BMW Updates 7 Series With New Engines, New Tech, And Outrageously Large Grilles

BMW has discreetly taken wraps off the updated 7 Series, which promises to offer better driving dynamics, a heightened level of comfort, better fuel economy, as well as improved driver assistance and connectivity features.

The big news besides the kidney grilles that are 40% larger than before, is that BMW has updated the 7 Series’ engine range to include a new eight-cylinder engine and an in-line six-cylinder unit with plug-in hybrid system offering extended electric range.

Spearheading the line-up of engines is the 6.6-litre V12 petrol engine in the M760Li xDrive which produces 585 hp and 850 Nm of maximum torque, with a century sprint time of just 3.8 seconds.

And then we have the 750i xDrive which features an updated version of BMW’s 4.4-litre V8 engine which offers a maximum power output of 530 hp (80 hp more than the engine it replaces) and 750 Nm (100 Nm more than before).

The entry level 740i and 740Li, on the other hand, are powered by a 3.0-litre straight six engine kicking out 340 hp and a peak torque of 450Nm.

The new 7 will also be offered in plug-in hybrid versions (745e, 745Le, 745Le xDrive) which are powered by a powertrain package comprising a 280 hp, 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, and an electric motor rated at 113 hp (84 kW), bringing the total output figures to 389 hp, enabling the cars to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

With the Driving Experience Control switch set to Sport mode in the PHEV versions, total power of 394 hp is available, while the maximum combined torque goes up to 600 Nm. 

Capable of doing the century sprint between 5.1 and 5.3 seconds, the BMW 745e and BMW 745Le xDrive models are capable of achieving an electric-only range of up to 57 km.

Besides the above, the new 7 also offers a trio of 3.0-litre in-line six diesel engines delivering 265 hp with a peak torque of 620 Nm.

While a latest-generation eight-speed Steptronic transmission is featured in the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive versions, the 745e and 745Le xDrive are equipped with a hybrid-specific variant of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Offered in standard and long wheelbase body variants, both versions have grown by 22 mm over their respective predecessors. Besides that, the longer version of the 7 now comes with a 3,210 mm long wheelbase which is 14 cm longer than before.

As mentioned before, the kidney grille is now significantly larger and features an active air flap control with adjustable vanes that only open when the need for cooling air is increased.

The new 7 also features new Air Breathers that optimise the flow of air through the wheel arches, helping to reduce turbulence. Air outlets that are integrated into the side panels now extend much further upwards and their trim strips form a 90-degree angle with the side trim elements.

At the rear, the 3D tail lights are 35 mm slimmer than on the outgoing car. New features include a slim light strip situated below the chrome bar, and the exhaust tailpipes which are now edged in wider chrome surrounds.

18-inch light-alloy wheels are offered as standard, but options up to 21-inches are also available. New to the line-up are 20-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke and star-spoke design, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in W-spoke design.

Moving inside, the new 7 comes standard with a hands-free phone system and wireless charging. Previously situated under the centre console armrest, the tray for smartphones that support wireless charging is now positioned immediately in front of the cupholders. LED ambient lighting with a choice of six colours is also available as standard.

The rear-seat entertainment system comprises two 10-inch full-HD displays complete with a Blu-ray player. The system allows users to access the entertainment, navigation and online functions of the vehicle from the rear seats.

The viewing angle of the screens, which now have touchscreen functionality, can be adjusted in accordance with the rear seat passengers’ existing seat position.

The car also includes the latest version of the BMW Touch Command unit. This removable tablet with a 7-inch screen can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle.

Having said that, the new 7 Series will be progressively introduced in various markets across the world from April onwards.