BMW is leading the luxury segment into a new era that will be shaped by innovations in the fields of sustainability and digitalization. With the new BMW 7-Series, the world's most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles is creating forward-looking ways to enjoy pure driving satisfaction, unsurpassed long-distance comfort, and a top-end digital experience.
Central to this reinterpretation is the BMW i7. The all-electric luxury sedan is a fully integrated member of the 7-Series line, and clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of on-board wellbeing can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
The models at the pinnacle of BMW's luxury range are wrapped in a new definition of luxury that focuses on the individual and their personal attitudes, needs and emotions. In addition to presence, elegance and exclusive premium quality, there is a progressive approach characterized by innovations that directly enhance the user experience, wide-ranging connectivity, and standard-setting sustainability of the new 7.
In this way, the new BMW 7-Series has been designed to meet the needs of a clientele that sees itself as committed to meeting challenges in a responsible manner - and one that views personal mobility as a way to experience unique moments in everyday life and on trips away.
Three models available at launch, including the first purely electric 7-Series
The 2023 BMW 740i is powered by a thoroughly upgraded version of the iconic B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. Now dubbed B58TU2, the new Miller cycle six-cylinder features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, electronically controlled VANOS variable camshaft timing, and 48-volt mild hybrid technology. All of this adds up to a typical BMW outcome: more power, lower emissions.
The 760i xDrive combines the relentless power of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 borrows technology from BMW Motorsport, and features a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling, and further developed turbocharging. The V8, too, gains 48V mild hybrid technology, and with the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission delivers the twin benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration, and greater efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation.
And for the very first time in its history, the 7-Series is now available fully electric. Featuring two highly efficient current-excited electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of instantaneous torque, the i7 xDrive60 will sprint from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 300 zero-emission miles in utter silence and profound luxury (estimated range of up to 300 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA's test procedure standards).
Exterior design. A new dimension in presence, expressive power, and exclusivity
The expressive design features created for the exterior of the new BMW 7-Series authentically reflect its place atop the BMW luxury class and the promise of an extraordinary on-board experience. The vertically prominent front end, with the combination of the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille presiding as its centerpiece and two-piece split headlight units, give the new 7-Series a powerful and distinctive presence. The front-end design, developed specifically for BMW's flagship models, enables clear differentiation from the brand's other models.
Familiar proportions with maximized comfort in the rear seats
The presence of the front end is complemented by a clear and monolithic surface design for the flanks of the new BMW 7-Series. The profile exudes sublime visual elegance. This impression is reinforced by the virtually flush-fitted side windows with invisible seals. A shoulderline running from the daytime driving lights into the rear lights subdivides the taut bodywork. The long hood, a second character line above the side skirts rising slightly towards the rear, and the powerfully sculpted surfaces below the flush door handles convey an understated sense of dynamism.
The side window surround is bordered towards the C-pillar by an elegant chrome element, which stays in place as part of the body when the rear door is opened. This creates a new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink counter-swing. The long doors provide ease of entry and exit for the rear passengers, while the broad C-pillars and a pattern graphic on the rear section of the side windows protect their privacy from prying eyes.
Progressive cockpit design with BMW Curved Display and BMW Interaction Bar
The brand-typical driver-focused cockpit design in the new BMW 7-Series has been re-interpreted in a progressive style. Digitalization enables the number of buttons, switches, and controls in the cockpit to be significantly reduced. Standard specification includes an interior trim strip for the instrument panel in Fineline Black with Metallic Inlay on 740i and 760i xDrive and Mirror Oak High Gloss on i7 xDrive60. They provide an elegant stage for the BMW Curved Display. The fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display screen. Arranged beneath a shared glass surface, the displays are directed ergonomically towards the driver, making the already intuitive touch control even more straightforward.
The BMW Curved Display's state-of-the-art graphics and the operating system's menu structure have been designed with a smartphone-style appearance. The user interface impresses with its striking forms, dynamic light effects, strong depth of color and modern color palettes that change depending on the selected My Mode. The graphical layout of the information display and the content shown in the percenter of the display can both be adapted to suit the situation and requirements. The clearly structured arrangement of widgets on the control display's home screen provides a simple overview of the menu options and can be configured by the driver, as desired. Frequently used functions can be added to a favorites bar.
Interior surfaces and door trim imbued with modern elegance
The clear structure of the instrument panel continues into the design of the door trim. This creates a harmonious coordination of the surfaces around the seats. The line of the BMW Interaction Bar progresses into the front door trim. From the control panel integrated here, users can activate the seat heating and store their preferred seat position. High-quality accents also come in the form of perforated metal covers for the speakers integrated into the doors and the subtly backlit storage compartments.
