BMW ups prices on 2013 7 Series

BMW has launched the updated 7 Series Down Under with prices starting at $204,600 for the 730d. And though the new range boasts fuel economy improvements across its range, and equipment changes to boot, all of the models have gone up in price – as much as $4900 in the case of the $281,100 petrol biturbo V8-engined 750i.

The changes comprise the 7 Series' midlife facelift. Called LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) in BMW parlance, the overhaul follows other Bavarian models in adopting more powerful and fuel efficient engines, new transmissions and other changes including an upgrade of the interiors across the range.

Ironically, the exception to this rule is the range-topping 7 Series, the V12-engined 760Li. The powertrain of the $391,500 400kW uber-limo is unchanged, though the car does get a number of interior upgrades as well as the new front and rear end styling tweaks that define the new range.

All non-hybrid 7 Series LCI models are now on sale.

BMW's take-out points for the 7 Series LCI include: fuel consumption reductions by up to 25 per cent; eight-speed automatic transmission and self-levelling rear air suspension standard across the range; and, Auto Start/Stop and ECO PRO mode for all six and cylinder models. Inside there's a new satellite navigation and infotainment system with faster computer processor and 3D-style graphics.

Much ado was also made at the local unveil of new 'soft' LCD instrument panel gauges which can be cycled through different themes in concert with Driving Experience Control. Alas for the time being at least the feature remains an option on all models.

Styling changes applied across the 7 Series range are aimed at giving the car a more dynamic presence, says BMW. Above all, they emphasise the width of the big sedan. At the front there is a new nine-slat iteration of BMW's double-kidney grille, a new bumper and more horizontally orientated under bumper intake with trapezoidal fog/auxillary lamps.

Indicator repeaters have been integrated into the exterior mirror housings.

The most obvious change to the front end, however, are the now trademark 'hooded' corona-ring headlights introduced in the new 3 Series which, in the 7 Series boast a number of dynamic features. Some of these combine with night vision and pedestrian warning systems to not only provide anti-dazzle functions, but to spotlight pedestrian and or animals in the car's path. The so-called BMW Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot is a $4700 option on all six-cylinder models (including the ActiveHYbrid 7s).

BMW has also added three new metallic paint colours with the LCI update – Havanna (a pewter like hue), Glacier Silver and Midnight Blue. The trio take the choice of exterior colours on non-hybrid 7s to 13.

Other key updates include a new design for the heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable Comfort front seats that are standard across the range. An electrically operated rear sunblind is now also standard on all models.

All long-wheelbase 7s and the standard wheelbase 750i also get electrically operated side rear blinds for those special VIP moments.

The entry-level 7 remains the 730d. Now powered by a 190kW/560Nm (up 10kW/20Nm) six-cylinder turbo-diesel, the standard wheelbase model is priced from $204,600 (up $2000).

BMW says the new 730d is 1.1sec faster 0-100km/h than the car it replaces at 6.1sec and 18 per cent more fuel efficient. Combined cycle economy is an impressive 5.6L/100km (was 6.8L/100km).

The six-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol 740i is offered in standard and long-wheelbase versions priced at $211,500 and 226,500 respectively. It actually has a power deficit to the car it replaces (235kW/450Nm versus 240Kw/450Nm) but nonetheless delivers both acceleration and fuel economy benefits. The 740i accelerates 0-100km/h in 5.7sec (was 5.9) and returns 7.9L/100km combined cycle. Compared to the old car's 9.9L/100km, that is a 21 per cent improvement, says BMW.

Save for differing alloy wheel designs (18 x 8 inch), the 730d, 740i and 740Li are identical in terms of equipment.

The step up to the V8-powered 750i ($281,100) and 750Li ($297,800) comes at a substantial premium, though it's not without its performance benefits. The new 4.4-litre twin turbo petrol eight is rated at 330kW and 650Nm (increases of 30Kw and 50Nm respectively) and powers both the standard and long-wheelbase models to a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8sec!

Fuel economy has been trimmed to 8.6L/100km – down from 11.4L/100km. This is an improvement of 25 per cent.

As noted, performance and fuel economy for the 760Li is essentially unchanged. The 400kW and 750Nm 6.0-litre V12 wafts the long-wheelbase car 0-100km/h in 4.6sec. But it uses plenty of fuel in the process – the combined figure of 12.9L/100km is unlikely to be approached in the real world without the benefits of stop-start and other smart technologies.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said that the introduction of the ActiveHybrid 7 and other BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as Auto Start/Stop and Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO mode "enabled the new 7 Series to provide customers with superb driving performance and leading levels of efficiency".

Stated Mr Horton: "The elegant design, luxury features, advanced technology and driving pleasure of the current 7 Series have made it the best selling [7 Series] model ever. Now with this substantial mid-life upgrade it offers customers even better value.

"With the launch of the new ActiveHybrid 7 and the application of a variety of EfficientDynamics technologies to improve efficiency across the range, 7 Series buyers can now enjoy all the luxury, driving dynamics and passenger comfort of our flagship model range with reduced fuel costs and environmental impact," Mr Horton said.

Local BMW 7 Series registrations totalled 79 units (year to date) according to the October release of VFACTs statistics. This was down more than a third on the same period in 2011. By way of comparison Porsche's Panamera (86 units) and Mercedes-Benz's S-Class ranges (90) have both outsold the big Beemer this year.