January 0001
12-10-2015: New BMW 7 Series unveiled
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic 'Carbon Core' makes it up to 130kg lighter than fifth generation 7 Series.
5,098mm long (LWB: 5,238mm long) x 1,902mm wide (exc mirrors) x 1,478mm high (LWB: 1,485mm high). (The wheelbase of the LWB is 14cm longer, at 3,210mm and offers extra rear space as a result.)
Two non-metallic and nine metallic colour shades are available for the exterior paintwork of the new BMW 7 Series. Another two variants can be ordered exclusively in conjunction with the M Sport package and also one BMW Individual special paint finish completing the set. 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.
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 326PS, 7PS more than the engine it replaces.
The diesel engine powering the BMW 730d and BMW 730Ld models has a 3.0-litre capacity and likewise boasts a 7PS increase in output, in this case to 265PS combined with superior efficiency. Peak torque is now 620Nm, which translates into formidable pulling power.
There are also two new plug-in hybrid models: the BMW 740e, and the BMW 740Le xDrive. The intelligently controlled interaction between a 2.0-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission endows the BMW 740e with dynamic acceleration yet very low consumption and emissions figures in everyday driving. While producing a total system output of 326PS, it returns a combined fuel consumption of 134.5mpg in the guise of the BMW 740e or a combined electric power consumption of 12.5 kWh. CO2 emissions are just 49g/km.
The standard-fit eight-speed Steptronic transmission contributes to further efficiency savings with its wider ratio spread, reduced weight and optimised calibration. A new transmission control system makes for more comfortable shifting and allows the transmission to be linked up with the standard Navigation system. An eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel is available as an option (standard on M Sport models), which also features a Launch Control function.
The iDrive system’s operating concept has been expanded to include the method so familiar from consumer electronics devices: when combined with the standard Navigation system the iDrive operating system’s monitor comes in the form of a touch display for the first time.
The system can furthermore be specified with the addition of BMW Gesture Control, which is also being premiered in the new BMW 7 Series. By making specific hand movements in the vicinity of the centre console - where a 3D sensor registers them - commonly used infotainment system functions can be controlled very intuitively and conveniently. The various gestures serve, for instance, to adjust the audio volume, control the 3D view display and accept or reject incoming phone calls.
There’s a new-generation Head-Up Display that comes with a 75 per cent larger projection area, while the displayed information and images offer further improved quality and detail and are presented in full colour. And the new BMW 7 Series is the first production car in the world that can be manoeuvred into and out of forward parking or garage spaces without the driver even having to be sitting inside the vehicle.
Under the standard electrically operated tailgate a broad, level load space opens up offering luggage capacity of 515 litres. The optional through-loading system provides an aperture into the cabin measuring 20cms wide and 24cms high. The standard Comfort Access feature, includes hands-free opening and closing of the boot lid.
The luggage compartment of the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive models likewise features a level surface and provides 420 litres of space, which far exceeds that of comparable plug-in hybrid models in this segment. Lowering the cover in the rear section of the boot and opening the side storage compartments provides additional stowage space.
February 2016
BMW 760Li flagship model launched
With TwinPower Turbo technology incorporated for the first time, this new M Performance engine produces 600PS and 800Nm of torque. It’s harnessed by a highly sophisticated chassis specifically tailored to the model, and deployed to the road via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-bias for more dynamic handling.
The new model is instantly recognisable thanks to the M Performance body enhancements, specific trim details and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. An active quad exit exhaust system ensures that, when desired, the presence of the new M760Li xDrive V12 can be heard as well as seen.
Inside, the M760Li xDrive V12 retains the luxurious ambience of the new BMW 7 Series, but adds sporting elements such as the M Performance steering wheel and illuminated V12 logo and exclusive M pedals. Naturally, the specification of the car is extremely high, with a long list of comfort, convenience, safety and dynamic driving features.
April 2016
BMW 760Li 100 Centennial model announced
Features a variety of special additions unique to it alone. Recognised by BMW Individual exterior colour Centennial Blue metallic, the colour variant is attained by a particularly elaborate painting process.
An exclusive, handcrafted signet bearing the lettering “THE NEXT 100 YEARS” adorns the B pillars, the interior strips above the glove compartment on the passenger side as well as the front and rear seat headrests. The cover of the cup holder located in the front area of the centre console bears the inscription “1 of 100”.
This limited edition model is based on the M760Li xDrive V12 engine. With TwinPower Turbo technology incorporated from the M760Li xDrive V12 model, this M Performance engine produces 610hp and 800Nm of torque. It’s harnessed by a highly sophisticated chassis specifically tailored to the model, with Integral Active Steering as standard, and deployed to the road via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system with a rear-bias for more dynamic handling.
May 2016
iPerformance 740e and 740Le xDrive launched
Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.
All iPerformance models benefit from the advanced electronic motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries and intelligent energy management systems developed by BMW for the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8.
In the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive the combination of a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a synchronised electric motor produces a combined 326hp, with spontaneous delivery and exemplary efficiency. They are capable of covering up to 29 miles on electric power alone – sufficient for the majority of urban commutes – while CO2 emissions are between 49 and 56g/km and fuel consumption is from 134.5 to 113mpg.
