BMW has just brought out the newest addition to its flagship battle cruiser range – the 7 Series. Known internally as the G11/G12, this new 7 Series represents the pride of the Munich based automaker that comes with new updated powertrains and lighter construction. It is also the first BMW to carry the “G” body code designation.
This sixth generation luxury limousine has come a long way indeed. This newest model comes with either a short or long wheelbase model with an all-wheel-drive option for the first time. With new construction methods employed here, the G11 is 130 kilograms lighter as compared to its predecessor.
| Name | BMW 730d/Ld | BMW 740e/Le | BMW 740i/Li | BMW 750i/Li xDrive |
| Engine | 2,993cc; inline-6 commonrail turbo | 1,997cc; inline-4 twinscroll turbo | 2,998cc; inline-6 twinscroll turbo | 4,395cc; V8 twinscroll turbo |
| Transmission | 8-speed Steptronic auto | |||
| Max Power | 265 hp | 326 hp | 326 hp | 450 hp |
| Max Torque | 620 Nm | 400 Nm | 450 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 240 km/h | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
EXTERIOR
The front end has been styled to look more like the facelifted F30 BMW 3 Series, but on steroids, giving it a more aggressive demeanor. The front fascia is completed with a pair of full LED headlights fitted as standard with an anti-dazzle BMW Laserlight (optional) first seen in the BMW i8 and larger kidney grille which can be actively shut.
The back end does have its resemblance to the previous model, but features more angular lines such as the chrome strip running the length of the boot lid, a redesigned boot and chrome exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper.
INTERIOR
As is the norm with the 7 Series, the interior is truly a luxurious place to be in. BMW has introduced the Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof and upon opening the door, a light beam (dubbed the Welcome Light Carpet) is projected onto the ground. The upholstery is available from five colour shades of the standard Dakota leather while the optional Nappa leather is available in a selection of six colours that comes with all the garnishing of wood and metal trimmings you could ask for.
Bowers & Wilkins have lent their hand in the acoustics department with a Diamond series, 1400 Watt 10-channel amplifier powering 16 partially illuminated speakers that is able to produce sounds that could mimic the theater or even a concert for that matter. Or at least that’s what they say.
As much as the emphasis has been placed on the rear occupants, the driver isn’t left alone. The iDrive system with Gesture Control is now a touch-screen based interface system that can be used to control most of the gadgetry this uber limo comes with.
PERFORMANCE
With an innovative blend of lightweight material and renewed construction techniques, this new model is now a 130 kg lighter thanks to the use of materials such as CFRP, aluminium and redesigned components such as the suspension, wheels and brakes. Did we mention the 7 Series comes in all-wheel-drive too (except for the 740i/Li)?
For the first time in this range, the 7 Series comes with a four-cylinder engine that powers the new BMW 740e, 740Le and the BMW 740Le xDrive which, as the name suggests, are hybrids. But not just any hybrid, it’s a plug-in hybrid, which allows you to hook the car up to a power socket in order to charge up the batteries should you so choose to. The combination of the electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine makes a combined output of 326 hp.
The 740i/Li variant comes with a three-liter twin scroll turbocharged mill that puts out 326 horses at 6,500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from as low as 1,380 rpm fired out the back wheels and is able to do the century sprint in 5.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 250 km/h.Â
The oil-burning 730d/Ld and the xDrive variety is propelled by a turbocharged direct-injection high pressure commonrail block that makes 265 hp and a whooping 620 Nm of force thanks to variable inlet geometry turbines and 2,500-bar piezo injectors. The sprint times are broadly similar with the 730d doing it in 6.1 seconds with the LWB version 0.1 secs behind. The AWD versions of the 730d/Ld xDrive does it in 5.8 and 5.9 seconds respectively.
The range topper however in typical 7 Series fashion, is the new AWD 750i/Li xDrive which is fitted with a 4.4 liter twin turbocharged V8 lump that produces 450 hp and 650 Nm of twist. It does the time in 4.4 seconds (with the LWB version 0.1 secs behind) and also tops out at 250 km/h.
All versions of the new 7 Series come with an eight-speed StepTronic automatic transmission which has had its ratios widened and the whole gearbox has been put on a diet to shed weight. The eight-speeder is also linked up to the satellite navigation system so it can access the traffic situation up ahead and predict the necessary gear to be in.
SAFETY
As opposed to previous construction methods, the new 7er has its passenger cell built from a hybrid of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminium ensuring not only a lightweight outcome but also a more rigid structure, hence increasing passenger safety.
Airbags aren’t in short supply on the G11 with a combination of front and side airbags, head and curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, couple those with active head restraints, seat belt force limiters and belt tensioners in the front seats, as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings for the rear seats, just to name a few.
WHAT ELSE?
As is the way of personal preference, BMW has left that to the prerogative of the customer. Amongst the toys that can be specified are the likes of a rear view camera, Heads-Up Display, 360 Surround View, Panoramic glass roof, powered rear sun blinds and Ambient lighting in the rear. Other options include Comfort seats and Active seat ventilation in the front, Comfort seats in the rear and quad zone control automatic climate control.
IMAGE GALLERY
BMW G11 7-Series
BMW G11 7-Series Design Phase
