BMW have revealed the all-new G12 7 Series premium luxury saloon and long-wheelbase limousine.
With the competition already running away with innovations under their belt, the new 7 looks set to take on the best in the business. The focus is on driving dynamics, long-distance comfort, efficiency and driver assistance, with personalisation also high on the list of priorities. Greater use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and extensively re-engineered straight-six and V8 engines mean more output and better efficiency. A plug-in hybrid joins the range as a welcome addition, effectively replacing the ActiveHybrid 7.
The line-up begins with the new 730d, the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, now making 265 PS and 620 Nm. The 740i unit is the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol with 326 PS and 450 Nm. The flagship is now the updated TwinPower Turbo 4.4-litre V8 in the 750Li with 450 PS and 650 Nm. For now, there has been no announcement of a V12-powered 760Li. Standard and long wheelbase models are available, with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive available with the 30d and 50i motors. The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard.
The new 740e and Le is the plug-in hybrid and uses a more powerful 258-PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo combustion engine coupled to an electric motor for a combined peak output of 326 PS. The highlight is an all-electric range of 40 km, with fuel consumption in hybrid mode rated at 47.6 km/l.
We hope to see the range arrive in India soon, so hold your Bavarian horses.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: BMW
