Revised 7 Series Launched in Japan | BMW

BMW 7 Series | BMW 7 Series

Flagship "7 Series" Receives Minor Change

BMW has launched the "7 Series" in Japan, its flagship model, which had already undergone a minor change in its home market.

Text by OTSUKI Takuma (OPENERS)

Major Minor Change Affects Engine and Transmission

BMW's flagship "7 Series", which received a minor change in Junehas finally gone on sale in Japan. In addition to interior and exterior changes, the powertrain and transmission have also been updated.

All models are now equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The newly adopted "ECO PRO mode" features a "coasting function" that disengages the engine and transmission when the accelerator is released while driving above 50 km/h, allowing the car to coast and save fuel. This has resulted in improved fuel economy across all grades, with some grades achieving up to a 50 percent increase.

Furthermore, the "ActiveHybrid 7", previously powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine, now features a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Fuel economy has been improved from the conventional model's 10.0 km/l (JC08 mode) to 14.2 km/l (JC08 mode). Additionally, a right-hand drive option has been newly added to the "ActiveHybrid" model, which was previously only available in left-hand drive.

Exterior changes include a revised number of kidney grille fins, altered shapes for the headlights and bumpers, and the adoption of ring-shaped small lamps and LED low-beam headlights on all models except the 740i and 740Li. (The 740i and 740Li retain xenon headlights for both low and high beams.)

Inside, all grades except the "ActiveHybrid 7" feature a 10.25-inch LCD screen in the instrument panel, displaying simulated analog meters. The visibility is enhanced by features such as enlarged numbers indicating the needle's position on the simulated speedometer and tachometer. Depending on the driving mode, not only the color of the meters but also the design and information displayed can change.

For audio, the "Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System", developed by Danish audio manufacturer "Bang & Olufsen", is now available as an option. Furthermore, it integrates with the "iPhone" and displays the dedicated applicationBMW"Connected" on the control display, allowing various applications to be operated via "iDrive".

A total of seven models will be introduced to Japan: five with gasoline engines and two hybrid models.

The "740i" with a 3-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo engine is priced at 10.22 million yen, and the long-wheelbase "740Li" at 10.92 million yen. The "750i" with a 4.4-liter V8 turbo engine is 12.97 million yen, and the "750Li" is 14.37 million yen. The "760Li" with a 6-liter V12 turbo engine is set at 19.58 million yen and is only available in a long-wheelbase model. The hybrid models, "ActiveHybrid 7" and "ActiveHybrid 7L", are priced at 11.98 million yen and 13.38 million yen, respectively. Except for the "740Li", which is exclusively right-hand drive, all models offer a choice of left or right-hand drive.