New BMW 7 Series here from October

BMW Australia has confirmed its sixth-generation 7 Series limousine will go on sale here in late October, as part of a simultaneous global model release.

From its launch in just two months – and just a month after its world public debut at the Frankfurt motor show -- it will be available with six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, and in short- and long-wheelbase forms.

“The 730d [six-cylinder turbo-diesel] and 740 [six-cylinder turbo-petrol, in 740i and 740Li guise] variants will be available for delivery by late October,” said Tim Michaelson, BMW Australia Product Manager for 5, 6, 7 Series and Individual, at a local static preview of the new vehicle last night.

"We are aiming for October 24. Both standard- and long-wheelbase variants will be offered from launch.”

The standard-wheelbase model is tipped to be the big seller, with between 70 and 80 per cent of buyers selecting it from the current model range.

Filling out the 7 Series line-up for the time being will be the 750i variants. “They will be incorporated from November production, with deliveries being expected in early 2016,” added Michaelson.

A video shown at the preview also showed the 740e hybrid variant, though BMW Australia CEO Marc Werner could not confirm or deny an Australian decision on the green leader.

“We must stress the importance of the i brand, which has had good success in the Australian market,” he said. “It would be logical to go into plug-in hybrids as well.

"However we are cautiously reviewing which cars make sense for the Australian market. You can expect to see some plug-in hybrids in our line-up next year.”

It is expected that plug-in hybrid (eDrive) versions of both the 3 Series and X5 will come on stream Down Under in the next year, while 300kW quad-turbo diesel and 500kW M7 versions of the new 7 Series are also rumoured.

The preview allowed assembled journalists a sneak peak of Australian spec pre-production vehicles – one standard wheelbase, one long – which had been air-freighted in for the occasion and will be shown to prospective purchasers in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

Both standard- and long-wheelbase body styles are no wider than their respective predecessors, but are both 70mm longer in wheelbase. Despite this, weight-saving measures include an innovative carbon core central structure adapted from i8 learnings. Glued rather than welded to steel sections, it contributes to weight savings of up to 120kg over the outgoing model.

The high standard specification for Australian models includes the ability to specify the M Sport package as a no-cost option for the first time.

“Previously that was a $10,000 option, but in the last generation up to 85 per cent of buyers opted for the pack,” explained Michaelson.

‘Design Pure Excellence’ is the standard trim option, featuring more chrome than the M Sport variant and 19-inch wheels over the M Sport’s 20-inch options.

“Additionally BMW Individual packages, with available trims from the Rolls-Royce stable, will come on stream in 2016,” said Michaelson.

Other key spec highlights include standard-fit Nappa leather seats, leather-finished instrument panels and a heat comfort package.

Back-seat passengers are well catered for with a 7.0-inch tablet integrated into the centre arm rest. It is removable and functions as an Android-style tablet when out of the car.

Items such as rear seat heating, air-conditioning, ambient lighting, seat adjustments and sun blinds can be operated via the tablet. It can also be charged from the in-car snap-in adapter.

Additionally the ‘display key’ offers a small, swipe-capable screen that allows the operator to see items such as remaining fuel, current range, service notifications and the status of the locking system, windows and sunroof.

However, at least initially, a new autonomous function that will allow the car to park itself will not be available in Australia.

The 7 Series' new gesture control technology will be available here, however. Audio system volume, for example, can be adjusted by slowly circling your index finger in front of the display screen. You can also accept or dismiss phone calls with the sway of a hand.

Detailed pricing and specification figures will be revealed closer to the BMW 7 Series’ local launch date.