Happenings

7th Generation BMW 7 Series Launched In Singapore

BY Sean Loo

The BMW 7-Series has always been the Bavarian marque’s flagship executive chariot.

The new seventh-generation 7 Series follows BMW’s new luxury design language, aimed at customers who want nothing but the best in comfort and opulence. 

 

 
 

Now with a new seventh-generation under its belt the new 7-Series, which debuted in Singapore earlier this week, fuses controversial styling with a hearty smorgasbord of tech gadgets to offer customers an elevated next-generation luxury experience. The model has taken design cues from other existing BMW luxury models, including the X7 and i7.

According to the Bavarian automaker, this design language will continue to develop with future iterations, providing more distinction between these high-end models and other more “affordable” BMW models.

Whether you love or hate the new design of the new BMW 7 Series, it is definitely an imposing design choice by the designers. Striking features include the new twin circular headlights, with a split design, and a gigantic BMW kidney grille, both signature BMW design elements.

Adaptive LED Headlights come as standard, with BMW’s Selective Beam assistant and custom light effects when unlocking and locking the car. To give the lights a “shimmering” effect, individual LEDs are integrated with crystals from Swarovski, arranged in L-shapes. Like the front end, the rear also features slim LED light units.

The 7 Series will be offered exclusively as a long-wheelbase model worldwide. Side windows are flushed with the body panels, and a coach line running from the DRLs to the rear lights visually splits the car’s flanks. This segregation is even more profound should you opt for the BMW Individual two-tone paint finish. 10 colours will be available at launch, but 4 BMW Individual colours will be added in future.

As with all high-end BMW models, the interior of the new 7 Series screams opulence. The cockpit has significantly fewer buttons, switches and controls than its predecessor, which is sure to ruffle some feathers. I’m sure most of us can agree that tactile buttons are much easier to use than their touchscreen counterparts.

Still, BMW’s commitment to digitalisation is embodied by the new BMW Curved Display. This fully digital screen combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central control display. The instrument cluster runs iDrive 8 and is able to illustrate augmented views for things like navigation, providing optimum guidance in all driving situations. A heads-up display is also thrown in for good measure.

But, arguably the biggest change in the cabin is the inclusion of the new BMW Interaction Bar. This backlit trim piece extends across the full width of the cabin and is able to interact dynamically with other features in the car.

Aside from the usual driving modes, BMW has also included three new modes: Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art Mode… how peculiar. Not much was revealed about these new modes, we’ll have to test them out for ourselves in future when we get our hands on the 7 Series.

Newly developed comfort seats, upholstered with BMW’s high-end Merino leather, offer wider seat surfaces and extensive lumbar support for both driver and front passenger. All seats are ventilated, with a 9-way configurable massage function available as an option. Tick the Gran Lusso Package in the options list, and the rear seats will also feature upgraded reclining functions with gap-free leg rests.

Four-zone automatic climate control is available for all occupants and can be configured with screens fitted in the door panels. These panels also allow rear-seat passengers to make phone calls using the car's audio system. Speaking of doors, the 7 Series features automatic door mechanisms.

Just push a button, and the door swings open like magic. A fixed panoramic glass roof provides the cabin with more natural light too.

The launch model BMW 735i will come with an in-line six-cylinder engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system producing 272 bhp and 400Nm of torque. Despite its weight, it can complete the century sprint in just under 6.7 seconds.

The chassis has also been updated to suit both dynamic and comfort characteristics. Overall body rigidity is increased over its predecessor, and improvements have been made to both the standard-fit two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering.

This new 7 Series also boasts the largest selection of automated driving and parking systems ever offered for a BMW model. Features include Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, route monitoring function, traffic light recognition and Active Navigation.

As part of the Parking Assistant Professional, the Reversing and Manoeuvre Assistant can now carry out steering movements for distances of up to 200 metres, automatically carrying out parking manoeuvres to help drivers get out of tricky parking situations.

Like other manufacturers, BMW is also committed to reducing emissions, and green energy is being used to a higher degree in the production processes. Careful selection of raw materials and extensive use of secondary materials also help the company achieve better sustainability goals.

Beyond the launch of the new 7er, BMW also announced that starting today, all new BMW luxury sedan and SUV customers will be automatically entered into the BMW Excellence Club. In addition to ongoing exclusive access to cultural, gastronomic and international driving events, customers will also enjoy free airport transfers and special care packages for their vehicles for the first three years.

The most enticing bit? All new customers will also receive BMW Service Inclusive Plus for 5 years and an extended warranty for 5 years or 200,000km, whichever comes first. This applies to all BMW models across the range. Good guy BMW.

The new 7 Series will have a starting price of $564,888 for the 735i, and $594,888 for the 735i M Sport Pro. Prices are accurate at the time of writing.

If you like to know more about the 7 Series, you can check out it out here .