ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES

I have enjoyed a number of press launches and adventures with the BMW 7 Series; from driving a fully armoured version where the main concern was braking, as due to its heavy weight, braking distances were a prime consideration – to driving from the finish of the Le Mans 24 Hours race to the coast to catch Le Shuttle back to the UK mainland.

Now, I can hardly believe that the seventh-generation has been announced and it represents the most extensive model update ever carried out by the BMW and as the brand’s flagship saloon it spearheads the integration of Neue Klasse (New Class) technologies into the existing BMW model portfolio. In its latest guise it features a monolithic exterior with precise lines, a new face with a reprofiled kidney grille and ultra-slim daytime running lights, as well as a sculpted rear, where redesigned taillights span the entire width of the vehicle. A special touch with BMW Individual, customers benefit from a broad spectrum of personalisation options, including new crystal headlights and a world-first dual-finish exterior paint. To please everyone there is an expanded collection of BMW Individual paint choices, with over 500 colour combinations available and comprehensive trim levels and a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes up to 22 inches.

The cabin features a minimalist and contemporary design, with luxury materials, such as leather, metal and crystal glass and advanced Neue Klasse technologies. Amongst the Interior highlights, the integration of Panoramic iDrive with the first-ever Passenger Screen, which is fitted as standard, an enhanced Theatre Screen experience with the addition of Dolby Atmos audio and, for the first time, integrated video conferencing. Comfy seats with the optional Executive Lounge, new steering wheel designs, upgraded automatic doors, a digital interior mirror and a high-level of standard equipment, such as a panoramic glass roof, four-zone automatic climate control and the Travel & Comfort System, quite a package. BMW Panoramic iDrive is powered by BMW Operating System X, optimum driver orientation, intelligent voice control with the enhanced BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant featuring Amazon Alexa+ AI technology and a powerful software and electronics architecture to deliver future-proof functionality. Powering the new flagship, a choice depending on the various markets; battery electric and plug-in hybrid, with production of the all-electric models which will launch first and plug-in hybrid versions will start production in November 2026. Two M Performance models will be offered: the i7 M70 xDrive and the M760e xDrive.

The new 7 Series will be offered in three all-electric variants: the i7 50 xDrive, i7 60 xDrive and the i7 M70 xDrive and all models utilise two sound-insulated electric motors for instant, near-silent power delivery, plus standard all-wheel drive for outstanding traction and directional stability. The i7 50 xDrive is the entry-level model and its two drive units generate a maximum system output of 455bhp and overall torque of 660 Nm, enabling rest to 100kph (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 210kph (130 mph). The i7 60 xDrive produces a combined power output of 544bhp and maximum system torque of 745 Nm; accelerates from rest to 100kph (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 240kph ( 149 mph). While the i7 M70 xDrive, in the BMW M Performance model, two electric motors deliver a system output of 680bhp and 1,015 Nm of torque in SPORT mode, rising to 1,100 Nm when Launch Control or the Sport Boost function is activated. This enables rest to 100kph (62 mph) in just 3.8 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to250kph (155mph) and a maximum range of 686km (426 miles).

All variants will be produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Lower Bavaria.

Ian Lynas