BMW is leading the luxury segment into a new era that will be shaped by innovations in the fields of sustainability and digitalization. With the new BMW 7-Series, the world's most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles is creating forward-looking ways to enjoy pure driving satisfaction, unsurpassed long-distance comfort, and a top-end digital experience. Central to this reinterpretation is the BMW i7. The all-electric luxury sedan is a fully integrated member of the 7-Series line, and clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of on-board wellbeing can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
The models at the pinnacle of BMW's luxury range are wrapped in a new definition of luxury that focuses on the individual and their personal attitudes, needs and emotions. In addition to presence, elegance and exclusive premium quality, there is a progressive approach characterized by innovations that directly enhance the user experience, wide-ranging connectivity, and standard-setting sustainability of the new 7. In this way, the new BMW 7-Series has been designed to meet the needs of a clientele that sees itself as committed to meeting challenges in a responsible manner - and one that views personal mobility as a way to experience unique moments in everyday life and on trips away.
Three models available at launch, including the first purely electric 7-Series
The 2023 BMW 740i is powered by a thoroughly upgraded version of the iconic B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. Now dubbed B58TU2, the new Miller cycle six-cylinder features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, electronically controlled VANOS variable camshaft timing, and 48-volt mild hybrid technology. All of this adds up to a typical BMW outcome: more power, lower emissions.
The 760i xDrive combines the relentless power of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 borrows technology from BMW Motorsport, and features a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling, and further developed turbocharging. The V8, too, gains 48V mild hybrid technology, and with the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission delivers the twin benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration, and greater efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation.
And for the very first time in its history, the 7-Series is now available fully electric. Featuring two highly efficient current-excited electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of instantaneous torque, the i7 xDrive60 will sprint from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 300 zero-emission miles in utter silence and profound luxury (estimated range of up to 300 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA's test procedure standards).
Enhanced efficiency across all variants: combustion engines benefit from new 48V mild hybrid technology
Besides the locally emission-free driving offered by the new BMW i7, the remaining powertrain variants for the brand's new flagship model are also shining examples of efficiency through electrification. All engines available for the new BMW 7-Series range are members of a new modular generation of the BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engine family and will be equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology worldwide.
Playing a key role here is the world premiere of the new 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which is standard in all combustion-engine model variants and is unique in this segment. Now installed in a compact housing as part of a 48V mild hybrid system is an electric motor, complete with the necessary power electronics, which acts as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator and helps the combustion engine to deliver a smooth, dynamic, and, at the same time, efficient drive. The mild hybrid system generates torque of 147 lb-ft and an output boost of up to 12 hp, depending on the driving situation. This additional drive torque translates into remarkably instantaneous response to the slightest movement of the accelerator, both when pulling away and when putting in a sudden burst of speed.
The energy required for providing the electric power boost is stored in a 48V battery located under the luggage compartment. It is charged via recuperation in overrun and braking phases. This provides an efficient means of recuperating braking energy that went unused in the past. Besides supplying the electric motor, the 48V battery also feeds power to the vehicle's 12V electrical system via a voltage transformer.
BMW 760i xDrive: new eight-cylinder unit technological highlights
Under the hood of the new BMW 760i xDrive is a 4.4-liter V8 engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, channeling its power to the road through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 boasts a number of technological highlights that are designed to enhance both its sporty power delivery and its efficiency. It utilizes the thermodynamic benefits of a cross-bank exhaust manifold and external engine oil cooling. In addition, a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging with a blow-off valve, a new oil pump and a weight-minimized oil sump all play their part in increasing the engine's efficiency.
The controlled intervention of the electric motor also noticeably increases comfort levels when the Auto Start Stop function cuts in and in idling and coasting situations. The coasting function with deactivated combustion engine comes into play in the My Mode Efficient. With an increased output of 536 hp (and peak torque of 553 lb-ft, the eight-cylinder engine propels the new BMW 760i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.2 seconds.
Automated parking: remote control and Maneuver Assistant
With the arrival of the new 7, BMW is also reinforcing its pioneering role in the field of automated parking and maneuvering. BMW's Reversing Assistant, standard in the new 7-Series, was the first system of its kind anywhere in the world when it was brought out in 2018. Models fitted with Parking Assistant Professional, part of the optional Parking Assistance Package, are able to store steering movements over distances of up to 200 meters and subsequently reproduce them in reverse, relieving the driver of the stress of having to navigate tricky driveways and other challenging paths in reverse.
Parking Assistant Professional also brings further automated parking innovations with it. Instead of just using other vehicles as reference points to help it select a parking space and straighten the vehicle when parking, for instance, the system is now also able to use the curb and any road lines as guides. More impressively, the new remote functionality gives drivers the ability to also control all maneuvers into and out of parking spaces from outside the vehicle using the My BMW App on their smartphone. It is possible to switch between in-vehicle and remote control at any point during the maneuver.
This remote functionality applies when using the Maneuver Assistant, another new feature that uses GPS data and the trajectory data from steering movements to record and store up to ten scenarios in different locations, each covering a distance of up to 200 meters. When the vehicle next arrives at a stored starting point, such as the entrance to a narrow, curving driveway, the Maneuver Assistant will be able to carry out all the tasks required to complete the maneuver, controlling the accelerator, brakes and steering as well as changing gear to move forward or reverse. If necessary, the system can switch between Drive and Reverse repeatedly while carrying out the corresponding steering, throttle, and brake inputs, for example when negotiating its way through a parking garage with little space and sharp corners. While the automated maneuver is being performed, the driver can focus on monitoring the vehicle's surroundings. The remote functionality will also give drivers the option of stopping the maneuver at any point and exiting the vehicle in order to control the remainder of the maneuver from their smartphone. This can be done from a distance of up to 20 feet from the car.
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