AT first glance one could be forgiven for thinking the new 7 Series from BMW is a cumbersome exercise in luxury. In fact, the agility of this car is one of its greatest assets. The other is its impressive technology as BMW designers successfully marry luxury and athleticism.
Available in the 300 kW twin turbo V8 or 240 kW twin turbo straight-six, the 7 Series has also unleashed the first turbo-diesel in Australia with 180 kW of power.
“Stylish design and unprecedented engineering give the new BMW 7 Series its unique character, combining inspiring luxury with thrilling driving dynamics and supreme visual presence,” says BMW Group Australia managing director, Guenther Seemann.
“With changes in the way we perceive individual mobility and the impact that this has on the environment, the new BMW 7 Series will again set the benchmark for luxury motoring, from the BMW EfficientDynamics V8 engine to the class leading in-line six-cylinder turbo charged diesel model.
“The new BMW 7 Series proves that efficiency and luxury can complement each other perfectly, even in a large vehicle. Now we can offer Australians exactly the same technology we offer in Europe.
“Our engine technology far outstrips the current (and proposed) Australian emissions regulations. BMW acts therefore as a benchmark for the whole industry.”
Innovations in technology make the car a trendsetter within the BMW model range. Confidence is inspired when parking or reversing with side and rear view cameras fitted which are particularly handy when parking alongside other $240k vehicles in tight spaces.
With more leg room than the Lexus and Mercedes in its class, the fifth generation 7 Series is available in extended-wheelbase guise in both petrol models. The 740Li and 750Li rear passengers can now stretch the legs a further 208 mm. Add to this quad zone air-conditioning and optional rear entertainment systems with 9.2-inch colour monitors to allow passengers to watch DVDs separately.
The 7 Series commands a certain respect amid BMW cognoscenti. Once referred to as a ‘chairman’s car’, it now lends itself to a much broader demographic and has the looks as well as the brains to entice.
“It is important to recall that the predecessor to the new BMW 7 Series was the most successful 7 Series of all time and forged a strong position for BMW in emerging Asian markets. In all, 340,000 of the previous generation BMW 7 Series were built. Now the new BMW 7 Series will take up this story of success,” says Seemann.
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