BMW 7 Series is the benchmark for a new era of sustainable luxury

By Mike Huynh

The BMW 7 Series has long been considered the pinnacle of luxury offered by the iconic German marque. The very first 7 Series appeared in 1977 and it was a vehicle that embodied dynamic sportiness, innovative technical progress and elegant luxury at the highest levels. 

The current generation of 7 Series (G70) proudly carries on that legacy while taking one of the boldest and most evolutionary steps in the nameplate’s history – the arrival of the all-electric BMW i7. 

With driving pleasure, unsurpassed long-distance comfort and a top-end digital experience still at the core DNA of the 7 Series, the i7 has significant shoes to fill. BMW is however confident that the model surpasses all of the requisites of being a true 7 Series. More importantly, as a fully integrated member of the model family, the all-electric sedan is driving proof that an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of onboard well-being can be achieved alongside an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

A definitive executive class exterior

The latest 7 Series design is nothing like its predecessors and it’s intentional. Its staunch appearance is visually powerful while maintaining the essence of prestige. Key to this is the upright front end and departure from the twin circular ‘angel’ headlights as well as BMW’s iconic kidney grille which is fully reshaped and features illuminated surrounds.

As a nod to the future, the new BMW 7 Series comes standard with Adaptive LED Headlights including matrix high beam and the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant. These light functions are divided into two separate areas with a slim strip of lights set higher up in the front end that merges together the daytime driving lights, sidelights and turn indicators. For an extra touch of high luxury, there’s the optional BMW crystal headlights with Iconic Glow using crystals from Swarovski to dazzle onlookers.

Other unique design features include the clear surface work of the front apron and a heavily chiselled bonnet with a dynamic streak down its centreline. What’s key to the new 7 Series design language is a monolithic surface design – a shape chiselled from a single piece of material to ensure uniformity from front to back. 

This means that even though BMW has grown the model’s size, it is almost unnoticeable due to its discreet approach. From the side view, there’s flush-fitted side windows with invisible seals. The long doors meanwhile provide ease of entry and exit for the rear passengers. The rear end isn’t neglected either. Heavily chiselled bodywork accentuates the slim LED rear light units that exude pure elegance. An additional touch for the i7 model is blue accents found throughout the exterior bodywork to highlight its sustainability credentials. 

One non-metallic and nine metallic colour finishes can be ordered for the 7 Series paintwork. A new addition to the spectrum of colours available from the factory for all model variants is a BMW Individual two-tone paint finish. 

BMW’s finest interior appointments

Luxury at its most progressive awaits the drivers and passengers of the new BMW 7 Series. For the driver, BMW’s commitment to digitalisation means fewer buttons and clutter while placing further emphasis on the BMW Curved Display. This fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display. 

The steering wheel and the gear selector on the centre console also have a new design. And the BMW Interaction Bar makes its debut in the new model as an entirely new user control tool. The entire unit’s attractive backlighting extends across the full width of the instrument panel and into the door panel trim. 

For film buffs, BMW has installed its Theatre Screen which extends from the headliner and features Amazon Fire TV built-in for rear seat passengers. Audiences get to enjoy the BMW’s 31.3-inch touchscreen with 8K resolution, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional exciters in the seats and 5.5-inch touch-controlled function operation displays in the rear doors. This appointment which allows for video streaming, video gaming, music listening, watching live sports and information search essentially transforms the rear compartment of the new BMW 7 Series into a private cinema lounge with a handy personal assistant. The 5G-compatible aerial system in the new BMW 7 Series ensures high-speed connectivity.

The i7 model brings an even more unique driver and passenger experience. Since there’s a lack of engine noise, BMW teamed up with world-renowned film score composer, Hans Zimmer, to create the distinct drive sound for the all-electric model variant.

Elsewhere there’s the latest comfort seats that come as standard in the new BMW 7 Series. They offer wider seat surfaces than the outgoing model and extensive electric adjustment, seat heating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The optional multifunction seats for the first and second rows include active seat ventilation with optimised cooling and a massage function with nine programs.

Taking that to the next level, owners can opt for the Executive Lounge option which brings sublime seating comfort to the rear compartment. These seats include a reclining function with integrated gap-free leg rest for the space behind the front passenger seat. Upgrades made to the seat adjustment functions enable an extremely comfortable reclining position.

Choice of efficiency and power 

While there are multiple variants of the 7 Series to choose from alongside region-specific versions, the main flagship variants come in the trio of the 760i with xDrive, the all-electric i7 with xDrive60, and the M760e with xDrive.

Range-wise, the fully-petrol BMW 760i boasts a fuel consumption rating of 11.2L/100km; the BMW i7 has an electric range of 591km to 625km; and the hybrid M760e has a fuel consumption of rating of 1.3L to 1.0L/100km.    

Visit BMW to register your interest.

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