2016 BMW 7 Series officially unveiled

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After a string of leaks and teasers, the new BMW 7 Series has been officially unveiled. As expected from a new flagship, the 7 Series brings new technologies in the areas of lightweight design, powertrains, chassis, operating systems, intelligent connectivity and interior ambience.

The design of the new BMW 7 Series provides an authentic showcase for the car’s character. Harmonious proportions, a strongly controlled surface design and precise lines point to the stylistic confidence, assured dynamics and exclusive elegance at work here.

The new interior of the 7 Series is accentuated by its horizontal surfaces and lines, giving a sense of space. The driver-focused cockpit design fuses exquisite materials and precision craftsmanship with the sophisticated functionality of the control and display elements.

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“At BMW we believe the future can be predicted most effectively if we’re helping to shape it,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The primary objective in the development of the new car was to create a vision of modern luxury and to exceed our customers’ expectations. In BMW’s eyes, modern luxury is rooted in the most advanced technologies and extremely fine attention to detail. This generation of the BMW 7 Series is the most luxurious, most comfortable and – all round – the best car we have ever built in this class.”

One major highlight of the new 7 Series is its lightweight construction. The new flagship is up to 130 kilograms lighter compared to the previous generation. At the centre of it all is the body structure with Carbon Core, a product of the transfer of technology from the development of BMW i cars. The new BMW 7 Series is the first car in its segment in which industrially manufactured CFRP combines with steel and aluminium. The intelligent body concept uses this mixed-materials approach to increase the strength and rigidity of the passenger cell while at the same time significantly reducing vehicle weight.

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The new BMW 7 Series is available with an extensively updated V8 engine and six-cylinder in-line variants from the the brand’s latest generation of power units. All engines are paired with further developed eight-speed automatic transmission. The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which can be specified as an option, also operates more effectively than ever.

A new plug-in hybrid model, which will be launched in long- wheelbase BMW 740Le form and bear the BMW 740Le xDrive badge when specified with intelligent all-wheel drive, is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which together generate a total output of 240 kW/326 hp. Combined fuel consumption is rated at just 2.1L/100km.

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The new 7 Series sees the debut of a new iDrive system with touch screen display. Another new addition to the iDrive system’s functionality is gesture control, which is being introduced for the first time. Hand movements detected by a 3D sensor control infotainment functions. The gestures can be used for a number of functions, including controlling the volume in audio applications and accepting or rejecting incoming telephone calls. There is also the option of pairing a specific gesture with an individual choice of function. Also joining the fray is a new smartphone holder integrated into the centre console, which allows wireless, inductive charging for mobile phones.

Another world’s first launching in the 7 Series is the Remote Control Parking feature that allows owners to manoeuvre in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages without actually being at the wheel. The driver initiates the car’s progress forwards into or in reverse out of a space using the likewise newly developed BMW Display Key. While the car is carrying out the semiautomated manoeuvre, the driver watches out for obstacles.

The new BMW 7 Series will launch in Australia in 2016.

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