BMW 7 Series “represents the most extensive model update ever carried out by the BMW Group, as the brand’s flagship saloon spearheads the integration of Neue Klasse technologies into the existing BMW model portfolio.”
It features a monolithic exterior, a new face with a reprofiled kidney grille and ultra-slim daytime running lights, as well as a sculpted rear, where redesigned taillights span the entire width of the vehicle.
BMW Individual allows customers to benefit from a broad spectrum of personalisation options, including the new crystal headlights we’ve referred to above along with the “world-first” dual-finish exterior paint. There’s also comprehensive trim levels and a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes up to 22 inches enable further customisation.
Inside the cabin there’s an intriguing mix of materials – leather-meets-metal-meets-crystal glass. What you won’t miss if you’re in the front is the integration of BMW Panoramic iDrive (with the option to display BMW Art Cars of which we very much approve) along with the first-ever BMW Passenger Screen which is a standard fitment.
If you’re in the rear of the car – which is probable – there’s an enhanced BMW Theatre Screen, the addition of Dolby Atmos audio and, for the first time, integrated video conferencing. Comfortable seats with the optional Executive Lounge, new steering wheel designs, upgraded automatic doors, a digital interior mirror and a high-level of standard equipment – such as a panoramic glass roof, four-zone automatic climate control and the Travel & Comfort System – round off what is a wholly welcoming interior package.
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