It’s quite possible that this will be the most controversial BMW 7 Series since the E65 fourth-generation model of 2001. But with styling being very much a subjective thing, we’ll leave you to stew on its looks because the rest of the new BMW 7 Series is technologically very impressive.

Original article by: IOL Motoring

But perhaps the biggest departure is that for the first time ever BMW’s flagship sedan will be offered with a choice of internal combustion and all-electric drivetrains and these options will differ depending on the market. South African buyers, for instance, will initially only be able to opt for the 740i petrol model or the battery-powered i7 xDrive60. The new BMW 7 Series will go on sale locally towards the end of this year.

Read up on the 7 Series’ main rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class at this link.

Powertrain options

The new BMW 740i is powered by a six-cylinder turbopetrol engine with 48V mild hybrid technology. It has outputs of 280 kW and 520 N.m. Local buyers seeking more power will have to go all-electric. The i7 xDrive60 twin-motor all-wheel drive model offers 400 kW and 745 N.m. This enables the large sedan to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4,7-seconds. BMW reckons the i7 is good for a range of between 590 and 625 km.

There are other engine derivatives offered internationally, including a six-cylinder turbopetrol 735i with 210 kW. There is also a V8-powered 760i xDrive that’s good for 400 kW. Six-cylinder diesel and plug-in hybrid petrol models are set to follow in 2023.

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Plenty of cabin space

You might have noticed that none of the new BMW 7 Series variants are badged ‘Li’ any more. That’s because BMW is no longer offering a standard-wheelbase 7 Series, all models now have LWB status which means the back of the cabin is the place you really want to be.

Those lucky enough to be there will get to enjoy a fold-down 31-inch (78,7cm) BMW Theatre Screen with ultra-HD quality and 5G connectivity. BMW says this is best enjoyed with the optional 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

Passengers can control the media systems through 5,5-inch touch-controlled displays built into the rear door panels. All this while relaxing in the comfort of Executive Lounge rear seats with “significantly improved” reclining position and a gap-free leg rest on the passenger side. As if the atmosphere inside was not already futuristic, BMW has added a Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof with LED light threads that create patterns.

Those in the front will get to enjoy the new-generation BMW iDrive system that promises a multi-sensory experience. Powered by the BMW Operating System 8, it features a curved display and there’s also an Augmented View function available on the information display behind the steering wheel.

Check out the latest BMW X7 by clicking here.

Less clutter

BMW has cut back on the number of traditional buttons and switches in the cabin of the new BMW 7 Series. There’s a new ‘Interaction Bar’ that runs across the dashboard and into the door panels. This combines climate control functions with interior lighting, decoration and invisible air vents. BMW is also offering automatically opening and closing doors as an option in the new 7 Series – and this function will eventually be voice controlled too.

To offer an even more personalised driving experience, the new My Modes function offers up to seven individual settings. This allows users can adjust everything from powertrain and chassis modes to iDrive display settings, interior lighting and more. Of course, you could also choose to leave everything up to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which comes with additional skills.

As before, models fitted with the Driving Assistant Professional can provide semi-automated driving assistance at speeds of up to 210km/h. Technologically what we’ve mentioned so far is just the tip of the iceberg. It will be interesting to see how many of these new features trickle down to smaller BMW models in the coming years.