7
NEWS
BMW readies 7 Series for Oz launch
Flagship sedan will feature comprehensive standard equipment list for Aussie debut next monthBMW continues to keep its pricing for the new 7 Series under wraps, but the prestige importer has confirmed some of the new car's Aussie specification during the international launch of the new G11 generation in the USA this week.
From late October, the 7 Series will be launched in Australia in 730d, 740i and 740Li (long-wheelbase) variants. The V8-engined 750i and 750Li will arrive later, scheduled to reach the local market during the first quarter of 2016. Currently there's no word on the 740e (plug-in hybrid) for Australia. The 740e is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder developing 190kW and 400Nm and fuel economy is claimed to be 2.1L/100km. BMW also offers the 7 Series in all-wheel drive form, and these 'xDrive' variants are under consideration for Australia, but are yet to be confirmed.
The 730d diesel produces 195kW/620Nm from its 3.0-litre inline six, and is rated at NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption figures ranging between 4.5 and 5.0L/100km, depending on specification. As the car expected to be the volume seller in the range, the 740i is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger. Output for this variant is 240k and 450Nm, for fuel consumption figures of 6.6 to 7.0L/100km.
The 750i is propelled by a 4.4-litre V8 with two twin-scroll turbochargers. Boasting a 0-100km/h time of 4.4 seconds (or 4.5 for the long-wheelbase 750Li), the V8 7 Series variant generates 330kW and 650Nm, with fuel consumption of 8.1 to 8.5L/100km.
In Australia, all 7 Series variants will come equipped as standard with the Touch Command Tablet, the Display Key, Gesture Control, front touch screen, six-colour ambient lighting package, surround view, Nappa leather upholstery, leather-trimmed instrument panel, heat comfort package, Design Pure Excellence packs and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The heat comfort package comprises heating for the front seats, centre console cover (in front) and the steering wheel. And the Design Pure Excellence packs comprise woodgrain interior trim and high-gloss chrome accents outside. BMW will also offer the 7 Series in Australia with the M Sport pack as a no-cost option.
For the sales split, the importer is expecting the new car to be in the same ballpark as the F01/02 generation soon to be superseded. At 53 per cent, 740i variants (39% SWB and 14% LWB) represent the largest proportion of 7 Series sales volumes. The 730d takes a sizeable chunk too, at 21 per cent. Combined sales of the V8 variants have matched the diesel's share, the 750i accounting for 12% and the 750Li taking nine per cent.
BMW Australia is reportedly under pressure from Munich to lift the price of the 7 Series with the introduction of the new model, and the situation is made worse by the plunging value of the Aussie dollar. But the local arm is believed to be playing hard ball with its head office. That's why the pricing is not yet settled barely a month and a half out from the new car's local launch.
Share this article
Written byKen Gratton
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todaySell your car with Instant Offer™
Like trade-in but price is regularly higher
1. Get a free Instant Offer™ online in minutes2. An official local dealer will inspect your car3. Finalise the details and get paid the next business day
Get a free Instant Offer
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.