A digital control unit is integrated into the trim of each rear door. This 5.5-inch color display with touchscreen functionality allows passengers to select their choice of entertainment program, the image display, and the volume when using the BMW Theater Screen in vehicles so equipped. The touchscreens also control adjustment of the audio system, climate control functions, seat adjustment settings, ambient lighting, and rear sunshades.
New comfort seats fitted as standard, multifunction seats and Executive Lounge available as options
Newly developed multi-contour seats are standard in the new BMW 7-Series. They offer wider seat surfaces than the outgoing model, as well as extensive electric adjustment, seat heating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The driver and passengers can select their desired seat position using the controls on the door panels or by touch on the control display via the relevant menu in the iDrive system. Active front seat ventilation with optimized cooling is standard on 760i xDrive and i7 xDrive60, optional on 740i, and a massage function with nine programs and a noticeably increased vitalizing and relaxation effect is optional across the range. The backs of the head restraints have stylish decorative wood trim with electroplated accent strips.
Multifunction rear seats are standard on the i7 xDrive60, optional on the other models, while active seat ventilation and a massage function for the rear seats may be specified on every new 7-Series. Here, the seats are adjusted from the digital touch-control panels integrated into the door trim. The padded side sections of the backrests ease entry into and exit from the vehicle. The standard speakers in the outer head restraints provide particularly intense listening pleasure. In the multifunction seats, the audio experience is further enhanced by bass shakers in the backrests in vehicles equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system.
Unmatched in-car entertainment with BMW Theater Screen and Amazon Fire TV
One of the highlights of the options available for the new BMW 7-Series is the BMW Theater Screen with built-in Amazon Fire TV. This system includes a 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen display with Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system with optional in-seat bass drivers, built-in touch screen remotes in the door panels (BMW Touch Command), and an automated rear shade system that closes when the BMW Theater Screen is turned on.
The BMW Theater Screen with Amazon Fire TV lets passengers enjoy content in up to 4K/UHD resolution from popular apps (subscriptions may be required). Stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information, and watch downloaded programs - all while on the road.
Amazon Fire TV brings together the content customers value most in one place by combining popular streaming originals, live sports, and news into a single experience that they can search, browse, and filter. Customers can also enjoy personalized streaming using Profiles, with recommendations, viewing history, and watch lists. Profiles also allow rear seat passengers to start a film or TV show at home and pick up where they left off once on the road.
An authentic cinematic experience
Rear seat passengers can watch films and TV shows in 16:9, 21:9, or 32:9 cinemascope aspect ratio for an immersive experience (may crop content when zoomed). The screen folds into the roof when not in use, and can be moved closer or further from the viewers to put it within arm's reach for touch controls or to put it at the preferred viewing distance. Audio is enjoyed either through the vehicle's Bowers & Wilkins speakers or by connecting up to two Bluetooth headphones with independent volume controls.
The BMW Theater Screen is revealed to the accompaniment of a sound composition created exclusively for this purpose as part of the collaboration between the BMW Group and renowned film score composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer. At the same time, the sunshades for the side windows, rear window and panoramic glass sunroof are closed and the ambient lighting in the rear compartment is dimmed. The sequence unfolds to a choreography developed with a sharp eye for detail and which brings all the functions and digital content together into an all-encompassing user experience. The BMW Theater Screen spreads out horizontally across virtually the full width of the interior and extends down from the headliner to the front seat backrests.
Use of secondary materials and renewable raw materials
Among other sustainability goals set out by the BMW Group is the increased use of secondary raw materials in vehicle production. The company is pursuing the vision of a circular economy with the aim of keeping raw materials within a loop for as long as possible, thereby reducing the input of primary materials as well as the associated potentially environmentally harmful mining of raw materials and their often energy- and carbon-intensive processing. At present, vehicles are manufactured using nearly 30 percent recycled and reused material on average. The 'secondary first' approach is intended to gradually increase this figure to 50 percent.
To reduce the input of primary aluminum, which leads to a particularly energy-intensive manufacturing process, the BMW Group has decided to make targeted use of secondary material for this high-grade lightweight metal. The proportion of secondary aluminum used in manufacturing the castings for the models in the new 7-Series range is already up to as much as 50 percent.
The BMW Group has created closed loops for steel and aluminum between the plants responsible for the new BMW 7-Series in Dingolfing and Landshut as well as its suppliers. Using secondary materials instead of primary materials brings about a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions of around 80 percent for aluminum and up to 70 percent for steel (depending on the exact alloy/material composition). Utilizing secondary materials has the additional benefits of preserving natural resources and helping to prevent infringement of environmental and social standards along the entire supply chain.
Comments