BMW has unveiled the new seventh-generation version of its 7 Series luxury saloon, this time bigger and more tech-laden than ever and initially only available in Europe in pure-electric i7 form.
Although only the i7 xDrive60 model will be available from the new 7 Series' market launch in November, other powertrains will follow in 2023.
What's coming and when?
For starters, the i7 xDrive60 features a 101.7kWh battery, twin front and rear electric motors, 544hp, a range of up to 625km and a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds. DC-charging capacity of up to 195kW means the maximum ability to add approximately 170km of range in around ten minutes at a compatible charger.
There'll be no petrol-only models coming to Europe following the i7's launch, not even the six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines found in the new 7 Series in other markets.
A mild-hybrid diesel model though, the 740d xDrive, is expected in the first quarter of 2023, developing 300hp from its six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine and sending its power to the four wheels through a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Two plug-in hybrid models are on the way around the same time, the 750e xDrive and the M-developed M760e xDrive, both using 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engines, developing 310hp and 571hp, respectively. Both are also, BMW says, capable of up to 89km of electric-only driving.
While there will be only one i7 at launch, others will arrive later including another M model, the range-topping i7 M70 xDrive with more than 600hp.
Chauffeur duties
Looking first at the new 7 Series' best feature, regardless of what's powering each version of the new model, all get a new and rather well-appointed interior, though some of the headline features are expensive options definitely included with chauffeur duties in mind.
One of those optional features is the automatically-opening doors that can be activated either by just touching the handles or via the key fob. These are monitored by an array of ultrasonic sensors around the car making sure that they don't accidentally open into oncoming traffic.
Stepping past those doors, not into the front seat but into the rear, occupants are also faced with some of the 7 Series' other more expensive options such as the 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen, an 8K-resolution high-definition display that flips down from the roof and features Amazon Fire TV for streaming a wide range of content. As soon as the screen is switched on, the car's window blinds descend automatically to prevent glare, and the screen's audio can either be tuned to a set of Bluetooth headphones or heard aloud through the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, which has speakers built into the seats. The screen can be moved around to make it more visible or accessible to the rear-seat passengers and can be remotely controlled by smartphone-sized touch-panels on the rear doors.
Another option is the Executive Lounge seating in the rear, which allows the back seats to recline by 42.5 degrees and features an integrated leg-rest and a heated armrest with inductive smartphone charging on each side of the car.
Curved Display
While the most attention-grabbing options are behind the front seats, that doesn't mean that the new 7 Series has been neglected up front. The new model gets the same Curved Display interface as seen in some of BMW's other models such as the refreshed X7 and electric iX. This merges a 12.3-inch driver's instrument cluster with another 14.9-inch multimedia screen to create one expanse of larger screen slightly angled towards the driver.
New too is the Interaction Bar, another touchscreen surface stretching the length of the dashboard around to the two door panels. It is used for operating the climate control and ventilation systems, activating the hazard warning lights and opening the doors and glovebox.
Beyond the tech upgrades though, the interior is near-endlessly customisable with a vast range of wood and fabric options from open-pore ash, high-gloss oak and metal accents to the seats that come as standard in quilted faux-leather, though genuine leather and Cashmere fabric can be optioned. Those seats are, incidentally, wider than those of the outgoing 7 Series and their height, position, heating and lumbar support are all adjustable by a control screen on each door.
Above (when the BMW Theatre Screen isn't fitted), all new 7 Series models feature a panoramic glass roof as standard with the ability to activate a twinkling LED lightshow after dark.
Driver assistance
The new 7 Series features Level 2+ self-driving capability meaning that it has a suite of functions that, in certain situations, mean that the driver can take their hands off the wheel, but must be ready to resume control at all times. The bulk of this autonomous ability comes in the form of the Active Cruise Control with a Stop & Go function, which, working with the Steering and Lane Control Assistants, can remove some of the driver workload. This is operated by a single button on the steering wheel. With the full package of systems installed, Speed Limit Assist can also control the speed of the car based on its ability to recognise warning signs rather than just the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Another driver aid is Assisted View, which, using the array of sensors and cameras around the car, can build up a picture of other nearby vehicles, relaying it to the driver's instrument cluster, potentially eliminating dangerous lane-changes where the driver has failed to see another car in their blind spot.
As also found on the updated X7, the 7 Series will feature automated parking functions with the Reversing and Manoeuvre Assistants able to memorise and replicate complex series of steering and pedal inputs. BMW says that, as of 2023, drivers will be able to park and summon their car remotely using a smartphone app from up to 6m away, which could make getting in and out of tight spots that little bit easier.
New styling
BMW has done away with separate short- and long-wheelbase models of the 7 Series and, in settling on the bigger of the two for the new model, it affords that bit more space inside, but makes the exterior longer, wider and taller than before.
The rear features new L-shaped LED lights and largely unfussy styling, something that more or less continues up to the 7 Series' A-pillar. Beyond that, lies the elephant in the room - the new front-end. It's going to be polarising, for sure.
As also seen on the refreshed X7, the front lights are split between ultra-slim daytime running lights on top and recessed headlights lower down, framing the new grille that is even bigger and more imposing than that seen on the outgoing 7 Series. Instead of breaking the surfacing with the number plate in the way of the M3, M4 and i4 though, the plate is mounted underneath meaning that the effect of the grille is undiminished.
The i7 model gets blue accents on the lower front air intake as well as along the side skirts and at the rear, and for buyers looking to make the front of their 7 Series pop that little bit more, there's the Iconic Glow option, which back-lights the grille and adds inset Swarovski crystals to the DRLs for an enhanced sparkling effect.
How much and when?
BMW Ireland has confirmed that pricing will start at €133,085 on the road for the i7 xDrive60 Excellence, while the M Sport version will cost €138,625. Prices for the models with internal combustion engines has yet to be announced.
As for when the new model will hit Irish roads, BMW says that the first Irish customer deliveries are expected in December of this year.