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BMW 7-Series updated

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23rd January, 2013

  • Mid-cycle update
  • New ActiveHybrid models priced from $222,000*
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission standard across the range
  • Rear self-levelling air suspension standard across the range

The upgraded flagship 7 Series range improves BMW's standing in the large luxury sector with a host of additional luxury and safety features, more powerful and efficient drivetrains, and advanced dynamic and comfort technologies.

Headlining the substantial changes across the range is the addition of the new ActiveHybrid 7 that combines a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to provide sports performance with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

This latest generation hybrid system is just part of the significant powertrain upgrades for the new BMW 7 Series that have delivered dramatic fuel efficiency improvements of up to 25 per cent, which include increased power and torque for BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel and V8 engines as well as a refined and efficient eight-speed automatic transmission as standard across the range.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said that the introduction of the ActiveHybrid 7 and other BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Auto Start/Stop and Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO mode enabled the new 7-Series to provide customers with superb driving performance and leading levels of efficiency.

In addition to this, subtle styling enhancements, and markedly improved comfort provided by new front seats and substantial enhancements to the suspension system including standard rear air suspension, along with additional advanced ConnectedDrive technologies ensures the new BMW 7 Series continues to provide the ultimate in elegant style and refined luxurious comfort.

BMW 7 Series Australian Pricing: MLP*

BMW 730d $204,600*
BMW 740i / BMW 740Li $211,500*/$226,500*
BMW ActiveHybrid 7 / BMW ActiveHybrid 7L $222,000*/$237,000*
BMW 750i / BMW 750Li $281,100*/$297,800*
BMW 760Li $391,500*

Design

As the flagship of the BMW sedan range, the 7-Series is defined by its elegant design that combines a sporting and athletic aesthetic with a commanding presence on the road. For its 'mid-life' update, BMW has refined that stylish visage with a number of subtle modifications both inside and out.

At the front, new Adaptive LED headlights with BMW hallmark corona rings flank a redesigned kidney grille with a new slat arrangement (nine instead of 12) to give the 7 Series a more prominent stance. The large full width air intake of the modified front apron is now split into three sections adding further depth to the car’s sporty looks while the indicator repeaters have been elegantly integrated into the exterior mirror housings.

In order to offer customers more choice, BMW has also extended the exterior colour palette with three new metallic finishes – Havanna, Glacier Silver and Midnight Blue – taking the total number of colours available to fourteen, when you include Liquid Blue, which is exclusive to the ActiveHybrid 7.

Inside the spacious cabin, the updated 7 Series delivers a new benchmark in comfort, convenience and technology with a range of upgraded or new features.

In the front, passenger and driver benefit from new design heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable Comfort front seats offering optimum support and long distance comfort.

For the driver, the BMW 7 Series introduces a new optional multifunctional instrument display that uses digital technology to provide a selection of instrument displays based on the driving mode selected.

The digital display retains the four familiar circular instruments of the standard cluster that display different information, colours and moods based on whether the driver selects Comfort, Sport or ECO PRO driving modes. In ECO PRO mode, for instance the instruments are shaded blue and the rev counter becomes an EfficientDynamics display to provide information on driving efficiency.

In Sport mode, the instruments turn orange with the speed displayed in digital numbers and the gear engaged displayed in the centre of the rev counter.

The Control Display in the centre of the dash now also incorporates high-resolution 3D graphics for improved readability.

Rear seat passengers – who can enjoy the option of individual electrically adjustable Comfort seats (standard on 750Li and 760Li) – are also able to take advantage of the latest technology with the new 7 Series featuring a redesigned optional Rear Entertainment System (standard on 750i / Li and 760Li models).

New 9.2-inch flat-screen monitors now “float” against the rear of the front seats providing a suitable viewing experience for watching DVDs, TV, gaming or surfing the internet.To provide a greater entertainment experience for all the car’s occupants, the new 7 Series is also available with a new optional Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System. The 1200-watt system delivers the ultimate in crisp clear audio reproduction through 16 speakers including a pop-up dash mounted central speaker that uses B&O Acoustic Lens Technology to ensure perfect sound quality in every seat.

And there are no concerns about any external noises impinging on your enjoyment either with the updated BMW 7 Series having undergone an extensive insulation audit resulting in the fitment of additional sound-deadening materials in the B and C pillars, skirts and boot area.

Further adding to the cocoon-like ambience inside the cabin are the new ambient lights whose colour can be altered according to taste, and a choice of new Dakota and Nappa leather trim options in Ivory White/Black combination or Veneto Beige.

Powertrain: upgraded engines deliver more performance and efficiency

Besides the design tweaks for the new 7 Series there have been changes under the bonnet with the updated models featuring a raft of new and upgraded engines that improve performance and deliver outstanding efficiency.

Across the range, with the exception of the 760Li, BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Auto Start/Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and the addition of the ECO PRO mode for the Driving Experience Control have all contributed to lower fuel consumption and greater efficiency.

