BMW has finally unveiled the new 7-series with more space, more technology, and more powerful yet efficient engines. The new 7 arrives this fall, as a 2016 model, in 740i and 750i xDrive guises no longer offering the short-wheelbase.
BMW has finally unveiled the new 7-series with more space, more technology, and more powerful yet efficient engines. The new 7 arrives this fall, as a 2016 model, in 740i and 750i xDrive guises no longer offering the short-wheelbase. Prices start at $82,250 for the 740i and $98,350 for the 750i xDrive including BMW’s $950 destination charge. The new 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid model will join the lineup next year.
With BMW’s the sixth generation of the luxury leader, the new 7- series ups ante for innovation and technology. While it may look like its predecessor under the skin is a new modular platform. This new platform will form the basis of many new BMWs models in the future with its carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction. Using lessons learned from BMW’s i-range of cars and incorporate CFRP into the passenger cell, the engineers were able to reduce weight by 190 pounds while increasing torsional rigidity, resulting in improved dynamics and fuel economy. Featuring an ideal 50:50 weight distribution the 740i now weighs 4,225 pounds while the 750i xDrive weighs 4,610 pounds.
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BMW’s new B58 modular six-cylinder engine in the 740i displaces 3.0 liters and thanks to direct-injection and turbocharging, the engine generates 320-hp and 330 lb-ft. of torque. Combined with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the 740i goes from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 750i, with the an updated twin-turbo 4.4L V-8 rated at 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. of torque and paired with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The 740e xDrive model coming next year features the same plug-in hybrid system found in the new BMW X5 xDrive40e. It pairs BMW’s turbo 2.0L four-cylinder with an electric motor integrated into the automatic transmission. In the new 740e it should output around 308-hp and 332 lb-ft.of torque. The best part is that the 740e can travel 23 miles in electric mode at speeds up to 75 mph.
Technology abounds in the new 7-series beyond the Groundbreaking Carbon Core passenger cell. Featuring BMWs newest and groundbreaking technologies such as iDrive 5.0 with the world’s first Gesture Control, available Display Key, the industries largest HUD, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, Ambiance Lighting, LED Light Carpet, a 7″ Touch Command Tablet, Wireless Charging and WiFi Hotspot. An Active Kidney Grille and Air Breather will also be available.
Source: BMW