NEW FOR 2016:
- All new model.
At first glimpse, BMW’s sixth-generation 7 Series may not look like an all-new model. Not only does it have a wheelbase and body width that’s identical to the current car, it’s just a few millimetres longer and taller. Yet, there’s some radical change under the familiar bodywork.
The 7 Series might very well be the most technologically sophisticated vehicle on the road. You’ll find a number of world-firsts including an infotainment system that can interpret hand gestures, as well as a lightweight structure that’s made from aluminum, steel and carbon fibre.
It’s clear BMW leveraged Rolls-Royce's expertise for the 7’s cabin. Though the styling of the dash is more evaluation than revolution, the level of fit and finish is nothing short of exemplary and the available features list is staggering: available woven leather upholstery, anodized metal switchgear, a choice of eight different cabin perfumes, a built-in Samsung tablet to control the rear-seat entertainment system, and an available panoramic sunroof that’s backlit with hundreds of LEDs and glass etchings for a unique starry-night experience. An updated version of the iDrive screen offers touch capacity as well as a 360-degree Surround View parking camera that renders the 7 Series and its surroundings in real-time. Even the key has been upgraded – the optional fob features a touchscreen display that shows info about the car’s vitals. As you would expect, the 7 Series boasts plenty of active driving technology equipment including lane-keeping assist, full-range automatic cruise control with traffic jam assistant, and automatic emergency braking.
Initially, the 7 Series will arrive in Canada in 750i xDrive (all-wheel drive) and long wheelbase 750Li xDrive configurations, which come powered by a 445-hp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The short-wheelbase model is good for a 0-96 km/h time of 4.2 seconds, matching the almighty M5. The six-cylinder version arrives in early 2016 boasting a revised 320-hp 3.0-litre turbo straight-six, and is available exclusively in 740Li xDrive form. Before year’s end the 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid will reach showrooms, offering 37 km of all-electric range. Equipment level and pricing has yet to be finalized for these two models.
On the road the new 7 feels light on its toes and is remarkably agile. Chalk this up to its near-perfect weight distribution and available active rear-wheel steering, which grants the long-wheelbase model a tighter turning circle than the outgoing short-wheelbase car. At the same time, this is the most capable and comfortable 7 Series in the line’s history thanks to standard four-corner air suspension system that can read the road and pre-emptively adjust itself for surface condition and driving style.
Your move, S-Class.
The 750 is generously equipped with standard 20-inch wheels, front and rear air suspension with adjustable ride height, automatic engine start/stop, full LED headlights and taillights, electric parking brake, rain sensing wipers, four-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, USB and Bluetooth compatibility, Driving Dynamics Control with Comfort, Comfort+, Eco Pro and Sport settings, proximity key with push-button start, soft-close doors, hands-free trunk, full TFT instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment display with iDrive, touch, and gesture control, ambient interior lighting, premium leather upholstery, and much (much) more.
Key options include Display Key, Ambient Air with eight available scents, Sky Lounge Panoramic Sunroof, Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with unique stitching, Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview, M Sport Package with performance exhaust and exterior styling details. The Dynamic Handling Package adds rear-wheel steering. The Driver Assistance Package adds lane-keeping assist and full-speed cruise control with traffic jam assistant. The Luxury Seating Package adds heated and ventilated Comfort seats with eight massage functions for front and rear seats, a seven-inch integrated tablet with WiFi hot spot, and heated front and rear arm rests. The Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package adds reclining rear seat (up to 42.5 degrees recline) with fold-out foot rest, fold-out table and cup holders. The rear-seat entertainment system adds a pair of 10-inch high-definition screens and wireless headphones. The upgrade sound system is by Bowers and Wilkins with 16-speaker, surround sound, and 1,400-watts of amplification.