The Driving Experience Control offers Comfort, Comfort +, Sport, and Sport+ modes and now with the addition of ECO PRO mode, it gives drivers the option of a highly efficient mode of driving that can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent. When selected, the ECO PRO mode modifies the powertrain management and programming for the heating and air conditioning, heated seats and exterior mirror heating to deliver optimum efficiency.

New extended functionality now also includes a coasting mode, which is designed to decouple the engine when it is overrunning at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h. In coasting mode, the BMW 7 Series Sedan is subject to a far lower rate of deceleration as it freewheels along the road with no engine braking effect and minimal fuel consumption.

Together with the new smooth-shifting intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission that is now fitted as standard across the range, these technologies have helped cut fuel consumption across the range of BMW TwinPower Turbo engines buy up to 25 per cent.

All new for the updated 7 Series is the Australian launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. This hybrid drive system combines the 235 kW 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo six cylinder petrol engine with a 40 kW synchronous electric motor to provide performance with low emissions and greater fuel efficiency.

The electric motor is located between the engine and the transmission and supplied with power from a compact lithium-ion battery integrated neatly into the luggage area.

With a combined output of 260 kW/500 Nm driving the rear wheels, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is able to cover 0-100 km/h in a low 5.7 seconds. It can deliver a 'combined cycle' fuel economy figure of just 6.8 l/100 km.

Even greater fuel economy with a combined test figure of only 5.6 l/100 km, a reduction of 1.2 l/100 km over its predecessor, comes from the 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine in the 730d. With CO2 emissions of just 148 g/km, the BMW 730d is currently the cleanest and most fuel-efficient car in its class.

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For the updated BMW 7 Series, the 740i/Li gains a new 3.0-litre straight six petrol engine that combines state of the art technology incorporating BMW TwinPower Turbo technology which includes High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing. With 235 kW/450 Nm the new 740i is faster to 100 km/h from standstill with its time of 5.7 seconds, shaving off 0.2 seconds. More importantly, the new engine delivers a massive improvement in efficiency with the 740i having reduced its combined cycle fuel consumption by 2.0 l/100 km to 7.9 l/100 km.

By far the greatest efficiency gains however have been made with the 4.4-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine in the 750i/Li that has been substantially revised to optimise the high-pressure direct injection and reduce charge cycle losses, thanks largely to the seamlessly variable control of intake valve lift. These and other modifications have resulted in a huge 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption together with a 10 per cent boost in peak power and 8.4 per cent increase in maximum torque. Now developing 330 kW and 650 Nm of torque, this translates into a substantial improvement in performance with the 750i/Li cutting its 0-100 km/h time to a mere 4.8 seconds.

As the flagship of the range, the 760Li was already fitted with the eight speed automatic transmission and its 6.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo V12 remains unchanged with smooth and refined maximum power and torque outputs of 400 kW and 750Nm enabling the powerful long wheelbase limousine to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Dynamics: air suspension offers perfect combination of comfort and handling

BMW vehicles are known for their combination of driving characteristics and comfort. With the updated 7 Series, BMW has taken this to new heights adopting a self-levelling air suspension for the rear axle across the range as standard.

The air suspension works in conjunction with the integral-V rear axle and responds to changes in load by adjusting the suspension at the relevant wheel.

This, together with the familiar front double wishbone suspension and the electronically controlled damping system provides the updated 7 Series with superb driving manners and passenger comfort.

To further improve steering precision and fuel efficiency, all BMW 7-Series models are now fitted with electric Power Steering.

Furthermore, the optional Integral Active Steering (standard on 760Li), which works with a variable steering ratio on the front axle linked to a steering rear axle, makes parking and manoeuvring easier for the driver and enables impressive precision at higher speeds.

Connected Drive: new technology for comfort, convenience and safety

BMW ConnectedDrive offers an unmatched combination of driver assistance, safety, communication and convenience technologies for the new BMW 7 Series range.

Among the highlights is the standard fitment of the latest generation Professional navigation system. With all information displayed on the 10.2-inch Control Display with a 1.3 GHz processor and dedicated 3D graphics card. The system combines a 20GB hard disc storage for audio files and images with enhanced Bluetooth connectivity that offers a range of office, audio, internet and telephone functions through compatible devices.

In addition to streaming music through the superb sounding HiFi audio system, the Navigation System Professional enables full telephony and office functions such as the transfer of calendar entries, tasks and notes from compatible smartphones.

To help with reverse parking manoeuvres, the updated BMW 7 Series is now available with the option of BMW’s clever Parking Assistant. This system uses ultrasonic sensors to first select an appropriate parking space on the side of the road, and then take over the steering function to guide the car into the space. All the driver needs to do is select reverse gear, operate the accelerator and brake and monitor the process that is made easier with the Surround View feature (optional on some models), which provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle in the Control Display that works in unison with the Park Distance Control to clearly visualise the distance to other objects.

