Designed by French automotive designer Paul Bracq and released in 1977, the first-generation BMW 7 Series defined the luxury standard for BMW and set the pace and direction for innovation in the luxury segment more than any other vehicle in the Munich-based brand’s portfolio. Last month, we sampled the latest iteration of the icon at its local debut in the Western Cape.
Paul Bracq joined BMW in 1967 under the stewardship of then head of design at BMW, Wilhelm Hofmeister, who was notable for conceptualising many BMW designs, including the iconic ‘Hofmeister Kink’ that informs the BMW design language to this day. Bracq’s designs are characterised by their elegance, simplicity, and harmony, and like the 7, they have had a lasting impact on the BMW brand.
While the 7 Series has been the decades-long luxury trendsetter for BMW cars, its history is rich, varied, always distinguished, and sometimes controversial. Perhaps most conspicuously so was the fourth generation car designed by American designer, Chris Bangle, introduced in 2001.
Bangle’s design for the 7 Series was marked by a more radical departure from the traditional BMW design, with the car featuring more sculpted and flowing lines and the dramatic (and highly controversial) ‘Bangle Angle’ rear end.
Over its 45-year history, the 7 Series has established itself as a benchmark in its segment and proven its ability to consistently redefine its purpose in a world overcome by the scramble for SUVs. However, the truth is that the 7’s continued existence relies, perhaps now more than ever, on this very ability.
So, does the new 7 Series have what it takes to continue its global success?
THE ICON REVISITED
Starting with the design, the 7’s confident new exterior exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a bold grille, expressive lines, and signature BMW curves that, like its forebears, make a momentous statement.
Perhaps the boldest is the front end, now enhanced by the BMW kidney grille’s contour lighting that, in concert with the car’s crystal headlights, lays on a visually expressive Welcome and Goodbye Scenario when unlocking and locking the car. Adaptive LED Headlights, including matrix high beam and the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant, are standard on all models.
Light functions are divided into two separate zones – high-set slimline light strips house the daytime driving lights, sidelights, and indicators, while low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned lower down, deep-set into the front apron.
At nearly 5.4 metres long and 1.95 metres wide, the new 7 is a big car, although its monolithic surface design developed by current BMW chief designer Domagoj Ducek and his team cleverly conceals its actual bulk. Almost flush-fitting side windows with invisible seals, recessed electronic door handles, and a shoulder line extending from the daytime running lights into the rear lights create a perception of elegance rather than heft. At the rear, eye-catching slimline LED rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks.
One non-metallic and nine metallic colour shades can be ordered for the paintwork of the new BMW 7 Series body, while there are also four BMW Individual paint options and several BMW Individual two-tone paint finish options.
AWAY FROM HOME THEATRE
The 7’s interior is luxurious and comfortable, with a range of high-end materials, including leather, wood, and metal accents, and heated and ventilated massage seats in the front and rear that make for a truly luxurious driving experience.
One of the 7 Series’ standout qualities is the advanced technology that permeates every inch of the interior. The infotainment system, featuring the latest version of BMW’s iDrive, an all-new digital dashboard, and a range of connectivity options, define occupants’ digital experience.
At the helm, the new BMW 7 Series cockpit has a significantly lower number of buttons, switches, and controls than its predecessor, relegating most controls to the iDrive-powered BMW Curved Display. The fully digital screen comprises a 12.3” information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9” control display. A new steering wheel and gear selector design rounds off the car’s sophisticated front, while BMW’s new Interaction Bar also makes its debut, combining a control/operation and design element that extends across the entire width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel trim.
Although the 7 remains true to its heritage as a driver’s car, it is predictable that many 7 Series owners will be driven in the car instead of driving it themselves.
A host of interior options are on offer throughout the cabin. The highlight is the Executive Lounge option for rear passengers, including a reclining function for space behind the passenger seat. Heated and ventilated seats are standard across the range, while seat heating only is reserved for the rear. A nine-programme massage function for all four seats is optional.
Unique to the 7 Series is the BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV built-in for the rear-seat passengers. Neatly folded into the centre of the standard panoramic roof, the cinema-style 31.3” touchscreen with 8K resolution and Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional exciters in the seats, folds down behind the front seat headrests when activated by the 5.5” touchscreen controllers in either rear seat armrest. At the same time, rear window blinds are raised to create a moody atmosphere that is perfect for streaming videos, playing games, listening to music, or watching downloaded programmes, all while on the road. The system transforms the rear compartment of the BMW 7 Series into a private cinema on wheels, although the view through the back windows is obstructed for the driver when the screen is extended.
Perhaps the most intriguing feature of the new 7 is that BMW has done away with manual door handles. Opening and closing the doors is now electric, activated by either the passengers or the driver when exiting. Sensors in the doors also prevent the doors from opening into approaching traffic or banging against another vehicle when parked.
POWER TO GLIDE
Three powertrain options and (eventually) nine model derivatives will make their way to South Africa. On offer from launch is the in-line six-cylinder 2,998 cc turbo petrol 740i and the all-electric i7 xDrive60 powered by two dual electric motors and a 101.7 kWh battery. A six-cylinder turbodiesel option is set to join the group later in the year. The i7 is the fastest of the three, with a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds.
All three cars feature adaptive air suspension and an upgraded chassis system to help them strike a balance between driving dynamics and travelling comfort. An increase in body rigidity over the preceding model, plus larger tracks, and wheels, support further improvements to both the standard two-axle air suspension and the optional Integral Active Steering.
The 7 feels like it is gliding on air, thanks to its active role stabilisation function (included as part of the optional Executive Drive Pro). As well as reducing rolling movements caused by bumps in the road on one side of the car, the new Active Roll Comfort function adjusts the body height on the corresponding side of the vehicle.
AUTOMATED DRIVING AND PARKING
In keeping with its status as BMW’s technology flagship, the new 7 features the largest selection of automated driving and parking systems in a BMW model. Level 3 autonomous driving functions include Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring function, traffic light recognition and Active Navigation. BMW’s genius is in how discreetly these systems are integrated to avoid being intrusive to the driving experience.
On models fitted with Parking Assistant Professional, the Reversing Assistant can now also carry out steering movements for distances of up to 200 m. Manoeuvre Assistant can be pre-programmed for specific routes, and will automatically carry out all the tasks required, such as controlling the accelerator, brakes, and steering, as well as changing gears to move forward or reverse.
LAST WORD
Overall, the new BMW 7 Series offer a luxurious and performance-focused driving experience. This latest iteration of the iconic BMW 7 Series proves that BMW continues to push the boundaries of luxury and performance, and in my opinion, is a worthy addition to its legacy.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA