“The luxury car has a cinema (tablet and TV screens), remote control parking, and massage seats, gesture control for audio and telephone calls, wireless and inductive charging of a smartphone and automatic air-con, etc.” By Staff Writer
The new BMW 7 Series was launched this week. With the new BMW 7 Series, BMW has redefined what an exclusive, luxurious driving experience looks like in contemporary, pioneering form.
Groundbreaking technologies in the areas of operating systems, intelligent connectivity and interior ambience underline its mission to bring together unbeatable driving pleasure and long-distance comfort in a luxury sedan.
The modern luxury car defined by technology: BMW 7 Series
The handing over of the baton from one generation to the next at the top end of BMW’s model line-up sees the brand presenting a raft of innovations unmatched by any of its rivals.
Standout innovations in operating system and driver assistance technology include the extension of the iDrive system to include a touch display and BMW gesture control, as well as Touch Command, the new BMW Head-Up Display, crossing traffic warning, the steering and lane control assistant, active side collision protection, Surround View with 3D View and the Remote Control Parking system.
Design: stylish presence, assured dynamics, exclusive elegance
“At BMW we believe the future can be predicted most effectively if we’re helping to shape it,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The primary objective in the development of the new car was to create a vision of modern luxury and to exceed our customers’ expectations. In BMW’s eyes, modern luxury is rooted in the most advanced technologies and extremely fine attention to detail. This generation of the BMW 7 Series is the most luxurious, most comfortable and – all round – the best car we have ever built in this class.”
Plug-in hybrid BMW 740e features BMW eDrive technology
The addition to the model range of the BMW 740e sees the arrival in the luxury sedan segment of BMW eDrive technology which was first introduced in BMW i cars.
The plug-in hybrid model, which will be launched in long-wheelbase BMW 740Le form and bear the BMW 740Le xDrive badge when specified with intelligent all-wheel drive, is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which together generate total system output of 240 kW/326 hp.
The BMW 740e records combined fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (134.5 mpg imp) as calculated in the EU test cycle for hybrid vehicles and a combined electric power consumption of 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions stand at 49 grams per kilometre (provisional).
The electric drive system, supplied with energy by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, provides a noticeable boost for the combustion engines when dynamic acceleration is required.
Moreover, the BMW eDrive technology enables all-electric and therefore locally emission-free driving at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and with a range of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles).
Intuitive operation with touch display and BMW gesture control
In the new BMW 7 Series the iDrive operating system’s monitor comes in touch display form for the first time. This means customers will also be able to operate the system in the same way as modern electronic devices.
In addition to using the Controller to control the system in familiar style, its functions can also be selected and activated by touching the screen’s surface.
Another new addition to the iDrive system’s functionality is BMW gesture control, which is being introduced for the first time. Hand movements detected by a 3D sensor control infotainment functions in an extremely intuitive and user-friendly fashion.
The gestures can be used for a number of functions, including controlling the volume in audio applications and accepting or rejecting incoming telephone calls.
There is also the option of pairing a specific gesture with an individual choice of function. Also joining the fray is a new smartphone holder integrated into the centre console, which allows wireless, inductive charging for mobile phones for the first time in a car.
Luxury ambience with all the trimmings: Executive Lounge, Touch Command
The BMW 750Li xDrive, BMW 740Li, BMW 730Ld and BMW 730Ld xDrive models specified with the optional Executive Lounge, which redefines personal well-being in a luxury car, offer levels of comfort a class apart.
This equipment package includes Automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control, Electrically adjustable comfort seats with massage function in the rear and Active seat ventilation for all seats, plus the optional Executive Lounge Seating, Executive Lounge rear console and Rear-seat entertainment Experience with BMW Touch Command.
The massage function now also includes the Vitality Programme, which allows rear passengers to engage in active physical exercise for recuperation purposes.
World premiere in the new BMW 7 Series: Remote Control Parking
The new BMW 7 Series is the world’s first series-produced car that owners will be able to manoeuvre in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages without anyone at the wheel. As such, the Remote Control Parking option allows drivers to access tight parking spaces with ease.
The driver initiates the car’s progress forwards into or in reverse out of a space using the likewise newly developed BMW Display Key. While the car is carrying out the semi-automated manoeuvre, the driver watches out for obstacles.
