Bmw 7 Series

BMW 7 Series

Featuring the very latest in technological advancements and choice of engine options and with a ride that offers outstanding comfort and handling, the BMW 7 Series scales the heights to deliver the ultimate luxurious driving experience.

The Exterior

With limousine-style looks, The 7 Series front end incorporates the traditional BMW kidney grille which is now significantly larger and features active air flap control with adjustable vanes that only open when the need for cooling air is increased. The revisions also include aerodynamically optimised contouring of the front apron’s lower border.

The long bonnet (hood) and a short tail are traditionally BMW. The flowing roofline features the famous Hofmeister kink (the upturned line at the trailing edge of the side window). Exterior mirrors attached to the window are surrounded by a thin stalk to further improve aerodynamics and the front side panels have been redesigned for the latest version. At the rear the exhaust system’s tailpipes are edged in what are now wider chrome surrounds and are integrated flush into the lower section of the rear apron. And the whole is augmented by a slim light strip sited below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate and connects the rear lights with each other.

Standard equipment includes adaptive LED headlights with variable light distribution, adaptive and cornering light functions, and the BMW non-dazzling high beam. Soft close doors also come as standard, and, depending upon the model variant, the 7 Series comes as standard with 18-inch light-alloy wheels. Additional light-alloy wheels in 18-inch to 21-inch formats are included on the options list and in the ‘Original BMW Accessories’ range.

The Interior

It’s an experience to step into a BMW 7 Series and easy to get comfortable thanks to standard-fit electric seat and steering wheel adjustment. As will be expected, the interior is plush and trimmed in leather, with extensive use of wood veneers and metallic surrounds. The dash and centre console have a familiar BMW look, albeit with smart-looking switchgear to indicate the car’s flagship status.

This is a big car so BMW’s own Parking Assistant Plus pack is supplied as standard, meaning that not only is there front and rear parking sensors, but there’s also a surround-view camera, a ‘reversing assistant’ (which can steer you out of tight situations) and a self-parking system. In fact, a lot of technology comes supplied, like a hands-free phone system including wireless charging plus LED ambient lighting with a choice of six colours and a superb surround sound system.

All 7 Series come with eight airbags, covering side, front and head protection with Isofix child-seat mountings in the rear. For safety, the Dynamic Safety System prepares the car by closing side windows and optimising the position of the occupants (by activating the seatbelt tensions and raising the angle of the backrests) to ensure the best possible outcome. That’s a welcome addition.

There is substantial boot (trunk) and a choice of trim levels plus a vast array of accessories that can be specified as options, although this car is so well featured buyers will probably be satisfied with it as it comes.

Driving The BMW 7 Series

The engine choice is varied and differing power-plants will suit differing needs; business or pleasure, for example. Business users will like the fact that certain models are VAT qualifying, which means that anyone wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other global destinations could save money at purchase. Ask MHH International for more details on this scheme.

At the top of the scale there’s the mighty M760Li with a 6.6 litre V12 petrol engine. If that’s too much then BMW’s superb 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 engine in the 750i delivers 523bhp and can propel the huge car to 62mph from a standstill in just 4.1sec. A switchable exhaust really gives this V8 a powerful soundtrack when driving hard, although it fades into the background when you’re cruising.

The 740i is still pretty quick while diesels are also more fuel-efficient than the 740i and not that far off in terms of pace but its the least expensive petrol option in the line-up. An interesting and more recent addition is the 745e. It’s a plug-in hybrid that combines a 3.0 litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a big battery pack in the boot, combining to produce 389bhp. 34 miles are possible on electric–running alone.

Should You Buy One?

BMW’s are reliable so that’s the first concern. It’s a limousine that could still appeal to keen drivers, especially in BMW’s M-Sport trim. The power is there in all models for speedy, safe progress but equally this car is happy to cruise and eat those boring highway miles. The only problem is which version to choose.