Since its introduction for the 1978, the BMW 7-Series has remained true to its original character. The Bavarian Motor Works flagship car’s has represented the best of what the 99 year old company has to offer. The flagship saloon continues to remain the obvious choice for drivers looking for a car with advanced technology, top of the line luxury, unmatched handling and advanced technology. The latest model marks the sixth generation in the BMW 7-Series timeline.
2016 BMW 7-Series
For 2016 BMW has entirely revamped the 7-series range by blending comfort, style, dynamic ability and cutting edge technology in equal measure to create a must have luxury saloon. The car has also lost some weight, thanks to the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Complementing the light but rigid architecture is a host of the latest six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
First generation BMW 7-Series launched in 1978
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2016 7-Series has been well executed to reflect the car’s position in BMW’s automotive catalogue. Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7-Series is offered in two body variants. The long-wheelbase version of the 7-series is the largest series-produced car BMW has ever built. Both body variants display familiar BMW proportions, characterised by a long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase and a set-back passenger compartment. A smoothly downward-sloping roofline adds a hint of sportiness.
Laser headlamps
The front is dominated by BMW’s signature kidney grill, with Active Stream which improves the car’s aerodynamics. The redesigned headlamps now blend with the grill and also feature the familiar BMW twin circular headlights is levelled off at its upper and lower edges. The BMW is the first luxury saloon to offer optional laser lights, which offer better illumination of the road compared to standard headlamps.
L-Shaped rear LED lights
The profile of the 2016 7-series is dominated by outward curving surfaces and a double swage line. The ‘Air Breathers’ located at the front side panel a chrome trim strip which runs along the lower edge of the doors.
Air Breather
The double swage line extends into the upper contour of the body and the light strips of the rear lights. All the light sources for the tail lights feature LED technology, with both L-shaped light units connected by a chrome bar that extends the full width of the rear end. The 2016 BMW 7-Series rides on standard 18- or 19-inch light allow wheels.
Aggressive and head-turning front design
Performance
The 2016 7-Series is available with a host diesel and petrol six in-line engines with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The entry level 7-series, the 730Ld and 730d are powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. Output for the power unit is rated at 195 kW (265 hp) while torque is pegged at 620 Nm. Paired to the engine is an eight speed automatic Steptronic transmission.
One of the 6-cylinder engines on offer
The mid-spec of the 7-series range is dominated by the 740i and 740e plug-in hybrid model. The 740i and 740Li models feature six-cylinder in-line units. Output for both cars is rated at 240 kW (326 hp). Torque remains at 406 Nm. The 740e plug-in hybrid is available in three variants; the 740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive (all-wheel-drive).
Side mirrors with integrated 360 degree camera
Under the bonnet of the 740e is a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Combined output for the electric drive and 2.0-litre engine is 240kW (326 hp). Torque is pegged at 400 Nm. Fuel consumption for the 740e is rated at 2-litres per 100 kilometers. The 740e can also be driven for 40 kilometers on electric charge alone.
The more powerful top of the line 750i xDrive and BMW 750Li xDrive models feature a 4.4-litre V8 power plant with an output of 330 kW (450 hp) while the wheels are kept spinning by 650 Nm of torque. The 750i is also paired with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
Visible hallmark BMW design attributes
Dynamism
With its double-joint front axle, five-link rear axle and Electric Power Steering, the 2016 BMW 7-Series rewards the driver with great handling characteristics. The inclusion of a 2-axle self-levelling air suspension system as standard makes a further contribution to the superb ride comfort. The car height level control can be adjusted manually, allowing the vehicle's ride height to be raised by up to 20mm when driving along a rough stretch of road. At speeds above approximately 35km/h, the car height level control automatically reverts to its standard setting. When BMW 7-Series SPORT mode is activated the ride height automatically drops by 10mm when travelling at high speed.
BMW Display Key
Special key
The BMW 7-Series comes as standard with a Display Key. The unique key displays various vehicle information on its display. The Display Key also allows owners to manoeuvre in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages without anyone at the wheel. The driver initiates the car's progress forwards into or in reverse out of a space using Display Key. While the car is carrying out the semi-automated manoeuvre, the driver watches out for obstacles.
Offering the best in BMW luxury
Interior
Opening the doors of the 2016 BMW 7-Series reveals a striking, luxurious and sophisticated interior. The hallmark of BMW’s interior is the iDrive system which now integrates gesture control. By making specific hand movements in the vicinity of the centre console - where a 3D sensor registers them - commonly used infotainment system functions can be controlled very intuitively and conveniently.
Cockpit
The various gestures serve, for instance, to adjust the audio volume, control the 3D view display and accept or reject incoming phone calls. The standard multifunctional instrument display with a 12.3-inch display area alters the graphics and colour scheme used for the cockpit gauges to match the mode selected with the Driving Performance Control switch.
BMW 7-Series self park feature
The standard four-zone automatic air-conditioning features a separate touch sensitive control console in the rear. An Executive Lounge Seating offers top notch comfort for rear passengers. The option features seats with backrests which can recline to an angle of up to 42.5 degrees. To offer the passenger in the rear even greater legroom, the front passenger seat can be slid forward by an extra 90mm and its backrest tilted all the way forward.
Control with hand gestures
For a completely unobstructed view to the front, the head restraint can be folded down as well. An electrically operated fold-out footrest can also be found on the back of the front passenger seat. The rear-seat entertainment system screen can be electrically adjusted to the ideal viewing angle for the rear passenger's current seat position. A removable tablet with a screen diagonal of 7 inches, which can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle.
Rear seating
An optional Ambient Air package releases a fragrance into the 7-series’ interior. The intensity of the fragrance can be adjusted from the air conditioning system. The interior can also be livened up at night thanks to the Sky Lounge Panoramic glass roof, which uses the light emitted by LED modules to create the magical effect of a starlit sky. A similar system is found in vehicles from Rolls Royce, a BMW sub-brand. A powerful 16-speaker 1,400 Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system fills the each part of the interior with sound.
Striking, luxurious, advanced and stylish
Conclusion
The 2016 BMW 7-Series’ offers an improved blend of technology, performance, luxury and comfort. The luxury saloon is certainly the best one BMW has ever made in the 7-series’ 37-year history. However, in improving the 7-Series BMW has still managed to ensure it remains the prime luxury saloon for people who love to drive and also to be driven in. Prices start at $81,300 (Kshs 8.3 million) in the United States.
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