Photos by William Herrera
The latest generation of BMW’s flagship automobile – the BMW 7 Series – is finally in the Philippines. Here’s the news from BMW Philippines: Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines unveiled the all-new BMW 7 Series through a Gala Event held at the Grand Ballroom of the new Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonfacio Global City. Dubbed the most innovative vehicle in its segment, the new BMW 7 Series marks an important milestone in BMW’s technological evolution by combining ground-breaking features in design, functionality, EfficientDynamics, and well-being & comfort that define contemporary automotive luxury.
“Since 1977, BMW has been delivering ground-breaking innovations and setting new standards with our flagship BMW 7 Series. From the electronic speedometer, to Park Distance Control, to the revolutionary iDrive operating system, all of which have become an industry benchmark for modern cars. Today, this sixth-generation BMW 7 Series has made yet another breakthrough by introducing new technologies such as carbon core that reduces overall weight by up to 130kg, and a full suite of innovations like Touch Command, Gesture control, Sky Lounge with Panorama Glass Roof, just to name a few,” said ACC President Maricar Parco. “This all-new BMW 7 Series embodies our quest for modern mobility, the highest quality and absolute precision. This is truly a masterpiece from BMW, and probably the best car we have ever built.”
The all-new BMW 740Li will be the main variant to be offered to the Philippine market, while only a handful of the range-topping BMW 750Li will be readily made available.
New engine family: Powered by EfficientDynamics technology.
BMW 7 Series
The all-new BMW 740Li is powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The new power unit’s crankcase, cylinder head and oil sump are all made from aluminium. The TwinScroll turbocharger features an indirect system of charge air cooling that is incorporated into the intake manifold and works in unison with High Precision Direct Injection, the very latest version of VALVETRONIC and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. Not only has the efficiency of the new straight-six engine been increased, its response is even more spontaneous as well. As a result, the all-new BMW 740Li produces an output of 326 hp (+6 hp vs predecessor) and a maximum torque of up to 450 Nm from 1,380 to 5,000 rpm. It is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds. It has an average fuel consumption of 6.6 litres/100km (improved by 16% vs predecessor) and an average CO2 emission of 154 g/km (improved by 16% vs predecessor) [as per average EU test cycle].
The all-new BMW 750Li, meanwhile, is powered by a V8 unit that has undergone extensive redevelopment, boasting a displacement of 4.4 litres and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with the turbochargers located in the V-shaped space between the banks of cylinders in proven fashion. It now comes equipped with TwinScroll turbochargers featuring flow-separated, bank-specific exhaust manifolds made from thin-wall castings that promote greater engine efficiency. As a result of all these modifications, the all-new BMW 750Li produces an output of 450 hp and a maximum torque of up to 650 Nm from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm. It is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds (improved by 0.1 second). It has an average fuel consumption of 8.0 litres/100km (improved by 8% vs predecessor) and an average CO2 emission of 187 g/km (improved by 6% vs predecessor) [as per average EU test cycle].
Intelligent lightweight engineering: Mixed material bodies based on Carbon Core.
Intelligent lightweight engineering has reduced the weight of the all-new BMW 7 Series models by up to 130 kilograms compared to their previous generation counterparts. This is in spite of all the newly added innovations that would have increased the overall weight, namely; a new chassis technology. At the centre of it all is the body structure with Carbon Core, a product of the transfer of technology from the development of the BMW i8. The all-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.
Enhanced driving experience: Driving Experience Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode for the first time.
The all-new BMW 7 Series offers both sharper driving dynamics and superior ride comfort, thanks to its highly-sophisticated, precision-honed chassis technology. The latest raft of innovations offer drivers more freedom of choice for configuring the ideal vehicle set-up, which means they can now opt for even sportier handling or greater ride comfort as they wish. The selection is made using the standard Driving Experience Control switch.
With its double-joint front axle, five-link rear axle and Electric Power Steering, the all-new BMW 7 Series comes with all the right ingredients for precise, assured and harmonious handling characteristics. The inclusion of the 2-axle self-levelling air suspension as standard furthermore endows the luxury sedan models with notably superior ride comfort. The suspension is supplied with air by an electrically powered compressor with pressure reservoir. This means that even when the engine is switched off, the height of the vehicle body is adjusted to keep it at a constant level regardless of the load being carried. And because the air supply is controlled individually for each wheel, it is even possible to compensate for an unevenly distributed load.
