BMW 7 Series

Introduction:

BMW 7 Series has been the flagship model for German marquee for more than four decades now. It constantly evolved over the time and it still going great guns. Although it is greatly overshadowed by the S Class, the 7 Series saloon has always stood up to the expectations. The all new sixth generation 7 Series could be a game changer for BMW in India owing to its cutting-edge technology, sophisticated features and refined luxury. Cars in this class are not the most rewarding driver's car, but this latest masterpiece from BMW excels all our expectations with its sharp handling. Let's delve further into the details to know what it really made of. 

Pros: 

1. BMW Gesture Control function is the industry's first-in-class feature.

2. Panoramic Glass roof with 'Sky Lounge' LED lighting function compliments its sheer luxury. 

Cons:

1. Expensive price tag and long waiting period.

2. More upgrades can be done to interior designing.

Stand out features: 

1. This 7 Series is a greatly improved car over its predecessor, especially with regards to drive dynamics and sharp handling. Use of Carbon Core Structure makes it lighter by 130 kgs than the outgoing model.

2. Exterior designing received major upgrades and its BMW Laser lighting system adds to the grace. 

Background and Evolution:

The first-gen 7 Series saloon was introduced in the year 1977 and it was produced for about 10 years. In the year 1986, its second generation model was launched followed by third generation in the year 1994. In India however, this 7 series came into existence for the first time in the year 2009. Although it is one of the sophisticated machines, it failed to impress the customers. Now, the car has entered into its sixth generation with new benchmarks and technology surpassing all its closest rivals in the class. 

Exteriors:

The 2016 BMW 7 Series comes with major refinements to its exterior designing. We can see drastic improvements on all its facets. This latest generation 7 Series gets a pronounced radiator grille featuring Active Aero function. This technology opens and closes the louvres to improve air inflow to the engine chamber. The manufacturer has also updated the cosmetics including headlight clusters, taillights, alloy wheels and several others. Besides, this car comes with a carbon core structure, a mix of carbon fiber, steel and plastic, making it lighter by 130kg lighter than its predecessor. 

The front facade of the car gets subtle changes that exude a scene of magnificence. Its radiator grille gets larger and wider in size and is featured with vertical slats. It gets thick surround with extensive chrome garnish that makes for a majestic appeal.

Its headlights cluster looks sharp with new design philosophy. It houses a powerful laser lighting system with LED low beam headlights featuring laser module. In addition to this, four additional LED daytime running light rings, LED direction indicator LED cornering lights have also been included in this slim and sharp light cluster. 

Its bumper on the other hand gets minor refinement with bigger air vents and new set of fog lamps. 

This 2016 version has a beautifully sculptured bonnet that is mounted with the company's emblem on it. Besides, expressive crease lines on it add to the sophistication. 

Its side profile too gets subtle changes with new alloy wheels. The M light alloy wheels of double-spoke style adds to the grace and excellence of side facet. Its base version however, gets 18-inch double W-spoke design rims. 

Although, its side facet remains largely identical to its predecessor, embellishment of chrome renders a refreshing new look to this section. We can see that there is an extensive chrome treatment given to the window sill surround and to the lower section of doors. While door handles and outside mirrors have been garnished in body color. 

The rear section of the car too gets notable updates like other facets. The taillight cluster and its lighting units have been revamped for a more appealing look. There is a thick chrome strip on boot-lid that passes through the width of the car. 

Exterior measurements of the car remain similar to the outgoing version. Overall, the car looks far more appealing than its nearest rivals, thanks to the greatly evolved design philosophy. 

Interior:

The car's interiors are equally impressive as its exterior design. It comes with a more premium finish with rich materials and design elements. The cabin is adorned with mix of leather and wooden veneers that adds to the sophistication of the insides. It is much more spacious than its predecessor thanks to the intelligent design that liberated more leg room. 

This car is all about sheer luxury, especially for the rear occupants. Its rear cabin has two individual seats integrated with innovative massage function that ensures a comfortable and more relaxed driving experience. 

The rear floor console is equipped with a touch screen that provides access to various functions of the car.

Step inside the vehicle and you'll notice the magnificence of the cabin. Although, its dashboard has a conventional design, its angular sculpture makes it look distinctive. Additionally, use of extensive leather and wood veneers brings the aura of richness. 