July 2016
BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive go on sale
OTR prices for the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive start from £68,330 and £74,880 and are available in the Exclusive or M Sport trim.
Working intelligently together, the combustion engine produces an output of 258PS while the electric drive system produces 112PS, resulting in a combined system output of 326PS and a combined peak torque of 500Nm. The immediate response of the accelerator and sustained delivery of dynamic power allow the BMW 740e to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds and the BMW 740Le xDrive to complete the same sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a gross capacity of 9.2kWh and net capacity of 7.4kWh. It is stored underneath the rear seat bench in a space-saving position that also provides optimum crash safety. In line with the BMW 7 Series models, the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive also benefit from a level surface in the luggage compartment, which offers a capacity of 420 litres. The stowage volume and practicality of the load area sets the benchmark in the luxury plug-in hybrid sedan segment.
The energy flow between the high-voltage battery, electric motor and charger is controlled by power electronics likewise developed specifically for these models. The power electronics also regulate the supply of energy from the high-voltage battery to the 12V on-board electrical system via a voltage transformer.
The cars’ sporty driving characteristics are accompanied by extraordinarily low petrol consumption and emissions. The BMW 740e records a combined fuel consumption of 134.5mpg whilst the 740Le xDrive achieves 117.7mpg. The CO2 emissions associated with petrol consumption are 49g/km and 54g/km respectively. The efficiency of the BMW eDrive technology developed using know-how from BMW i is proven in the all-electric, locally emission-free driving resulting in a range of 29 miles.
January 2017
Additional driver assistance systems added
From March 2017, there will be a broader choice of driver assistance systems to enhance driving pleasure, comfort and safety in BMW 7 Series models. The systems will be included in the optional equipment package Driving Assistant Plus and will offer the driver effective assistance in many different situations, ultimately leading the way to automated driving.
A further addition to the range of Driving Assistant Plus functions is the ActiveAssist Collision Avoidance system. Should a rapid lane change become necessary in order to avoid a suddenly appearing obstacle, it provides steering assistance at speeds of up to 100mph. The Cross Traffic Alert function, also included in the equipment package from March, provides visual and acoustic signals if the traffic signs identified by the stereo camera should indicate that the driver has overlooked a road with right of way.
The new Driving Assistant Plus features are complemented by the Wrong-Way Driving Alert feature. This system analyses navigation data in order to provide information on hazardous situations. It intervenes when the vehicle is driving in the wrong direction into one-way streets, roundabouts or motorway entrances.
February 2017
BMW M760Li xDrive revealed The 6.6-litre V12 develops output of 610PS with peak torque of 800Nm. The high-performance unit with leading-edge M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology accelerates the BMW M760Li xDrive from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
January 2019
BMW 7 Series facelifted for 2019
Updated BMW 7 Series goes on sale in April 2019 with prices starting at £69,430.
The most obvious change is its enormous new grille - similar to that used on the X7 and intended to appeal to customers in China and the US. Buyers can choose between standard and long wheelbase versions. Both are longer than before.
A 12-cylinder petrol engine top the range. This 6.6-litre 585PS unit with a peak torque of 850Nm is used to power the BMW M760Li xDrive. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The benchmark zero to 62mph sprint can be achieved in 3.8 seconds, combined fuel consumption is 20.8-21.6mpg while CO2 emissions are at 282g/km.
The BMW 750i xDrive features an uprated 4.4-litre V8 that offers a maximum power output of 530PS – 80PS more than the engine it replaces. Peak torque is up by 100Nm to 750Nm. As a consequence, the BMW 750i xDrive sprints from zero to 62mph in 4.0 seconds. It returns a combined fuel consumption of 25.7-26.4mpg with CO2 emissions of 217g/km. The flap-controlled M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard produces an exhilarating soundtrack to match the power delivery.
The entry level petrol engine comes in the form of the BMW 740i and 740Li. With a power output of 340PS and a peak torque of 450Nm, the 740i and the 740Li accelerates from 5.5 and 5.6 seconds, respectively. The fuel consumption figures are between 31.7-34.0mpg and 31.0-33.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 161g/km and 164g/km.
There's a plug-in hybrid version available, badged the 745e and 745Le xDrive. This pairs a six-cylinder in-line engine with a high-voltage battery, to provide more power and torque, plus improved figures for electric range, consumption and CO2 emissions.
The plug-in hybrid models that will be available at the launch of the new BMW 7 Series in spring 2019 feature a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine from the current BMW Efficient Dynamics family of power units with maximum output of 286PS and an electric motor with a rated output of 113PS and a peak torque of 265Nm. With the Driving Experience Control switch set to SPORT mode, total power of 394PS is available, while the maximum combined torque for the plug-in hybrid variants in the new BMW 7 Series is up to 600Nm.
The new plug-in hybrid drive technology enables the BMW 745e and BMW 745Le xDrive models to record zero to 62mph times of between 5.3 and 5.1 seconds while achieving an electric-only range of between 32 and 36 miles. The speed threshold for all-electric driving has also increased to 68mph. The combined fuel consumption figures for the plug-in hybrid luxury versions are between 108.6-134.5mpg. The CO2 emissions produced when burning fuel average between 48 and 52g/km.