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BMW’s 7 Series saloon has always been the direct competitor for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and suchlike, but the premium-brand manufacturer looks set to blow the competition away from the top end of the market, endowing the fifth generation 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 and a plethora of innovative features for its 2009 debut.
The all-new powerplant, recently introduced in the X6, produces in the region of 300 kW at 6 400 r/min and well over 600 N.m of torque from as low as 1 750 r/min. The 4,8-litre V8 of the 750i/Li that produces 270 kW and 490 N.m will continue its service in the engine line-up but its not known whether Munich’s engineers will re-fettle the 6,0-litre V12 in the 760i for the new 7 Series as well.
Design-wise, the 7 Series’ exterior sports larger kidney grilles reminiscent of the front-end treatment of Maser’s GranTurismo and the CS concept shown last year. A wider, more muscular stance and silhouette not very unlike the lines of Lexus’ flagship LS460 round off the car’s styling. The BMW EfficientDynamics concept has been put to good use in the 7’s construction, evident by the weight saved because of the use of aluminium doors, front fenders, roof and bonnet – while multi-phase and hot rolled steels have been employed in the body/chassis’ load-bearing structures.
The new 7 Series also benefits from an entirely new suspension system, designed to provide both a dynamic and comfortable drive (Dynamic Damper Control allows for the driver to opt between four shock absorber firmness settings), with a multi-link double wishbone front suspension and Integral V rear suspension. Self-leveling air suspension is standard on the long wheelbase 750Li. A hydraulic pump delivers assistance to the rack-and-pinion steering with variable ratio, while the innovative Integral Active Steering adds speed-sensitive rear wheel steering to the Sport package as well.
As has always been the case with BM’s range-topper, the luxurious cabin is lined with fine quality materials. The new generation of iDrive makes it into the 7 Series, featuring more intuitive operation, eight programmable memory keys, a new controller and a larger (266 mm) colour display. Other niceties include a multifunction steering wheel, head-up display, “Back-up” cameras assistance during parking manouevres, iPod/USB ports, hard disc music storage and 6-disc DVD changer. Optional extras are headed up with amenities such as 4zone climate control, Active Comfort Massaging seats and Active seat ventilation.
Driver aids include Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go capability, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, High Beam Assistant and BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.
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