The arrival of the fifth generation BMW 7 Series marks a new in-class benchmark in auto luxury, technical innovation and driving dynamics, combined with emissions-reducing and fuel-saving technology wrapped in an elegant but sporty body.
The flagship of the BMW family has a host of world firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three engines, one diesel and two petrol engines.
The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with a long-wheelbase body and all three engines produce more power, yet use less fuel and produce fewer emissions than the models they replace; good news indeed.
The latest generation 7 Series can be easily recognised with its long bonnet, short overhang and a large kidney grille, all the hallmarks of a BMW.
On the launch I had the opportunity to meet and talk with the young designer Karim Habib, his role was to design the interior and the end result is an inviting atmosphere with a premium feel.
Everything about this car is premium.
The long wheelbase version and a 40% emphasis has been placed on rear seat comfort and the first sector of the launch exercise was to be driven, not often I get the chance to be a passenger, especially in the rear seat of a luxury saloon.
Right at the heart of any BMW is the engine and the 730d is powered by a new, all-aluminium engine that produces 245bhp and 540Nm of torque. Capable of propelling this car from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 153mph and its combined 39.2mpg figure is better than any comparable car in the market: petrol, diesel or hybrid.
The 740i and 750i are equally noteworthy.
The 740i is powered by an evolution of the current back-to-back International Engine of the Year-winning 3.0 litre petrol engine. The twin-turbocharged unit produces 326bhp and 450Nm of torque to enable the 740i to accelerate from rest to 62mph in 5.9 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. It records a combined consumption figure of 28.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 232g/km.
The BMW 730d is more powerful, quicker from zero to 62mph, yet more economical and cleaner than any of its non-hybrid premium rivals.
The 750i takes pride of place with its own world first; its twin-turbochargers are located within the engine‘s vee to improve performance and packaging requirements.
This sees the 750i produce 407bhp and 600Nm of torque which equates to a rest to 62mph time of 5.2 seconds, an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, a combined consumption figure of 24.8mpg and emissions of 266g/km.
Of course the new 7 Series comes with the company‘s award-winning Efficient Dynamics technologies, the same as every other model currently on sale.
The introduction of Brake Energy Regeneration, active aerodynamics and on-demand use of ancillary units have all had a beneficial impact on economy and emissions compared to the previous generation.
Worth noting, the 730d is the first 7 Series to ever record a sub 200g/km emissions figure. Such is the impact of Efficient Dynamics technologies across the entire BMW range; the marque now offers 73 models with CO2 emissions of 140g/km or less. For sheer performance and packaging in a luxury saloon, BMW has now raised the stakes, the competition must follow. Prices range from £53.010-£67,930.
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