Ever since the first generation made its debut in 1977, the BMW 7-Series has embodied the definition of highly exclusive individual mobility in its very distinct, very BMW way. A design exuding prestigious elegance has gone hand-in-hand with supreme interior comfort and the exhilarating driving experience for which the brand is celebrated. From the outset, this combination has delivered a level of dynamic handling without equal in the luxury sedan segment. And with each new generation, the 7-Series takes its outstanding driving qualities and the levels of comfort and well-being to new heights.
Now, 45 years on from the debut of the BMW 7-Series, the seventh generation takes the stage as the most advanced and innovative vehicle in the luxury segment. At the same time, the new edition captures the imagination with an overall design coherence unmatched by any rival. The BMW 7-Series is therefore once again a symbol of the BMW Group's innovative strength.
Exterior design. A new dimension in presence, expressive power, and exclusivity
The expressive design features created for the exterior of the new BMW 7-Series authentically reflect its place atop the BMW luxury class and the promise of an extraordinary on-board experience. The vertically prominent front end, with the combination of the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille presiding as its centerpiece and two-piece split headlight units, give the new 7-Series a powerful and distinctive presence. The front-end design, developed specifically for BMW's flagship models, enables clear differentiation from the brand's other models.
The brand's hallmark twin circular headlights and BMW kidney grille have been newly interpreted. The light functions are now divided into two separate areas, with the upper elements acting as the more prominent focal point, especially when highlighted by optional Swarovski crystal details. This gives the front end of the new BMW 7-Series a progressive and memorable appearance. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the dark lower units set deep into the front apron. These lights only become visible when switched on after dark. The new BMW 7-Series comes standard with Adaptive LED Headlights including cornering light and high beam assistant.
The slim strip of lights set high up in the front end brings together the daytime driving lights, side marker lights, and turn indicators. Their crisp graphic replicating a pair of upturned "L"s projects a technically sophisticated feel. The optional crystal headlights create an all-new light effect that is both highly dramatic and completely functional. Crystals from Swarovski - again arranged in L-shapes and each backlit by 14 LED units - function as side marker lights and daytime driving lights. Whether the lights are switched on or off, the crystals reflect the available light in a multitude of facets. Even sunshine sparks a unique aesthetic in the crystal structure and brings the front end to life. At night, 22 LED units light up the crystals from behind and join with the kidney grille's contour lighting to create an unmistakable light signature. Two LED elements below the crystals provide the striking daytime driving light signature, integrate the turn indicator and enhance the sparkle of the crystals in each function and color.
The crystal headlights also play a role in a visually expressive Welcome and Goodbye Scenario. When the customer approaches their car, first the illuminated surround of the BMW kidney grille is activated, followed by the enhanced sparkle of the BMW crystal headlights. Then the standard-fit dynamic light carpet is revealed. LED lights integrated into the door sills project four graphics, one after the other, onto the ground just outside the doors of the new BMW 7-Series. This welcome display continues in the interior as part of a neatly composed choreography that enhances the luxury-infused digital experience.
The clean surfacing of the front apron, with only a small number of contour lines, underscores the muscular and solid appearance of the new BMW 7-Series. The car's width is also emphasized by the single-piece lower air intake and slim side intakes positioned at the outer edges of the front end. Another unique design cue for the new-generation car is the chiseled hood with a dynamic streak down its centerline.
Familiar proportions with maximized comfort in the rear seats
The presence of the front end is complemented by a clear and monolithic surface design for the flanks of the new BMW 7-Series. The profile exudes sublime visual elegance. This impression is reinforced by the virtually flush-fitted side windows with invisible seals. A shoulderline running from the daytime driving lights into the rear lights subdivides the taut bodywork. The long hood, a second character line above the side skirts rising slightly towards the rear, and the powerfully sculpted surfaces below the flush door handles convey an understated sense of dynamism.
