Review
BMW 7 Series
BMW recently presented the new 7 Series. We are now in the sixth generation and, as is the case with cars in this segment, it has become a car that is not only up to date, but also gives us a glimpse into the future. We looked into the glass car sphere thanks to a test drive with the 740i.
13 engine types
The new BMW 7 Series sedan is available in no fewer than 13 engine types, each with a choice between an automatic transmission or a sports automatic gearbox with 8 speeds.
The entry-level version in the petrol range is the 740i with a standard wheelbase bodywork variant from 93,650 euros. This was also our test car. You can also choose the 740i with a long wheelbase (740Li) or with intelligent all-wheel drive (740Li xDrive) and all variants of the 740i have a power of 326 hp. Under the hood is a 3-liter with six cylinders in-line. The 7 series reaches a top speed of 250 km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes just 5.5 seconds. Although it is a limousine, the 740i certainly does not disappoint if you want to drive a bit sportier.
If you want more horsepower, you can opt for a 750i with 450 hp. You can also choose the 750i with all-wheel drive (xDrive) and a long wheelbase is also available (750Li and 750i xDrive). In the 750i we find a V8 with a capacity of 4395 cc. In just 4.4 sec. With the 750i xDrive you can reach 100 km/h, which is quite impressive for a car of this size. The prices are between 111,100 euros and 122,760 euros.
Perhaps we as Belgians are also curious about diesels. The basic version is the 730d from 84,400 euros. You can also opt for the long wheelbase (730Ld) and both versions are also available with xDrive. The 730d has a smooth 265 hp. This power is provided by a 3.0 six-cylinder in-line. The top speed is also 250 km/h and the 730d sprints towards 100 in 6.1 seconds. The top of the diesel range is the 320 hp 740d xDrive (97,200 euros) and the 740Ld xDrive (104,000 euros).
There is also a hybrid of the 7 Series in the pipeline this year and at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW also presented the M760Li xDrive with a V12 engine.
Gesture control
When a new 7 Series is released, you naturally expect it to excel and boast the most innovative features. The new 7 Series certainly does not disappoint. You can also operate the iDrive system with a number of hand movements “in the air”. These movements are detected by a 3D sensor. This allows you, for example, to change the volume of the music by rotating your finger in the air or you can also refuse or accept a telephone call. However, what we found very practical and also impressive is that you can also operate the parking camera with surround view with gesture control (see demo in the video). For example, if you want to drive backwards in the city and you do not immediately have a good view, you can literally use the gesture control to grab the car on the iDrive display and turn it until you have optimal visibility to drive backwards. The iDrive display is now also equipped with a touch screen. For example, you can enter a destination in your GPS by tapping the destination on the map. What we also found to be an advantage of the camera with surround view is that it also starts itself when you have to maneuver through a narrow space.
Autonomous driving
Thanks to steering and lane guidance assistance with Traffic Queue Assistant, the 7 Series can actively support the driver while driving. With the traffic jam assistant, the system automatically maintains the desired distance to the vehicle in front and the system also drives and stops itself at speeds of up to 40 km/h and steers itself. With the steering and track guidance assistance, the car also helps steer up to a speed of 210 km/h and the system ensures that the car drives in the middle of the road. You are supposed to keep your hands on the handlebars. If you do not do this, the system will go into standby after a few warnings. With the Remote Control Parking option you can get out and drive the car forwards or backwards into a garage with the help of the remote control, ideal for when you have little space. You can also switch off the engine via the remote control after parking.
Laser light
You get full-LED headlights as standard on the new 7 Series. You can also optionally opt for laser lights. This allows you to shine up to 600 meters in high beam mode, double that of LED headlights. You can visually recognize the laser lights by blue design accents.
Air suspension
The new 7 Series is equipped as standard with air suspension with automatic level control on the 2 axles and Dynamic Damper Control. This makes every ride buttery smooth. The air in the suspension comes from a compressor that is electrically powered. The advantage of this is that the height of the body remains adjusted, even when the engine is not running. The air supply for each wheel is also controlled separately. This also allows the air suspension to do its job, for example when the weight of a load is not evenly distributed. You can also manually increase the ride height by 20 mm. Handy when you have to drive on a bad road or have to take a speed bump that is much too high. If you put the car in sport mode, it is lowered by 10 mm when you drive at high speed.
Conclusion
The new 7 Series does what it’s supposed to do. Surprising the world with numerous innovations that we may find on more accessible cars within a few years. The gesture control and the innovative camera system were certainly a highlight in our opinion. We were also introduced to new steps in autonomous driving. It goes without saying that the new 7 Series also distinguishes itself in luxury and comfort.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
