The next BMW 7 Series is shaping up to be a seriously impressive luxury car, as this drive in a prototype vehicle shows

What is it?

More than just a simple progression of its predecessor, the sixth incarnation of the flagship BMW saloon has been engineered from the ground up to more closely challenge the impressive Mercedes-Benz S-Class – the car that continues to rule the luxury car market and against which this latest 7 Series will inevitably be compared when UK sales kick off later this year.

Among the first models to arrive in showrooms will be the 740i driven here. It is planned to form part of an initial three-strong line-up that will also include the new 750i and 740d.

Further models will follow, including a new plug-in petrol-electric hybrid 740e, which will bring extended zero-emission capability to the line-up for the first time. There is also talk of a new M750iX performance model, although Munich officials weren’t giving anything away as they showcased the various technical features of their new range-topping saloon.

What's it like?

We’d driven all but a mile or two in a prototype version of the new 7 Series at BMW's vast Miramas test track before discovering just how much the big luxury saloon had moved on from its predecessor.

Even at moderate speeds you detect detailed improvements in virtually every aspect of its on-road character. There is greater cohesiveness to its dynamics and more grip. The whole car operates on an altogether higher level than before, with greater precision and alacrity than ever before. Not that we were expecting anything less from a car that has regularly been held up as one of the most lively in its class.

The real revelation is just how much more tranquil it feels to travel in than the old model, with outstanding refinement and enhanced comfort. Equipped with a new generation of BMW’s iDrive system with both touch and gesture control commands, it also introduces simple smartphone-like operation for many key functions, making it easier to live with, too.  

Predictably, BMW likes to call the new 7 Series a revolution, and in many areas it is a fitting description. The most significant technical upgrade is its advanced body structure.

Drawing on weight-saving construction methods first explored in the development of BMW’s i models, it incorporates a number of load-bearing carbonfibre-reinforced plastic elements in what represents a first for the company’s more traditional models.

The lightweight material is used within the header rails, sills, B-pillar, centre tunnel and C-pillar in a move that, in combination with additional aluminium elements, is claimed to bring a 40kg reduction in weight over the structure used by its predecessor.

Further savings have been achieved with changes to the outer bodyshell, which receives newly designed aluminium doors (claimed to weigh 12kg less than those used by the fifth-generation 7 Series) as well as an aluminium roof panel for the first time.

All up, the new flagship BMW saloon is said to tip the scales 130kg under that of the old model in 740iL guise, as driven here. If this holds true, the new model should arrive with an official kerb weight figure of 1715kg, making it just 40kg heavier than the existing 535i.

As a point of reference, the four-wheel-drive Audi A8 3.0 TFSI weighs 1830kg, while the rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid comes in at 1850kg.

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Because the car is not planned to be unveiled until the Frankfurt motor show in September, BMW is holding back on many other details, including its dimensions. Visually, the long-wheelbase prototype appears close to the outgoing model, which measures 5220mm in length, 1900mm in width and 1480mm in height.

The 740iL is the first BMW model to receive the company’s new 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine. The new unit, known internally as B58, shares its architecture with the smaller three- and four-cylinder engines unveiled recently in other BMW models, with the block, cylinder head and oil sump made of aluminium.

Improvements in the operation of the twin-scroll turbocharger, valvetronic fully variable valve control and double vanos variable camshaft control are claimed to bring enhanced low-end response, added mid-range tractability and subtle increases in output.

Nothing is set in stone at this stage, although officials suggest the new engine will improve on the 316bhp and 332lb ft of its predecessor, the N55. As before, the driver can choose between a range of differing driving modes, including Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

The new engine is mated to a revised version of BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox featuring all the latest fuel-saving technology, including automatic engine stop-start, brake energy recuperation and a new coasting function that idles the engine on a trailing throttle.

Standard 7 Series models continue with rear-wheel drive, although there are plans to extend the number of four-wheel-drive models this time around, according to BMW’s newly installed development boss, Klaus Froehlich.

Although BMW intends to make available a new key fob with an optional digital display, it was kept hidden as we prepared to drive the new 7 Series. Getting comfortable is easy, your efforts to tailor the perfect driving position enhanced by a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustment. Newly designed seats provide good support, despite their reasonably soft cushioning.

