Big bucks for BMW's new V8 7 Series

BMW's new 750i is now priced at $289,600 – and the long-wheelbase 750Li moves up well beyond the $300,000 threshold at $312,700.

The significant increases in price reflect in part the migration from the previous F01/02 generation to the new G11/12 platform, with a lavish new standard equipment level for each variant. According to BMW Australia the new models represent enhanced value to the tune of around $30,000.

Some of that cost can be traced back to engineering intangibles like the weight-saving carbon core. But both cars now come with Laserlight, a new LED-based intelligent headlight system, and Executive Drive Pro – a system that bundles together an electro/hydraulic control function for the car's anti-roll bars, and a camera set-up to detect irregularities in the road ahead, allowing the suspension time to adjust ride properties in advance. While the electro/hydraulic system reduces roll ahead of a corner, the suspension adjusts ride quality for greater compliance when the cameras detect bumps or potholes in the path of the car.

Laserlight, which doesn't actually employ laser technology, comprises LED elements in the headlights to reduce glare for on-coming drivers with the lights set on high beam. Super-bright LEDs increase the range of lighting from 300 metres for a conventional LED system to as far as 600 metres.

In addition, the long-wheelbase 750Li also gains Panoramic Skylounge and an eight-mode rear-seat massage function as standard. Other features that are new to the V8 variants of 7 Series – but not the G11/12 generation that has already launched here in 730d and 740i variants – include Gesture Control, Touch Command and Display Key.

Touch Command controls seat adjustment, interior lighting, climate control, infotainment, navigation and communication. The Panoramic Skylounge is an ambient lighting vista that shines down from the dual sunroof in the 750Li. Over 15,000 lighting elements in the glass create a spectacular vista that can display in different ambient colours at night.

Standard features for the two petrol V8 variants include an added chrome strip above the front fog lights, a chrome garnish between the exhaust tailpipes, matt-black brake callipers. Inside the cars can be ordered in a choice of Anthracite, Ivory White, Canberra Beige or Mocha headlining upholstered in Alcantara. Door sill plates are finished in fine-brushed aluminium and the lower section of the instrument binnacle features decorative stitching. Fine woodgrain veneer for the armrests and grab handles is complemented by Nappa leather for the seats, dashboard and doors.

Existing features like Night Vision have been upgraded, now with Dynamic Spotlight to pick out pedestrians and larger animals in the infra-red camera's display, which is activated by a switch near the headlight switch on the dash.

The 4.4-litre V8 has been tweaked with a higher compression ratio (up from 10 to 10.5:1) and revised Valvetronic/Double-Vanos operation for improved fuel efficiency – now 8.1 for the 750i and 8.3L/100km for the 750Li. Both cars in the previous F01/02 generation were rated at a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 8.6L/100km.

The 750i and 750Li both ride on 20-inch alloy wheels, up one inch in diameter from the wheels fitted to the 740i. Other features fitted over and above the standard specification of the 740i include the features mentioned above, plus heat comfort package, digital TV, and M-Sport package as a no-cost option that BMW expects will be taken up by as many as 75 to 80 per cent of 750i buyers. The heat comfort package comprises heated front seats, heated armrests (centre console/front doors), and heated steering wheel.

Equipped as per the 750i, the 750Li comes with the following features also as standard: Active rear-seat ventilation, electric adjustment for the rear seats, an extended heat comfort package, massage function for front/rear passengers, Panoramic sunroof with Skylounge and rear-seat entertainment experience. For the 750Li the heat comfort package also features heated rear seats and heated armrests for the rear centre console and rear doors.

“The all-new BMW 7 Series redefines the definition of luxury and driving dynamics in its segment,” said BMW Australia CEO, Marc Werner.

“That the model has already been so well received around the world simply provides further confirmation of its standing, which will only be advanced by launch of the all-new BMW 750i ad 750Li.”

Head here for our review of the new 750i and 750Li.