This 2016 version features a panoramic sunroof, which the company calls it a Sky Lounge. It is incorporated with LED light graphics featuring 15,000 illuminated graphic surfaces. 

The floor console in the cockpit is large and is housed with a gearshift selector along with drive mode selector and other  control switches. The gearshift selector is further integrated with LED illumination that adds to the grace. 

The front seats have an ergonomic design that aid in offering next level of comfort to the occupants. Additionally, they are integrated with electrically adjustment facility and memory function. Both the seats have heating function as well. 

The 3-spoke steering wheel has a fresh new appeal, thanks to the embellishment of metallic accents. Also, it is covered with premium grade leather upholstery featuring contrast stitching. 

There is a large 10.25 inch touch screen infotainment system placed on top of the central console. It supports gesture control, a first of its kind feature in the automobile industry. Also, it provides intuitive access to the world of entertainment.

Performance:

Petrol Engine:

This car is now on offer with two engine options. The petrol versions draw power from a 4.4-litre TwinPower turbo V8 motor, which has undergone some modifications for better power output. As a result, it is now capable of churning out 450bhp between 5500 to 6000rpm, while the torque has gone up to 650Nm in the range of 1800 to 4500rpm. It can reach a 100 kmph mark in mere 4.2 seconds. It offers a mileage of 12.05 kmpl. This petrol power plant is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox. 

Diesel Engine:

The other one is an oil-burner. It is a 3.0-litre, 6-cylindered diesel unit integrated with a twin-power turbocharger. This one too gets some modifications and as a result, it is now capable of producing 265bhp of maximum power at 4000rpm along with a torque of 620Nm between 1500 to 2500rpm. It enables the car to break the 100 kmph barrier in 6.2 seconds. On the other hand, both the power plants are mated to an 8-speed steptronic sport automatic transmission gearbox. This saloon can achieve an electronically regulated top speed of 250 kmph. 

Ride & Handling:

This 7 Series sedan is launched at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo and we are yet to get our hands on it. This latest version comes with an adaptive 2-axle air suspension system, which is a common fitment in high end luxury cars. It offers balance and fascinating driving experience better than its predecessor. In addition to this, the car is loaded with dynamic damper control unit with infinite and independent damping technology that makes for a comfortable drive. In terms of braking, all the four wheels have been assembled with internally vented brake disc brakes that deliver precise stopping power irrespective of conditions. It is aided by safety features like anti-lock braking system, brake assist, cornering brake control and several other traction control programs. In addition to all of these, BMW Driving Experience control with different modes enables driver to opt for a desired driving style. This function with six different modes can influence the performance of braking, steering, acceleration and engine to offer a specific driving style. 

Safety: 

This luxury car from BMW is packed with enormous list of safety features making this 7 Series as the safest in its class. Most of its features have been retained from its predecessor, but improved body construction made it even stronger. It has a total of eight airbags including dual front, sides and head airbags (for front and rear) that ensures maximized protection to the occupants. Besides these, the car is also loaded with impressive features including active protection with attentiveness assistance, passenger side airbag deactivation with key, electronic vehicle immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat mounting and so on. The list also includes side impact protection, crash sensor, tyre pressure monitoring system, runflat tyres with reinforced side walls, warning triangle with first aid kit and rear door with mechanical child-proof lock. 

Variants:

In India, the BMW 7 Series comes in a total of five variants, out of which, three of them are CBUs and other two are locally assembled. Its base version misses out on some features including BMW Individual headliner anthracite, panoramic glass roof with sky lounge. However, it gets all important features like ambient lighting package, 4-zone automatic climate control unit, BMW Gesture control, and a multi functional 26cm display with individual character design for drive mode. All the variants have been loaded with a BMW ConnectDrive featuring a 10.25 inch touch display. It is integrated with BMW apps and supports BMW Touch Command with multi-functional operation. Features like BMW M Sport package and BMW Individual headliner anthracite have been given to the top end variant only. 

Verdict:

The car has high quality material, excellent finish down to the closest details, refinement and cutting edge technology unlike other saloons of today. Its evolutionary styling, classy interior design and improved ride quality takes the experience to the new level. It is a significantly improved car over its predecessor, but may take some time to impress individual customers. Its pricing is one factor that gives it an edge over the likes of Mercedes S Class and Audi A8. If you are looking for a pure luxury car without concerns about budget, then 7 Series is the one for you.