The level control can additionally be operated manually, allowing the vehicle’s ride height to be raised by 20 millimetres when driving along a rough stretch of road or in multistorey car parks with particularly steep ramps, for instance. At speeds above 35 km/h, the level control automatically reverts to its standard setting. When SPORT mode is activated with the Driving Experience Control switch, on the other hand, the ride height automatically drops by 10 millimetres when travelling at high speed. The advantages of the air suspension at the front and rear axle can be appreciated thanks to the standard Dynamic Damper Control. The electronically controlled dampers improve ride and suspension comfort at the same time as adding to the sedan’s dynamic handling qualities. A variety of modes can be engaged using the Driving Experience Control switch, which serve to foster either driving comfort (COMFORT, COMFORT+ modes) or sporty, agile handling (SPORT mode).
For the first time, an ADAPTIVE mode can also be selected in the all-new BMW 7 Series via the standard Driving Experience Control switch. With this setting activated, the vehicle set-up is matched to the current driving style and changing route profile in adaptive, clearly perceptible fashion. The control logic reacts to movement of the accelerator and steering wheel, and also factors in whether the gear selector is in the D or S position. Depending on the driving situation, the powertrain and chassis systems are configured for either sporty or comfortable performance. On models fitted with the Navigation system Professional, map data is also taken into account in order to select the ideal vehicle set-up for instance when switching from urban driving to the motorway, on winding roads or when approaching a road junction.
Premiere for Executive Drive Pro:
Chassis control system with active roll stabilisation and anticipatory damper control.
The levels of comfort, dynamism and effortlessly superior performance can be elevated further still with an equipment option that is making its debut in the all-new BMW 7 Series range: Executive Drive Pro. This active chassis control system (standard on 750Li, optional on 740Li), works in unison with the 2-axle air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control to achieve a remarkable standard of suspension, damping and vibration comfort. It comprises the newly refined version of the Dynamic Drive system for reducing rolling movement at the front and rear axle. For the first time, active roll stabilisation is now carried out electromechanically, allowing the body roll forces to be equalised particularly swiftly and precisely when taking bends at speed. When driving in a straight line, the adjustable anti-roll bars are set so as to allow the suspension system the greatest possible freedom of movement for increased comfort. The comfort-enhancing effect is further heightened by the standard air suspension. What’s more, the new system is also more energy efficient compared to hydraulic control. Beyond all this, Executive Drive Pro also incorporates an anticipatory chassis control function. The advance information for regulating the combination of chassis systems is gleaned from the driving style analysis readings, the data from the navigation system and a stereo camera, and helps to considerably enhance ride comfort and driving safety.
Integral active steering: Dynamics and ride comfort made to measure.
A further refined version of the Integral Active Steering system is available as standard for the all-new BMW 7 Series. With it, the rear wheels help to steer and provide more driving stability, safety and comfort. When travelling under 60 km/h, the front and rear wheels steer in opposing directions to reduce the turning circle and ensure every bend is taken with precision. This is very helpful when the driver is parking or negotiating hairpin bends with small turning circle because fewer movements and more precision are enabled. Yet, when travelling above 60 km/h, the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction to ensure more stability at higher speeds. This is extremely helpful when changing lanes because the vehicle practically ‘glides’ in an even sideways motion, which makes it extremely comfortable for all the vehicle’s occupants and especially so for those in the rear.
Groundbreaking technology: iDrive operating system with touch display and BMW gesture control.
The iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a touch display for the first time in the all-new BMW 7 Series in conjunction with the standard Navigation system Professional. The touch display concept is included because the method is so familiar from consumer electronics devices. Besides the customary means of operation using the Controller, direct access and favourite buttons as well as voice commands, numerous functions can alternatively be selected and activated by simply touching the screen’s surface. This adds a highly intuitive input method to the iDrive system’s control logic, ensuring supreme ease of operation in any situation. This is especially useful, for instance, when the driver is selecting the venue he wishes to navigate to by instinctively pointing to the exact location on the map as displayed on the Control Display.
The iDrive system furthermore comes with the standard BMW gesture control, which is being premiered in the all-new BMW 7 Series. By making specific hand movements in the vicinity of the centre console, where they are registered by a 3D sensor, commonly used infotainment system functions can be controlled very intuitively and conveniently. The various gestures serve, for instance, to adjust the audio volume, control the 3D surround view display and accept or reject incoming phone calls. There is also a further set gesture whose associated function can be individually defined from a selection of possible functions, such as navigation to the home address or deactivation of the screen. BMW gesture control can be used as an alternative to conventional means of operation without the need for separate activation. The availability of this control method is indicated in applicable situations by a corresponding icon in the Control Display.