While the interiors of the various prototypes we drove were comprehensively covered with quilted cloth, we could still detect parts of the newly designed dashboard, which seemed to have higher-quality materials than those of the outgoing version, along with a new generation of switchgear.

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One feature we did get to try was the new digital instrument display, which is similar in design to that adopted by the 5 Series last year. Depending on the driving mode chosen, it lights up in either a predominantly white, blue or red hue.

Also included is a fifth-generation version of BMW's iDrive system. Significantly reworked, it introduces a new touchscreen display that allows you to operate the various infotainment functions in a similar style to that of your smartphone, with pinch, point and swipe commands. You can also use an updated rotary dial mounted on the new car’s broad centre console to control everything.  

More significant, though, is the appearance of gesture control for the first time. Set to be a high-priced option, it uses a three-dimensional sensor mounted within the rooflining to detect hand movements that are used to control various functions, including the volume of the audio system as well as the acceptance or rejection of phone calls. All up, the new system detects five different gestures, including clamp, point, rotate, swipe and a two finger command.   

The 740iL feels brisk away from the mark; the new engine is terrifically smooth and refined, and the revised gearbox shifts gear quickly and smoothly. There is great flexibility at the lower end of the rev counter and a real eagerness to rev through the mid-range.

BMW has not revealed any official performance figures yet, although the new model is said to improve on the standing start acceleration of its predecessor, which has a 0-62mph time of 5.7sec, thanks in part to its lower kerbweight.

There is a pervading suppleness and quietness to the driving experience. Overall refinement is superb. The sound of the engine, now encapsulated in a sound-deadening jacket, rarely intrudes into the cabin. The rustle of wind around the redesigned exterior mirrors is only faintly perceptible at three-figure speeds. The only real weakness is the amount of road noise being channelled back through the chassis.

Underpinning the new 7 Series is a newly developed double-wishbone (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension system featuring air springs both front and rear, instead of just at the rear as on the old model. In a move aimed at enhancing rolling comfort, the new set-up comes with continuously varying damping as well as an automatic self-leveling function as standard.

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Also included is an upgraded version of BMW’s Dynamic Drive roll-reduction system featuring electro-mechanical actuation of the roll bars in place of the older hydraulic actuation, leading to what BMW chassis ace, Jos van As, describes as faster stabilisation of the body during cornering.

“We haven’t dialled out the roll angle completely as some rivals do, because we feel the driver needs a point of reference to the amount of lateral acceleration the car is experiencing in corners. But the roll bars now react faster, meaning there is a more progressive increase in lean,” he says.

Reflecting a clear shift in philosophy with the tuning of the suspension, the new 7 Series offers the driver the choice of four differing modes via the so-called Driver Experience Control function. They include a new Comfort Plus mode, demonstrating BMW's efforts to instill the new car with a more cosseting feel than its stiffly sprung predecessor. The driver can also call up Comfort, Sport and Adaptive modes – the latter of which is also new.

In an effort to ensure its new range-topping model retains its long-held reputation for handling leadership in the luxury saloon ranks, BMW has also worked hard at reducing unsprung mass. Included on the 7 Series is a series of new aluminium chassis components, including the wheel carriers, brake caliper housings, brake disc carriers and rear transverse suspension arms.

As mentioned, some 40kg has been saved, bringing a 10kg reduction in unsprung weight at each corner. As before, BMW also claims a perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, while the efforts to trim weight within the roof have also resulted in the crucial centre of gravity being lowered slightly.

Allied to the new suspension is a new electro-mechanical steering system. It reverts to a fixed-ratio rack in place of the variable-ratio rack of the old model. The new model also uses a rear-wheel-steer function that provides up to three degrees of counter steer for added maneuverability around town, or alternatively two degrees of parallel steer for greater agility out on the open road.      

Driven around varying roads at BMW’s Miramas test track in France this week, the new 740iL immediately felt more fluid and engaging than the model it replaces when operating in Sport mode. While the steering is lighter than before, it operates with greater precision and greater consistency off centre.

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The addition of steering assistance to the rear wheels for the first time also helps to provide greater agility through challenging corners. The result is that the 7 Series is brilliant at covering ground briskly. There’s also impressive levels of grip, the inherent rigidty of the new body structure clearly contributing to the overall lift in dynamic prowess.

