Sports edge for new 7

The fifth generation of BMW's 7 Series was launched in Germany this month, wearing a somewhat less controversial look than the predecessor. The new 7 will be offered in European markets with three engine options including twin-turbo V8 and straight-six petrol units, and a new six-cylinder diesel engine with latest generation common-rail fuel injection.

Initially, Australians will be offered the six-cylinder 740i and 740Li (long wheelbase), and V8 750i and 750Li models come March 2009. BMW Australia says it will also review the potential for the introduction of the diesel 730d later in the year.

Pricing and final specifications for the Australian range will be announced closer to March's launch.

All models come with a six-speed auto, with gearshift selector now positioned in the central console rather than steering wheel-mounted for a more sporting drive, says the maker. Indeed, director of design for the new 7, Adrian van Hooydonk, says the addition of sportiness to the company's flagship was the intention.

The new 7 Series comes standard with BMW's Innovative Dynamic Damper Control suspension, and Dynamic Driving Control offering adjustments (normal, comfort, sport) for ride, gearshift and steering assistance settings. The 7's stability control can be turned off in the 'sport +' mode, for a "particularly sporting style of motoring".

The latest 7 boasts luxury segment firsts with the addition of 'stop and go' cruise control, lane departure and lane change warning system, side view camera for reversing and head-up display.

BMW is also claiming world firsts with introductions such as info-system interactive owner's manual and night vision assistance which uses a thermal imaging camera to detect people and animals outside of the headlight beam.

The new 7 Series offers 'unrestricted' use of the internet, individual entertainment screens for rear passengers and speed limit indicator system which uses sat-nav and camera recognition to provide warnings -- all never before seen, according to the carmaker.

An audio system-inspired black panel instrument cluster and the use of ceramic for trim elements are also touted as world firsts.

The twin-turbo V8 fitted to the 750i and 750Li models Australian customers are in line for is the "world's most efficient", according to BMW. The 4.4-litre unit is rated at 300kW/600Nm and uses 11.4L/100km, according to EU figures. All engines in the 7 Series range are EU 5 compliant.

The twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol offering in the 740 models is rated at 240kW/450Nm. The EU rating for fuel consumption is 9.9L/100km.

The new 7 gets an uprated version of BMW's steering assistance system, called Integral Active Steering offering rear-wheel steer by up to 3 degrees. The feature comes standard on long wheelbase versions.

BMW has also reworked its iDrive interface and redesigned steering wheel functions to include cruise control.

According to BMW the current generation 7 Series model is the most successful to date. As of September this year, the company sold 2070 E65/66 models in Australia since introduction in 2002 while a total of 1982 E38 models were sold between 1995 and 2001.

It's a safe bet BMW can expect the fifth generation 7 Series to do better, with sleek styling to complement the new sporting edge. The latest model wears a more distinctive grille with wider air intake, while its profile features a chrome-plated indicator 'gill' in the front guards.

BMW's so-called 'Hofmeister kick' at the C-pillar has been accentuated with a shadow contour line.

The long wheelbase models are lengthened by 140mm and carry their own roofline and C-pillar contour. The LWB 7s offer rear quarter luxuries including climate control vents with individual regulation, and adjustable seating with heating/cooling and massage features.

BMW Australia says it intends releasing the LWB models at the same time as the saloon 7s, due to a more "efficient development process" and the fact the long wheelbase 7 Series "accounts for about half of all cars sold" in many markets, including Australia.

Model specification for local deliveries has yet to be announced, however, BMW Australia has confirmed the Night Vision assistance will be made available to Australian customers. Timing for the speed limit information system is still to be decided.

The Carsales Network drove the 730d and 750Li models at the launch in Dresden. Visit soon for our drive impressions of the new 7 Series.

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