BMW has released pictures of its fifth-generation 7-series which the German manufacturer hopes will provide a boost to its flagship executive saloon. The car will go on sale in the UK in November following its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in late September. As a result of record investment by BMW, the new 7-series has been developed completely from scratch and is seen as marking the beginning of a renewed push by BMW for technological superiority.
Without question, the biggest advance on the new model is the car's rear-wheel-steer system. Named ‘Integral Active Steering’, BMW claims the technology gives the 7-series class-leading agility and unparalleled low-speed manoeuvrability. And as part of BMW's ConnectedDrive system, the new seven is also the first production car to offer internet access on the move.
But that’s not all. Like the Mercedes S-class, the 7-series also has a night-vision system. But unlike its German rival, this one can distinguish between humans and objects and will sound an alarm if it thinks an accident is likely.
And in an effort to counter all the arguments against having what is perceived as being a big car, the new 7-series will respond to demands for better environmental compatibility by including a petrol/electric hybrid model. The green version, which will join the line-up 12 months after the initial launch, will use the two-mode system developed with General Motors and Daimler.
As far as looks are concerned, the newcomer has a far edgier appearance. Gone are the soft, fluid lines and in comes a number of flatter surfaces and tauter forms. Like it or not, you’d better get used to it because it forms the template for all new BMWs in the future. Inside, the fascia resembles that of the 3-series and 5-series which means the current car's distinctive double-hump dashboard top has been dumped. And the new 7-series returns to convention again by removing the column gear selector and replacing it with a joystick-style shifter mounted in the centre console.
Not surprisingly, the newcomer is larger than the outgoing version. At 5072mm, it’s 33mm longer and the wheelbase has been extended by 83mm to 3073mm. Combined with the fact the car’s the same width, sits 12mm lower, has reduced overhangs and enjoys a wider track the new seven has a very confident stance. And as if that wasn’t enough, a long-wheelbase Li model, which will add 140mm to the rear doors for improved access and added legroom, will also be available.
Though prices won’t be announced until nearer the launch date in the UK, we do know that at launch there will be three engine options, including BMW's twin-turbocharged, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine, with 326bhp and 332lb ft of torque in the 740i. There will also be a reworked version of the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel with 245bhp and 422lb ft in the 730d which, not surprisingly, will be the bestseller in Scotland. Not only is it capable of 39.2mpg, but it’s CO2 emissions are 192g/km.
The model range is topped by the 750i which is fitted with the new twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine lifted from the X6. Churning out 407bhp and 442lb ft, it packs 47bhp and 82lb/ft more torque than the old 750i. That, believe it or not, makes it good for 0-62mph in 5.2sec.