Elegant exterior: Powerfully curved surfaces, precisely drawn double swage line.
The prevalence of outward-curving surfaces when the all-new BMW 7 Series is viewed from the side give the car a powerful, eye-catching appearance. The door handles are incorporated with great precision into the character line, which now takes the form of a double swage line. The Air Breather surround in the front side panel spawns a chrome trim strip which runs along the lower edge of the doors. This creates a high-quality accent, its horizontal form accentuating the car’s finely balanced appearance and low centre of gravity. The exterior mirrors appear to grow organically out of the window frame, a slender stalk providing the sole connection between mirrors and car body. Generating a modern and elegant effect, this design also enhances the aerodynamics of the all-new BMW 7 Series.
The all-new BMW 7 Series comes standard with the Design Pure Excellence exterior package, which entails chrome elements in every respect and from every angle. Chrome accents can be found on the radiator grille slats, on the rear bumper and on the front air inlets, with the wheel arch trims and the visual engine guard creating a nuance-rich combination. The all-new BMW 7 Series comes in two non-metallic and nine metallic colour shades for the exterior paintwork. The BMW 740Li and 750Li come standard with 19-inch and 20-inch light-alloy wheels, respectively.
Exclusive interior: A new dimension in travel comfort for passengers in the rear.
Characteristic features of the interior include generous levels of space accentuated by its horizontal surfaces and lines, the driver-focused cockpit design, the fusion of exquisite materials and precision craftsmanship and the sophisticated functionality of the control and display elements. The luxurious flair that pervades the interior of the all-new BMW 7 Series can be further enhanced by an unrivalled range of options for travelling in even greater comfort and adding to one’s personal sense of well-being. The Design Pure Excellence interior package lends the cabin an elegant and choice ambience through the use of Exclusive Dakota leather trim for the 740Li and Exclusive Nappa leather trim for the 750Li. This includes extended features in Ivory White, amongst other colours, with contrast stitching, fine wood interior trim elements in American Oak and a full leather surface for the instrument panel and door panels in Atlas Grey with contrast stitching. The lower section of the instrument panel comes in matching colours of choice.
The new BMW 7 Series comes standard with an equipment package that features automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control, electrically adjustable comfort seats, Active seat ventilation for all seats and the standard massage function in both the front and rear, along with the BMW Touch Command
The Massage function for the driver and front passenger seats is activated via the iDrive controller and offers a choice of eight different massage functions in the backrest and seat surface in order to stimulate or relax muscles in a targeted manner, leading to less pressure on the spinal discs. These massage programmes can be set to one of three intensity levels. The eight programmes are divided into the categories mobilisation, relaxation and vitalisation. The mobilisation function not only massages individual body parts such as the pelvis or the upper back, but also the entire body. The spinal column is also relieved with the help of specified active exercises. The back, shoulders and lumbar region are gently massaged by the relaxation function. The vitalisation function leads to a noticeable relaxation and invigoration of the body, which is particularly beneficial on long journeys. The same feature is offered for the rear passenger seats equipped with the Vitality Programme and Rear Seat Entertainment, controlled via the BMW Touch Command
BMW Touch Command is an innovative new multifunctional control unit being offered in the all-new BMW 7 Series. This removable tablet with a screen diagonal of 7 inches can be used from any seat and even when outside of the vehicle. It lets the occupants control comfort functions such as seat adjustment, interior lighting and air conditioning, as well as the infotainment, navigation and communication system. BMW Touch Command can also be used to play external audio and video files, as a games console or for surfing the internet.
Atmospheric experience: Ambient light, Ambient Air, Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof.
