Four-Cylinder Plus Motor Plug-in Hybrid Offered

The engines of note include a refined V8 twin-turbo and a new generation of inline-six turbo. While other manufacturers are downsizing for efficiency and size, BMW clearly remains committed to the inline-six, a core element of its brand identity.

The "740i" and "740iL," the entry-level grades for the 7 Series, are equipped with a 3-liter inline-six twin power turbo engine producing a maximum output of 240kW (326ps) at 5500-6500rpm and a maximum torque of 450Nm (45.8kgm) at 1380-5000rpm. The all-wheel-drive "750i xDrive" and "750iL xDrive," which were not available in Japan in the previous model, feature a 4.4-liter V8 twin power turbo engine delivering a maximum output of 330kW (450ps) at 5,500-6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 650Nm (66.2kgm) at 1,800-4,500rpm. Both are paired with the familiar 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

This transmission contributes to improved fuel economy through revised gear ratios and a shift program that integrates with navigation data.

BMW 730d

BMW 750Li

While further additions may come later, at launch, the lineup will consist of these two gasoline engines and a 3-liter inline-six twin power turbo diesel engine for the "730d," "730Ld," "730d xDrive," and "730Ld xDrive," producing a maximum output of 195kW (265ps) at 4000rpm and a maximum torque of 620Nm (63.2kgm) at 2000-2500rpm, totaling three conventional engine options. The diesel engines, like the gasoline ones, are paired with the 8-speed Steptronic.

Organizing the lineup by engine, there are four models with standard wheelbase: 740i, 750i xDrive, 730d, and 730d xDrive. The long-wheelbase variants comprise four models as well: 740iL, 750iL xDrive, 730Ld, and 730Ld xDrive.

Furthermore, a notable addition is the plug-in hybrid model, the "740e" and "740Le xDrive," which replaces the previous hybrid model, the "ActiveHybrid 7."

This plug-in hybrid model combines a 2-liter inline four-cylinder twin power turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 190kW (258ps) and maximum torque of 400Nm (40.7kgm), with an electric motor delivering 70kW (95ps) and 250Nm (25.4kgm), for a system total output of 240kW (326ps). The 0-100km/h acceleration is 5.7 seconds for the 740e and 5.5 seconds for the 740Le xDrive, performance nearly on par with the 5.5 seconds of the inline-six turbo-equipped 740i and the 5.6 seconds of the 740iL.

BMW 740Le

The electric motor alone can accelerate the vehicle up to 120km/h, and the maximum range on a full charge from an external power source reaches 40km. This figure means it's possible to drive with virtually zero emissions for short urban commutes. Despite being a 2-liter inline four-cylinder engine, it achieves performance comparable to the 3-liter inline-six turbo engine models, with fuel consumption of 2.1ℓ/100km (approximately 47.6km per liter) and CO2 emissions of 49g/km, making its environmental performance highly attractive. Incidentally, the 740e and 740Le xDrive are scheduled to be launched slightly later than the gasoline and diesel engine models.

An Interior Befitting BMW's Flagship

Turning to the interior, a familiar BMW dashboard unfolds. Like the exterior, the design isn't radical but rather an evolution of the 7 Series' established aesthetic, with the driver-oriented center console being quintessentially BMW. The high-quality materials, including genuine leather and wood, undoubtedly contribute to the flagship-worthy finish.

Particularly noteworthy is the even more luxurious rear seat in the long-wheelbase version. The "Exclusive Lounge Package," an optional package for chauffeur-driven comfort and luxury, includes active seat ventilation for all seats, the ability to slide the front passenger seat forward by 90mm, and for the rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable comfort seats with a massage function, an executive rear console, and the rear-seat entertainment experience.

The rear seats of the Exclusive Lounge Package feature an ottoman behind the front passenger seat, allowing the seat to recline to a nearly flat angle. The massage function also includes a "Vitality Program" for refreshing exercises. Additionally, the center armrest houses a fold-out table and a detachable 7-inch tablet computer. This device allows rear passengers to control seat positions, climate control, and audio systems.

Further enhancing comfort are the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof, which transforms into a starry sky motif with various color illuminations using LED modules after dark; the Ambient Air Package, which combines interior ambient lighting with a diffuser that ionizes the air and offers eight selectable fragrances; and the Diamond Surround Sound system from Bowers & Wilkins, finely tuned for the new 7 Series interior.

Exceeding Customer Expectations and Imagination

BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which the company has pioneered and evolved, now not only supports the traditional iDrive controller but also touch input on the display, allowing for tablet-like operation. It also incorporates a gesture control function using a 3D motion sensor, a world-first for automotive integration.

This enables control of audio volume, climate control, and phone functions without direct contact with the screen or iDrive controller. Furthermore, gestures can be customized to trigger specific operations. A smartphone holder inside the center console allows for wireless charging simply by placing a smartphone there.

Among the world-first features, the most unique is likely the remote parking system. This function allows the vehicle to be moved from the outside using a key equipped with an LCD display. The driver (or anyone, for that matter) can use this key as a controller to move the unoccupied vehicle forward and backward, including steering, enabling remote-controlled parking.

In essence, this is an automated parking function. The 7 Series autonomously determines acceleration, braking, and steering, executing a perfect park. While one would want to verify the safety and limitations of the actual operation firsthand, the ability to park in a designated spot using key control after dropping off passengers or luggage in a narrow garage with limited door-opening space or in front of one's home garage is truly futuristic.

Regarding the launch of the new 7 Series, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President and Chief Designer of the BMW Group, stated: "The primary objective in developing the new 7 Series was to present customers with a new benchmark for modern, luxurious flagship models in the luxury car segment. It goes without saying that exceeding their expectations and imagination was paramount. BMW has created the new 7 Series with the most advanced and cutting-edge technologies currently conceivable, combined with a modern, luxurious design. Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail, achieving ultimate quality. The latest BMW 7 Series is undoubtedly the most comfortable and luxurious vehicle in its segment, worthy of the top position."

With its refined design, advanced features, evolved plug-in hybrid model, and futuristic remote parking system, anticipation for the new "7 Series," adorned with the latest and greatest technology, is sure to build, not just among BMW fans. Furthermore, the luxury car market, which had seen distinct segmentation by brand, is poised for even greater dynamism with the arrival of the new 7 Series. It seems a model has emerged that makes one eagerly await further information upon its long-awaited Japanese debut.

A Closer Look at the Evolved New 7 Series: Part 1