BMW introduced the now sixth generation of the BMW7er

Recently, BMW introduced the now sixth generation of the BMW7er. The flagship of the group was thereby overwhelmed with superlatives. “Forward-looking,” “outstanding luxury,” or “an important step toward automated driving” were just a few of the words that development chief Klaus Fröhlich sought to describe the new luxury sedan. The BMW7er comes with numerous new technologies for drive, suspension, operation, lightweight construction and intelligent networking against its competitors Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 – and can score in many areas.

Assistance systems with a propensity for automated driving

Driver assistance systems of the latest generation support the driver and monitor numerous environmental variables while driving. At the center of this technology is the so-called surround view system with 3D view . It not only records the traffic signs via cameras, but also recognizes and interprets the entire environment of the vehicle and can thus warn of unexpected cross traffic or possible collisions. In addition, the system allows remote-controlled parking . Thus, the new BMW 7 Series is the first production vehicle that can park at the wheel without a driver or maneuver in and out of garages.

Most innovations can be found in the interior

The choice of materials and the new 7 Series are on the usual luxurious level . The infotainment can now be operated via the central screen on the center console via touchscreen or via gesture control . In addition, a head-up display can be ordered, which projects the information in color on an enlarged field of the windshield. The “Executive Lounge” option provides additional rear-end exclusivity thanks to the 4-zone climate control, electrically adjustable comfort seats with massage function and special lighting and entertainment options. A removable 7-inch tabletis used to control all available infotainment and comfort functions and can also be used to surf in the Internet or to play. Premium music enjoyment is provided by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System . Flat full-LED headlamps with glare-free laser high beam provide optimal vision and an unusual light signature . The 2-axle air suspension and active suspension system Executive Drive Pro ensure an exclusive driving experience.

Weight savings through plastic in the body

Two body variants with normal and long wheelbase are available. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic was used in the body , which has a positive effect on the weight and also increases strength and rigidity . So weighs the 7 Series now 130 kilograms less than its predecessor. With a curb weight of 1,775 kilograms, the model is almost the lightweight in its class. An excellent drag coefficient of 0.24 also contributes to the increase in efficiency , as does the new drive generation from BMW.

More efficient engines of the latest generation

All engines of the new 7-series do more, but consume less. The gasoline can be chosen between a six-cylinder inline with 326 hp and a consumption of up to 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers and a V8 with 450 hp. The inline six-cylinder diesel engine delivers 265 hp and scores with a standard consumption of

4.9 to 4.5 liters. As standard, an advanced 8-speed Steptronic transmission provides power for all units . A plug-in hybrid with four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor, which comes on a system performance of 326 hp, will complement the engine range from 2016. According to BMW, the electric drive, which is powered by a lithium-ion high-voltage battery, a “noticeable support the internal combustion engine during dynamic acceleration maneuvers” afford. All in all, the hybrid can travel up to 40 kilometers at a speed of up to 120 km / h. In normal operation, it comes to an average consumption of 2.1 liters with a carbon dioxide emissions of 49 grams per kilometer.

Top models from 112,700 euros

As of October 26, 2015, the first BMW 7 Series will be available from dealers. The top models with long wheelbase and four-wheel drive will be available from 112,700 euros. The bestseller in Germany, however, is the 730d, which is available from 81,900 euros. In addition to the M sports package , a “Design Pure Excellence” and a “BMW Individual Design Composition” version are available for market launch .