The exclusive atmosphere inside the all-new BMW 7 Series can be accentuated by a precision-crafted lighting design. The standard Ambient light provides harmonious indirect illumination in the vicinity of the instrument panel, the door beltlines, the map pockets on the front seat backs, and in the footwells. Courtesy lights and illuminated bars on the door sills also form part of the specification. There is a choice of six different colour variants for the lighting effects, which can be selected in the iDrive menu. Beyond this, there is also a standard Welcome Light Carpet that produces eye-catching lighting graphics in the entrance/exit area with the help of light sources incorporated into the side skirts. Another unique feature is the Ambient highlight for the long-wheelbase versions of the all-new BMW 7 Series, which bathes the rear compartment in an atmospheric light from light sources positioned vertically on the B-pillars. Notably, while the iDrive menu or BMW Touch Command can control the entire lighting system within the car, the intensity of these B-pillar lights can be adjusted independently by means of contact sensors, if so desired. Other standard features include the roller sunblinds for the rear side windows and rear window.
The all-new BMW 7 Series comes standard with a two-section Panorama glass roof with an opening front section. Exclusive though to the 750Li is the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof that is quite unique in the luxury limousine segment. With this version of the roof, the light emitted by LED modules along the sides in the dark is spread evenly throughout the glass surface. Here, it strikes an imprinted graphic creating the magical effect of a starlit sky. As with the Ambient light, there is a choice of six different colour schemes for the lighting pattern. Both the moving glass section and the interior liner are electrically operated on all glass roof variants.
Meanwhile, another feature unique to the BMW 750Li is the Ambient Air package which offers yet more scope for enhancing one’s personal sense of well-being. It comprises functions for ionising the air and the fragrance of the vehicle’s interior with selected scents, both of which can be controlled from the air conditioning control console or the iDrive menu. Three levels of intensity can be set for the fragrance, and there is a choice of eight scents in all, two of which can be applied in the vehicle at the same time.
Perfect listening pleasure: Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system.
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system that comes with the 750Li (Harman Kardon surround sound system for the 740Li) makes it possible to experience a new dimension in listening pleasure while enjoying the in-car entertainment programme. A fully active 10-channel amplifier with an output of 1,400 watts and 16 partially illuminated speakers together produce an exceptionally precise and wonderfully rich sound in the cabin. In the process, dynamic sound equalizing with three analogue crossovers ensures uniform acoustic performance delivered to all seats. The system also enables the sound setting to be matched to the selected entertainment genre. The five acoustic scenarios on offer include, for example, “Concert”, which reproduces the acoustics experienced in a concert hall, and the “Cinema” setting, which provides cinema-like acoustics when watching a movie on the Rear-seat entertainment system.
Enhanced safety: Surround View camera-based functions.
The all-new BMW 7 Series comes standard with Surround View, which includes the camera-based functions Rear view camera, Panorama View, Top View and 3D View. Cameras at the front and back of the exterior mirrors provide a 360° view around the vehicle. In addition to the simple depiction of the driving space to the rear, Top View offers the driver a look over the door and the lane area to the car sides for more convenient manoeuvring. In 3D View, a computer generated 3D view is shown simultaneously, for an even better overview when parking. Panorama View makes navigating in areas with low visibility, such as driveways or confusing intersections, safer. A digital camera on the front of the car captures the traffic situation in front of the vehicle. This enables early detection of oncoming traffic so that the driver can react appropriately. The Panorama View function is automatically deactivated when the car reaches 15 km/h. The driver can switch between the three functions Top View, Panorama View and 3D View. The last selected function will be automatically reactivated when the system is next used. The camera systems are activated when the car is put into reverse or when either the PDC button or Panorama View buttons are pressed. The images captured by the cameras are then shown on the Control Display and can be interactively-controlled via Gesture Control to have a better view of the car’s surrounding without the need to even get out of it.
BMW Laserlight: Anti-dazzle headlights.
The new BMW 7 Series is the first car in its segment to come with the option of innovative laser headlights including BMW Selective Beam. BMW Laserlight, which made its debut on the BMW i8, provides a high-beam range of 600 metres that is twice the range of the powerful LED headlights. The risk of dazzling oncoming or preceding road users is reliably excluded by the integrated BMW Selective Beam anti-dazzle Highbeam assistant. The BMW Laserlight with Highbeam assistant comes standard on the BMW 750Li and is optionally available for the 740Li.
BMW Display Key: Useful information readily on hand.
The BMW display key shows various information about the vehicle’s status and allows selected functions to be controlled via the integrated touch display. The time can be displayed, along with remaining fuel and current range, service notifications, as well as the current status of the central locking system, the windows and the glass roof. In addition, the following equipment can be operated via the BMW display key: Auxiliary heating. The BMW display key can be charged wirelessly, or with the included USB cable. This comes standard for the all-new BMW 7 Series.
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