BMW's new 7 Series goes hi tech
13/07/08 11:00 Filed in: News
BMW has taken the wraps off its new 7 Series, which will go on sale later this year.
While the looks are less controversial than the Chris Bangle design
of the fourth 7 Series, under the skin BMW has worked hard to
create a car that will win back buyers. The new model, which goes
on sale in November, is bristling with technology.
As could be expected, environmental performance has also been a priority. All three engines offered at launch – one diesel and two petrol – produce more power, but use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace. The new 730d, the three-litre diesel which is likely to be the most popular, has the lowest CO2 emissions of any 7 Series with 192 g/km and 39.2 mpg. Yet, it can accelerate 0-2 in 7.2 seconds.
Helping this environmental drive, the new 7 Series is the final model in the roll-out of BMW's Efficient Dynamics programme. Weight has been reduced by producing the roof, doors, bonnet and side panel in aluminium. Brake energy recharges the battery, while under acceleration the alternator and air conditioning compressor are both disengaged to reduce power consumption.
The new 7 Series offers the world first of an optional side view camera system. Linked to the iDrive display, BMW say this allows a driver to negotiate a partially obscured junction or drive through a gate with more confidence.
Also available will be what BMW claim is the world's most advanced night vision system. This improves on the first night vision system in that it can recognise pedestrians. It analyses video data and can detect and alert the driver if it sees a pedestrian moving into the path of the vehicle. Building on the lane change warning, the new 7 Series can also be fitted with a radar system that monitor the blind spots at the rear of the car, warning drivers of any vehicle in that zone, by displaying a triangle in the appropriate door mirror housing.
Following the excellent set up I tried in the BMW M6, the new 7 Series can be specified with a head up display. But the 7 Series also has a new trick. It will read road signs and display the speed limit within this head up display!
A few years ago many manufacturers were raving about four-wheel-steering. Things have been quiet since, but the new BMW 7 Series has the option of up to 3-degrees rear steer that is designed to help manoeuvrability and improve the composure and driving dynamics.
Inside BMW say their aim was to make one of the most luxurious interiors on any premium car. Customers can upload favourite music into an 8 GB hard drive, meaning that more than 100 albums can be stored on the system. BMW ConnectedDrive offers a dedicated call centre, with concierge service, fault awareness and BMW Assist which automatically contacts the emergency service in the event of an accident.
Although it packs the latest in technology, the looks of the 7 Series will cause less surprise. This is very much a classic BMW design, but perhaps a little sharper to give it the modern, slightly edgy look.
As could be expected, environmental performance has also been a priority. All three engines offered at launch – one diesel and two petrol – produce more power, but use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace. The new 730d, the three-litre diesel which is likely to be the most popular, has the lowest CO2 emissions of any 7 Series with 192 g/km and 39.2 mpg. Yet, it can accelerate 0-2 in 7.2 seconds.
Helping this environmental drive, the new 7 Series is the final model in the roll-out of BMW's Efficient Dynamics programme. Weight has been reduced by producing the roof, doors, bonnet and side panel in aluminium. Brake energy recharges the battery, while under acceleration the alternator and air conditioning compressor are both disengaged to reduce power consumption.
The new 7 Series offers the world first of an optional side view camera system. Linked to the iDrive display, BMW say this allows a driver to negotiate a partially obscured junction or drive through a gate with more confidence.
Also available will be what BMW claim is the world's most advanced night vision system. This improves on the first night vision system in that it can recognise pedestrians. It analyses video data and can detect and alert the driver if it sees a pedestrian moving into the path of the vehicle. Building on the lane change warning, the new 7 Series can also be fitted with a radar system that monitor the blind spots at the rear of the car, warning drivers of any vehicle in that zone, by displaying a triangle in the appropriate door mirror housing.
Following the excellent set up I tried in the BMW M6, the new 7 Series can be specified with a head up display. But the 7 Series also has a new trick. It will read road signs and display the speed limit within this head up display!
A few years ago many manufacturers were raving about four-wheel-steering. Things have been quiet since, but the new BMW 7 Series has the option of up to 3-degrees rear steer that is designed to help manoeuvrability and improve the composure and driving dynamics.
Inside BMW say their aim was to make one of the most luxurious interiors on any premium car. Customers can upload favourite music into an 8 GB hard drive, meaning that more than 100 albums can be stored on the system. BMW ConnectedDrive offers a dedicated call centre, with concierge service, fault awareness and BMW Assist which automatically contacts the emergency service in the event of an accident.
Although it packs the latest in technology, the looks of the 7 Series will cause less surprise. This is very much a classic BMW design, but perhaps a little sharper to give it the modern, slightly edgy look.