Flagship model gets upgraded engines, a choice of hybrid variants and a bigger grille. Would you take it over an S Class?
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Let’s face it, compared to the likes of the M2, M3 or M5, the 7 Series comes across as a bit underwhelming in comparison. Well, BMW has announced a new line up of their flagship model: one with a Short chassis and one with a Long chassis – the latter depicted by an L in the name. Will either 7 Series be The Ultimate Driving Machine?
Let’s start with the engines. A raft of upgrades has been drafted to the choice of powertrain; with the headline petrol engine getting more power. The M760Li xDrive now has a planet spinning 585bhp from a galactic 6.6 Litre Twin Turbo V12 driven through all four wheels; 0-62mph is dealt with in a Porsche 911 troubling 3.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph. That can be 190mph if you tick the option removing the limiter - you know you would. The V12 is only available in Long chassis form.
Sitting just below that is the 4.4 litre Twin Turbo V8, but the M750 can come styled in the Short or Long chassis guise. It now has 530bhp, 80 more than previously, it will crunch the 0-60mph time in an equally blistering 4 seconds but it hits the irremovable 155mph buffer. This is all planted onto tarmac through four-wheel drive.
That pulverising performance from both models should, in between fuel stops, devour distance with ease, all the while sitting in sumptuous comfort. Further down the 7 Series food chain are three diesel engines, with ranging power outputs. They all have improved emissions and better fuel consumption.
As well as that, plug-in hybrid variants can be chosen. A specially adapted six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and an upgraded high voltage battery are fitted. In total, 394bhp can be accessed when the hybrid system is in Sport mode, with the electric only range topping out between 31 and 36 miles.
BMW are also ramping up their automated driving technology, with emerging systems being added to the 7 Series. Driving Assistance Professional with Steering and Lane Control can now ease the unchallenging slog of motorway commutes, and for when you get home; Parking Assistant is now also aided with Reversing Assistant – reducing any anxious disposition that may lurk about parking in confined spaces.
And if you find that the simple action of moving your arm is strenuous and just too much effort, then you can instruct you requests through your voice commands into the Intelligent Personal Assistant. BMW say it acts as a digital co-driver and expert on the car. Of course, some respective owners of the new 7 Series will be chauffeured around.
The exterior has had a cosmetic makeover, with the most notable preening being the kidney grille enlargement; the front end is 50-millimetre taller in part to accommodate that transplant. It is 40% bigger than the kidneys outlining the old 7 Series. Although its presence acts as a prominent status symbol, the magnified size doesn’t work for me - it looks like metal railing on a banister staircase. The design doesn’t look elegant or refined in a sporty stance befitting a BMW, instead it feels pugnacious, pompous and quite presumptuous. It resembles their own version of Rolls Royce’s emblematic Parthenon style grille, but while imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it is a bit of a gimmick.
BMW 760Li xDrive
Price: £138,935
Engine: 6,592 cc twin turbo V12, 585bhp 627 Ib-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Steptronic, xDrive
Performance: 0-62mph in 3.8secs, 190mph de-limited
Economy: 22.8 mpg, 282 g/km CO2
Weight: 2220 kg
This distasteful posturing makes the 7 Series look visually imbalanced, it looks bigger than what is necessary. BMW could have designed it with dignity and class, instead it feels crass and brash. I understand they are trying to distinguish the 7 Series as the flagship luxury sedan, it might grow on me and a part of me hopes it does; the new 7 Series has the makings of a good but overlooked luxury saloon. Looking at the grille, it just makes me feel uncomfortable: what is BMW trying to prove? This is offset with slimmer headlight units, but that only highlights the ornate grille even more.
The sides are aligned in typical BMW style, where the back has had a more restrained nip and tuck. It features the spreading trend of a full car width light bar, a thin slit of red striking across the rear boot, it looks sharp and clean compared to the front. Chrome trinkets outline the exhausts; with a whole range of paint and wheel options to choose from.
The interior is flourished in BMW embroidery and furnishings but with a modern twist. The instrument cluster features a 12.3-inch screen and a 10.25-inch Control Display screen operated by touch, iDrive controller, voice control or buttons. A rear-seat entertainment system is also placed in ideal eye alignment so very important and serious passengers can watch their favourite episodes of The Simpsons.
There is a slight hitch. It’s in the form of the Mercedes S Class. The AMG version in particular is a very accomplished, sophisticated and tactile machine. Can the new 7 Series live up to that? Guess we will find out how much of a match it is for it soon.
The prices for the new 7 Series start from £69,430 with the range topping M760Li xDrive costing a whopping £138,935.
Callum Alexander | Callum on Cars | CrackersCal
Photos: BMW
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