Switching into Comfort Plus mode immediately changes the car's character, bringing a significantly more cosseting feel and great pliancy to the ride. The underlying firmness evident in its predecessor is replaced by softer spring characteristics that endow the new model with vastly improved comfort.

Should I buy one?

Even at this early stage, it is clear the new 7 Series offers a broader set of dynamic abilities than before. But we’re yet to see the car in all its production glory, and won’t for another couple of months yet.

However, the signs so far are very encouraging. Technologically, it is a big step forward, introducing features such as carbonfibre construction and a gesture control operating system to the luxury ranks for the first time. The more important news, however, is that the handling is now even more eager while the comfort levels have been enhanced, too.

On the strength of what we’ve seen so far, this new model is now more than ever a clear challenger to the S-Class’s luxury car crown.

BMW 740iL 

(BMW yet to reveal technical specifications)

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Comments
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Frightmare Bob 18 April 2015

Other car manufacturers seem

Other car manufacturers seem to have worked out how to integrate an LCD display into the dash properly so it doesn't look like an afterthought grafted on top, why haven't BMW and Daimler-Benz?
carnut 18 April 2015

Frightmare Bob wrote:Other

Frightmare Bob wrote:

Other car manufacturers seem to have worked out how to integrate an LCD display into the dash properly so it doesn't look like an afterthought grafted on top, why haven't BMW and Daimler-Benz?

The reason for having higher in dash screen, not because its an after thought, because if you are driving any of these cars, not just Merc and bmw , Audi also do it, you will notice that you dont have to move ur eyes away from the road for too long to glance at the screen, its a visibility and safety thing, drive a recent range rover and you will notice how low the screen is, its not easy to just glance at it.

jason_recliner 18 April 2015

Yawn

Another reader made the very perceptive comment the other day that you could write the reviews for these cars without having driven them. Spot on.

More stories about old clunkers and car culture please!

metanoid android 18 April 2015

gestures, bond and a return to top form?

I have a picture in my mind of Pierce Brosnan's Bond controlling his g11 7 with gestures. The two finger salute would have to be the launch trigger for two sindwinder rockets to take out the bad guys driving an A8 and S-Class. Handy in a traffic jam too.
In all seriousness, this is the most promising 7 series since the E32. I only hope it looks as good as it sounds.
Overdrive 18 April 2015

metanoid android wrote:I have

metanoid android wrote:

I have a picture in my mind of Pierce Brosnan's Bond controlling his g11 7 with gestures. The two finger salute would have to be the launch trigger for two sindwinder rockets to take out the bad guys driving an A8 and S-Class. Handy in a traffic jam too.
In all seriousness, this is the most promising 7 series since the E32. I only hope it looks as good as it sounds.

Agreed.

The current 7-sreis might be a good drive, but looks dull as a dishwater inside and out. A luxury car needs to look desirable to make buyers want to stump up the extra cash over and above the slightly smaller executive class cars like the 5-sries that provide 90% of the space, comfort and refinement of full on luxury cars.

So the new 7, not only needs to improve its rides and refinement, to challenge the S-class, but also needs to look a lot better. Otherwise, why should potential customers bother?

Peter Cavellini 18 April 2015

Overdrive wrote:metanoid

Overdrive wrote:
metanoid android wrote:

I have a picture in my mind of Pierce Brosnan's Bond controlling his g11 7 with gestures. The two finger salute would have to be the launch trigger for two sindwinder rockets to take out the bad guys driving an A8 and S-Class. Handy in a traffic jam too.
In all seriousness, this is the most promising 7 series since the E32. I only hope it looks as good as it sounds.

Agreed.

The current 7-sreis might be a good drive, but looks dull as a dishwater inside and out. A luxury car needs to look desirable to make buyers want to stump up the extra cash over and above the slightly smaller executive class cars like the 5-sries that provide 90% of the space, comfort and refinement of full on luxury cars.

So the new 7, not only needs to improve its rides and Each to there own,Merc's to me look over engineered,to fussy,Jaguar's look like the Granada Ford never built,they are my impressions,we are entitled to them,just a matter of taste. refinement, to challenge the S-class, but also needs to look a lot better. Otherwise, why should potential customers bother?