The 2001 BMW 7 Series (4th Generation) heralded a controversial but bold design language which at the time was spearheaded by BMW design genius, Mr Chris Bangle. The E65 BMW 7 Series set the tone which almost all current manufacturers have used for their design. Not only was it controversial but it stood out in any car park.
Now BMW has started the controversy again with the new avant-garde design 7 Series, launched in Mzansi this week. At our launch city of Cape Town, the new 7 Series has everyone stopping at taking a proper look at it when it drives past, granted, they don't swear or are as shocked as the 4th generation, but this 7th Generation 7 Series certainly creates a crowd. The 7th Generation 7 Series also sees the launch of the all electric I7 models which share the same design as the petrol (and soon to be diesel) engined models but forgo the engine for an electric motor. There are 3 design lines for both the 7 Series and the I7, Design Pure Excellence, M Sport Package and M Sport Pro.
The front is dominated by the large grille which takes the 4 Series controversy to another level with an even bigger design. Its chrome surrounds on the Design Pure Excellent (above) makes a bold statement on the road and its also illuminated at night. The headlights design is another controversial design as there are two sections with the top featuring LED daytime lighting and the bottom coming with standard Glow crystal Adaptive LED Headlights, including matrix high beam and the BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant.
The M Sport design (above) features a different front bumper design whilst the two tone colour will definitely prove popular as it further adds that avant-garde look. There is also the M-Sport Pro which has black colour on all chrome for a Darth Vader look.
The rear is the least controversial part of the rear. The eye-catching rear is also shaped by a clearly divided surface structure. The slim LED rear light units exude puristic elegance extend well into the car's flanks.
The BMW i7 uses accents in BMW i Blue to advertise its segment-leading sustainability qualities, while the design elements included in the optional M Sport package radiate brand-typical dynamism.
The interior continues where the BMW I7 started with a significantly lower number of buttons, switches and controls than the predececssor. The key, here, is the commitment to digitalisation embodied by the BMW Curved Display. This fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. The steering wheel and the gear selector on the centre console also have a new design. And the BMW Interation Bar makes its debut here as a new breed of control / operation and design element. This functional unit, which boasts highly effective backlighting, extends across the full width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel trim.
The rear features one of the most spacious interior you will find in Mzansi with reclining rear seats that are cooled or heated depending on the rear passenger requirements. BMW says the new 7 Series satisfies those that like to drive and those that want to be driven.
The BMW Theatre Screen - extending down from the headline - with Amazon Fire TV built-in brings a unique entertainment offering for the rear-seat passengers. With its 31.3-inch touchscreen and 8K resolution, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional exciters in the seats, the 5.5-inch touch-controlled function operation displays in the rear doors (BMW Touch Command), it transforms the rear compartment of the BMW 7 Series into a private cinema lounge on wheels. Here, passengers can stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information, and watch downloaded programme - all while on the road.
For the first time in a 7 Series, the I7 xDrive M60 brings the all electric experience with a 400kW power output delivering a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.7 seconds topping at 240km/h. This model has a range of up to 625km when fully charged. The 740i uses a 3.0 six cylinder turbo with mild hybrid tech (48 volt) delivering 280kW/540Nm for a 5.4 seconds 0-100km/h sprint whilst consuming a claimed 8.1l/100km. The 740d uses a 3.0 six cylinder turbodiesel motor delivering 220kW/670Nm for a 6.8 seconds 0-100km/h sprint whilst consuming 6.1l/100km. The chassis technology of the new BMW 7 Series includes a host of innovations to help it strike the balance between driving dynamics and travelling comfort for this model.
| PRICES | BMW 740i | BMW 740d xDrive | BMW i7 xDrive60 |
| Design Pure Excellence | R2,160,000 | R2,280,000 | R2,825,000 |
| M Sport Package | R2,235,000 | R2,355,000 | R2,900,000 |
| M Sport Package Pro | R2,275,000 | R2,395,000 | R2,940,000 |