It has been built with a new body structure that is up to 130kg
lighter than its predecessors, despite boasting a significantly
greater number of comfort and safety features. The key element
here is the special body structure known as the Carbon Core which
uses multiple materials in the construction of the body, including
carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).
The new 7 Series has a heavily reworked chassis that combines
four-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time, a remote
parking system that allows you to step out of the car before it parks
itself (yes it really can be parked without you being in the car) and
a series of new iDrive control functions, including both touch and
gesture controls that allow the driver to deliver commands with a
wave of the hand or a pinching of the fingers.
There is a choice long and even longer wheelbase both of which
are bigger than the old model, and a engine options which range
from a mere 265HP to 448HP which will get you from 0-62MPH
somewhere between 4.7 and 6.2 seconds.
Inside the big news is the clever iDrive system. The set-up
introduces new touchpad and touchscreen functions as part of an
optional Navigation System Professional, allowing you to operate
the various functions in a similar way to your smart phone with
pinch, point and swipe commands. The optional gesture control
uses a three-dimensional sensor mounted within the headlining
to detect hand movements that are used to control functions
including the volume of the stereo as well as handling phone calls.
In what I think is a world first the new 7 Series is capable of parking
itself without the to be behind the steering wheel. The Remote
Control Parking function uses cameras and radar sensors to allow
forwards and reverse parking manoeuvres at the press of a button
on the new digital key fob which is perfect for those tight spaces
where you can’t open the door after parking.
The 7 Series starts at £64,530 in the UK for the 730d in shorterwheelbase and you won’t get much change out of £80,000 for the
750i when it joins the line up. With this car BMW may finally have a
car to take on the S-Class.
By Jason Edge
99