The side window surround is bordered towards the C-pillar by an elegant chrome element, which stays in place as part of the body when the rear door is opened. This creates a new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink counter-swing. The long doors provide ease of entry and exit for the rear passengers, while the broad C-pillars and a pattern graphic on the rear section of the side windows protect their privacy from prying eyes.
The exterior measurements of the new BMW 7-Series have expanded in a discreet and harmonious way, so it retains the familiar proportions of the outgoing model. Those dimensions are more closely aligned with the long-wheelbase version of the previous-generation car, showing a three per percent increase in its length, height, and wheel diameter respectively.
The new BMW 7-Series has grown by 5.1 inches in length to 212.2, by 1.9 inches in width to 76.8, and by 2 inches in height to 60.8. Its wheelbase is now 0.2 inches longer at 126.6, which also helps bring about a further improvement in seating comfort in the rear. The headroom in the interior of the new BMW 7-Series has also been noticeably improved. The luggage capacity of the conventionally powered model variants is 13.7 cu ft while the i7 provides 11.4 cu ft of luggage space.
Interior design. Exceptional travelling comfort in a rejuvenating setting
Luxury at its most progressive awaits the driver and passengers inside the new BMW 7-Series. A select choice of materials, precision craftsmanship of the highest order and a clearly structured, minimalist interior design underpin the exclusive on-board experience for both the driver and passengers. Here, generous amounts of space meet innovative equipment features and the clever interplay of high-tech control/operation, connectivity, driver assistance, infotainment, and digitalization solutions.
And then there is the artfully stylish selection of materials, which capture the imagination in terms of both looks and tactile appeal. A new optional feature is the use of exquisite cashmere for a portion of the seat surfaces. The soft and pleasantly warm feel of this sumptuously refined natural material comes together with the standard glass applications for selected controls, the optional open-pore fine wood of the interior trim strip, and the stainless steel speaker covers to create a luxurious sense of wellbeing.
Progressive cockpit design with BMW Curved Display and BMW Interaction Bar
The brand-typical driver-focused cockpit design in the new BMW 7-Series has been re-interpreted in a progressive style. Digitalization enables the number of buttons, switches, and controls in the cockpit to be significantly reduced. Standard specification includes an interior trim strip for the instrument panel in Fineline Black with Metallic Inlay on 740i and 760i xDrive and Mirror Oak High Gloss on i7 xDrive60. They provide an elegant stage for the BMW Curved Display. The fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display screen. Arranged beneath a shared glass surface, the displays are directed ergonomically towards the driver, making the already intuitive touch control even more straightforward.
The BMW Curved Display's state-of-the-art graphics and the operating system's menu structure have been designed with a smartphone-style appearance. The user interface impresses with its striking forms, dynamic light effects, strong depth of color and modern color palettes that change depending on the selected My Mode. The graphical layout of the information display and the content shown in the percenter of the display can both be adapted to suit the situation and requirements. The clearly structured arrangement of widgets on the control display's home screen provides a simple overview of the menu options and can be configured by the driver, as desired. Frequently used functions can be added to a favorites bar.
The BMW Interaction Bar debuts in the new 7-Series as a new breed of control/operation and design element. This functional unit, which boasts a crystalline surface structure with dramatic backlighting, extends from below the trim strip across the full width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel trim. It houses touch-sensitive control panels for adjusting the ventilation and climate control, activating the hazard warning lights and opening the glove compartment. The light design of the BMW Interaction Bar takes its cues from the color palette of the My Mode setting selected or can be set as desired by the user.
The BMW Interaction Bar brings a whole new dimension to the interaction between the driver and vehicle. It combines function control, ambient lighting, and the ability to adjust its decorative appearance as desired into one fully integrated component. Entry into and exit from the vehicle are accompanied by a welcome/goodbye production incorporating lights on the BMW Interaction Bar. From the ambient lighting menu, the driver can decide which events the BMW Interaction Bar reacts to with dynamic light animations, e.g., incoming phone calls. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can also appear on the BMW Interaction Bar in an artistic glow.
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