Car
December 25, 2014
Safety Features Improved for the 7 Series and 6 Series | BMW
BMW 6 Series | BMW 6 Series
BMW 7 Series | BMW 7 Series
Enhanced Safety and Communication Modules for the 6 and 7 Series
BMW has launched its flagship saloon, the 7 Series, along with the 2-door coupé 6 Series, 4-door coupé 6 Series Gran Turismo, and the convertible 6 Series Cabriolet, now featuring standard driver assistance functions with pedestrian detection. Additionally, a 3G communication module has been integrated, enabling emergency calls and vehicle information retrieval.
Text by Koutaro Uekusa
Driving Assistant Now Includes Pedestrian Detection
The "Driving Assistant" is now standard on the 7 Series entry models, the "740i" and "740 Li," as well as all 6 Series variants. This safety system includes "Forward Collision Warning" to alert the driver of potential collisions, "Collision Warning with City Braking" which applies light braking to avoid or mitigate impacts when a collision is imminent, and "Lane Departure Warning" to alert the driver of unintended lane changes.
This "Driving Assistant" now incorporates pedestrian detection as part of this update. Consequently, the proximity warnings and collision avoidance maneuvers, previously only active for vehicles, will now also engage for pedestrians.
For 7 Series models from the "750i" upwards, the "Driving Assistant Plus" system, which includes "Collision Warning with City Braking" and "Active Cruise Control" utilizing cameras, millimetre-wave radar, and sensors, has always been standard. This system also now features pedestrian detection.
Evolving iDrive and Standard Communication Modules
The "iDrive" system, which has been a standard controller for BMW's navigation and audio systems since its introduction in the fourth-generation 7 Series in April 2001, has also been enhanced. The "iDrive" in the 7 Series now features a touchpad on the button surface, allowing for text input and map zooming and shrinking with finger gestures, similar to a smartphone.
Furthermore, with this update, all 6 Series and 7 Series models are now equipped with a 3G mobile communication module utilizing a SIM card.
One of the services provided through this communication module is the "BMW SOS Call." In the event of an accident severe enough to deploy airbags, this system automatically transmits the vehicle's location and status data to the BMW call center, where an operator will respond verbally. If necessary, this facilitates prompt dispatch of emergency services such as fire and ambulance.
Additionally, the "BMW Teleservice" provides timely maintenance alerts. Based on factors like mileage and elapsed time, it notifies the dealership when consumables such as oil need replacement, allowing for preparation of necessary parts and a smoother, faster service experience. The "Battery Guard" service is also planned, which will send an email to the dealership and the user if the battery voltage drops due to forgotten lights or hazard signals, preventing potential issues.
Leveraging this communication module is expected to lead to further enhancements in services offered to owners in the future.
The pricing for each model has also been revised. The new prices are as follows:
BMW 6 Series | BMW 6 Series
640i Coupé | ¥9.45 million
650i Coupé | ¥12.45 million
640i Gran Coupé | ¥9.96 million
650i Gran Coupé | ¥12.67 million
640i Cabriolet | ¥10.40 million
650i Cabriolet | ¥13.40 million
M6 Coupé | ¥17.05 million
M6 Cabriolet | ¥17.70 million
M6 Gran Coupé | ¥17.40 million
BMW 7 Series | BMW 7 Series
740i | ¥10.29 million
740 Li | ¥10.99 million
750i | ¥12.99 million
750 Li | ¥14.39 million
760 Li | ¥19.60 million
ActiveHybrid 7 | ¥12.00 million
ActiveHybrid 7 L | ¥13.40 million
BMW Customer Interaction Centre
0120-269-437 (9:00-20:00, open daily)

