New 7 Series here later this year

BMW has debuted its seventh-gen 7 Series. The luxury sedan’s line-up incorporates  thermal engined-, as well as in plug-in hybrid- and, for the first time, all-electric variants.

Offered exclusively in long-wheelbase configuration, and with 5mm more space between the axles than the outgoing 7 Series “L” variants (now 3215mm), the new 7 Series is 130mm longer, 48mm wider and 51mm taller than before. It now rides on air suspension front and rear with adaptive damping as standard across the range.

BMW says the model’s “commanding presence is exemplified by monolithic surfaces and new signature front-end styling with headlights split into two sections” in what might be the most controversial styling move since “Bangle Butt” E65-gen 7 Series from 2001.

Furthermore, Australian buyers will have the opportunity to spec their 7 Series with a “prominent and aggressive” M Sport package when the model goes on sale here later this year.

The Munich-based brand’s luxury sedan features several new technologies including an optional 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen, multi-sensory iDrive control, BMW Curved Display, and Manoeuvre Assistant for automated parking and manoeuvring showing “the clear potential for Level 3 automated driving and parking capabilities”, BMW says.

Comfort features extend to an Executive Lounge option (reclining seats) for the second row, Individual Merino leather and cashmere wool upholstery, a subtly lit control panel, new gearshift selector, active haptic steering wheel controls for the new D-shaped steering wheels (two designs available), BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and augmented reality head-up display.

Significantly, the 7 Series will also be offered as a fully electric version locally, BMW Australia says it will offer 740i (petrol) with 280kW and 540Nm, and i7 xDrive60 (electric) with 400kW and 745Nm variants Down Under from Q4.

Paired with 48V mild-hybrid technology and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the petrol-powered 7 Series is said to be capable of accelerating from standstill to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, while the all-electric variant slashes that figure to just 4.7 seconds.

BMW says the i7 xDrive60 features fifth-generation eDrive technology, which incorporates an integrated drive system, intelligent energy management, a new charging process and advanced battery-cell technology. The arrangement aims to optimise not only energy consumption, but improve adaptive recuperative and charging capabilities. 

The model features a 101.7kWh battery pack capable of offering up to 625km of driving range (WLTP) from a single charge. BMW says high-speed DC charging (up to 195kW capacity) will enable up to 170km of range to be added to the i7 from a 10-minute charge and that the first 7 Series BEV will be offered with a complimentary five-year subscription to the Chargefox public high-speed EV charging network.

Manufactured at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany, petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the new 7 Series will roll off the same production line. The facility also produces other all-electric iX models, as well as 5- and 8 Series variants.

BMW Australia says it will announce full specification and pricing of its seventh-generation 7 Series closer to the model’s launch in Q4 . The current (sixth-generation) 7 Series range is priced between $204,400 and $383,900, plus on-road costs.