The new 7 Series from BMW has been wholly redesigned again. It has taken lots of cues from the BMW Concept CS, which was a stunner of a car when pictures of it were released. In fact, many people were actually hoping that the new range of BMW's luxury limousines would look exactly like it.
The bad news is it doesn't. But there is good news, too - its styling has been influenced obviously by the concept model.
The doors, for instance, feature very similar depressions and creases at the lower sections. At the front, it's also a lot more conservative than the shark-nosed Concept CS.
So first off, the engines. Smallest in the petrol line-up, though "small" would be an inappropriate description, is the twin-turbocharged 2,979 cc straight-six in the 740i. It spins out 326 hp at 5,800 rpm and has plenty of torque - 450 Nm to be exact. The result of the combined forces will propel the 1,860 kg car to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. No more being late for meetings.
If 3.0-litres fail to satisfy you, then opt for the 4.4-litre V8. Oh, sorry, that's twin-turbocharged V8. With 600 Nm of torque flowing from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm and 407 hp to take over from 5,500 to 6,400 rpm, you can get out of bed an hour later and still be early for that important conference. This comfortable cruiser gets to a hundred faster than you can get to the snooze button - just 5.2 seconds.
Of course, there is a 730d as well. It's a diesel, yes, with a more sensible power rating of 245 hp and a slightly nutty 540 Nm worth of torque. Acceleration times are still exciting - 7.2 seconds - and it has a CO2 emissions rating of 192 g/km.
The one which we viewed was the grand one of the lot - the 750Li. The "L" stands for long wheelbase. Measuring a full length of 5,212 mm and with a wheelbase of 3,210 mm, it overshadows the non-extended version by 140 mm. In fact, it's actually even longer by the Mercedes-Benz S500 by 45 mm. So, of course, legroom in the backseat is superb.
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And for sure, this new range now designated as "F01" and no longer "E65", is filled to the brim with technology.
Integral Active Steering
BMW's Active Steering technology proved to be successful and many drivers complimented the way it helped them manoeuvre without the need for Herculean strength. Now, the boys from Bavaria have taken it a step further by installing a motor on the rear axle. When you turn the wheel in the new 7-Series fitted with Integral Active Steering, the rear wheels will turn up to 3 degrees in the opposite direction to the front.
With a turning radius of 6.35 m (6.1 m for the normal wheelbase), drivers of this big car no longer have to worry as much about navigating the car through tight corners.
Dynamic Driving Control and Dynamic Damper Control
By pushing a few buttons on the centre console, drivers can vary the suspension settings between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+. The different modes alter various settings in the car, such as gearshift, throttle and steering response.
Brake Energy Regeneration
In line with BMW's EfficientDynamics philosophy of maximising efficiency, the system disconnects the alternator from the engine when the car is accelerating, thus leaving the power plant to perform its most crucial function - moving the car. Under braking and while the engine is still running, power is not required from it and this is where the alternator gets reconnected again to charge the battery.
Night Vision
BMW understands that their customers are fun people and they know that in everyone of us hides a fun-loving kid. And that is why they introduced Night Vision technology to this car - so that when you are driving alone in the dark, you can pretend to be an Apache gunship pilot and hunt for those targets with the thermal imager.
Actually, that's a lie. But we would love to think that BMW did consider it.
It is true, though, that it utilises a thermal imaging camera to scan the darkness and it can even identify individual persons and other objects outside of the light beam. What the camera sees is then displayed live on the centre Control Display.
Now if only they had installed the "Target Lock" button™
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Just like we mentioned earlier, BMW could have intended for its drivers to feel like attack helicopter pilots. With thermal imaging already on board, of course the next most sensible bit of technology to feature would be radars. And this car has them.
It detects cars ahead and can lock on a distance when cruise control has been activated. While it won't be able to fire off any missiles to clear your path, it can slow down or speed up to match the speed of the leading vehicle and it works even at low speeds.
In the event that the car comes to a complete stop for more than three seconds, all you would need to do to set off again is gently tap the accelerator or press the "Resume" button on the steering wheel.
We still think that there is a good chance that the missile system would sell pretty well.
iDrive BMW has also improved their iDrive system. It now features a new control design with a smaller knob and freely programmable buttons. In addition, users may now rejoice with the new command buttons - Menu, Back and Option.
Hard Disc Memory
Drivers can listen to their favourite tracks with the help of the 12 GB onboard hard drive which is dedicated to music and entertainment. It can also transfer files from a CD, an MP3 player or a USB thumb drive. The navigation system has 80 GB for storing maps and data.
Choose the entertainment package and you will get two TV screens fitted into the back of the front seats. Rear passengers will have two headsets and AUX-in ports, as well as a DVD player.
Bond Beemer
This might get a little touchy. Although BMW is not an English company, nor does it come close to the likes of Aston Martin to being "English", they do own Rolls-Royce and MINI. And that should have significance influence there.
But what are we rambling about?
We're thinking that this car is so good that we can imagine James Bond being driven around in one, or even driving it himself! Besides, he has been filmed with BMWs before and we can already foresee him making full use of the radar guidance system and thermal imager.
"Cruise Control? Would that be for the cruise missiles, Mr Bond?"
[Photos by BMW AG & sgCarMart Editorial Team]