For greater convenience, BMW ConnectedDrive improvements in the new 7 Series include the addition of an automatic boot opening function for the standard keyless entry and start Comfort Access system. Standing behind the car with the key fob still in the pocket or handbag, owners simply move their foot under the centre of the rear bumper and the boot automatically unlocks and swings open by spring force.

Safety features are a large part of BMW’s ConnectedDrive and the new 7 Series now incorporates an even more extensive Active Protection Safety package thanks to the inclusion of the Attentiveness Assistant. The system’s electronics analyse driving behaviour on the basis of various signals such as steering angle, road speed and other engine parameters. If the system increasingly detects telltale signs of fatigue starting to build up, the central Control Display encourages the driver to take a break by displaying a coffee cup symbol.

If a crash is unavoidable, the system will automatically brake the car afterwards without any intervention required from the driver. Following the initial impact, the car is slowed to a standstill with a maximum deceleration rate of 5 m/s˛ and its brakes then locked for a further 1.5 seconds. This reduces the likelihood of – or even prevents – a secondary collision.

The new BMW 7 Series also features an enhanced optional active cruise control system Driving Assistant Plus (standard on 760Li). For an enhanced interpretation of the traffic situation ahead, the full-range radar sensors are now supplemented by a front-mounted camera on the rear-view mirror. When driving in heavy-flowing traffic or traffic jams, the driver is able to safely move along with the flow and let the vehicle’s automatic systems handle the tasks of stopping and pulling away again as well as approaching junctions where there are already vehicles waiting ahead.

The optional Night Vision system (standard on 750i/Li and 760Li) now features a Dynamic Light Spot function to improve early pedestrian detection. At the heart of the Night Vision system is an infrared thermal imaging camera integrated into the grille. This provides a live video image which clearly highlights any objects radiating heat, despite being far beyond the range of the high beam. The system recognises pedestrians, cyclists and animals in plenty of time, even when they are outside the headlights’ beam of light. The automatic pedestrian recognition control unit then analyses the image to determine whether the vehicle is on a collision course with any pedestrians or cyclists. If a person at the roadside is deemed to be potentially at risk, a high-resolution icon will flash up in the central Control Display or the BMW Head-Up Display as a warning.

In addition to the visual and audible warnings, Dynamic Light Spots are now used to pinpoint the detected pedestrians, allowing the driver to immediately make out any road users in danger in the dark and react in time. The new high-performance LED headlights are fitted on the outsides of the front apron in place of the fog lamps, and are computer-controlled to swivel and illuminate the target object precisely. The High-Beam Assistant also intervenes if required to prevent the Dynamic Light Spots from dazzling other traffic. When they are not activated, the Dynamic Light Spots are dimmed to work together with the daytime running lights or low beam.

The full-LED headlights provide a further safety boost when driving at night. The bright white light they emit illuminates the road ahead with an exceptional intensity. Together with the High-Beam Assistant, the Adaptive Headlights with cornering lights as well as variable headlight distribution, they continue to represent the ultimate in lighting technology. The anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant in conjunction with full-LED headlights ensures that the driver can enjoy optimal visibility at all times without having to switch manually between high and low beam. The system uses a camera integrated into the rear-view mirror to identify vehicles travelling up to 400 metres in front. Oncoming traffic is picked up when it is still 1,000 metres away.

With the High-Beam Assistant activated, the headlights are partially masked as and when required in order to eliminate the danger of dazzling vehicles as they draw closer. If necessary, however, the High-Beam Assistant can also adapt to the traffic situation by switching to low beam on one or both sides.

Performance highlights

BMW 730d: In-line six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engine
Capacity: 2,993 cc
Max output: 190 kW at 4,000 rpm
Max torque: 560 Nm at 1,500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (where legal)
Fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 5.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 148 g/km

BMW 740i/Li: In-line six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine
Capacity: 2,979 cc
Max output: 235 kW at 5,800 rpm
Max torque: 450 Nm from 1,300 - 4,500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (where legal)
Fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 7.9 l/100 km
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 184 g/km

BMW ActiveHybrid 7/7L : In-line six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with 40 kW electric motor
Capacity: 2,979cc
Max output: 260 kW
Max torque: 500 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.7 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (where legal)
Fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 6.8 l/100 km
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 158 g/km

BMW 750i/Li: V8 TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with two turbochargers
Capacity: 4,395 cc
Max output: 330 kW at 5,500 rpm
Max torque: 650 Nm from 2,000 - 4,500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (where legal)
Fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 8.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g/km

BMW 760Li: V12 TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with two TwinScroll turbochargers
Capacity: 5,972 cc
Max output: 400 kW at 5,250 rpm
Max torque: 750 Nm from 1,500 - 5,000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (where legal)
Fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 12.9 l/100 km
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 303 g/km


NOTE:

* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.

E&OE.


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