2009 BMW 7 Series Officially Revealed

BMW has this weekend revealed the new 7 Series, which will arrive on the Australian market in 2009.

This, the fifth generation of the 7 Series BMW, brings a new direction in style and driving experience.  The range will feature two new engines, which BMW claims are exceptional in their efficiency and power.

Lightweight and EU5 compliant, these new engines will be found in the 740i and 750i, as well as the long-wheelbase 740Li and 750Li versions—which are 140mm longer in the wheelbase than their regular counterparts.

The 750i's twin-turbo V8 will pack 300kW and 600Nm of torque propelling the 750 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds, while achieving a fuel consumption figure of 11.4L/100km.

The twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six of the 740i is armed with 240kW and 450Nm of torque, which BMW say will see you on your way to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, sipping the premium fuel at only 9.9L/100km.

All 7 Series models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics, ensuring a faster shift, improved shift comfort, and lower fuel consumption.

BMW considers the new 7 Series to have more visual presence than the current model, with a sportier and more elegant, refined look.  The adoption of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology is expected to help the new 7 Series achieve high environmental standards, without sacrificing any of those elements which make the 7 Series so desirable.

The new 7 Series, along with the evolutionary rather than revolutionary external styling, continues the theme inside with small but significant changes to the layout and positioning of various driving control features.

A good chunk of the 7 Series is made of aluminium, including the roof, doors, bonnet, and side panels.  Along with various aluminium components and the engines themselves, it doesn't leave much else to the steel merchants, really.

The well-known and sometimes notorious iDrive system lives on in the new 7, but with various updates and a new 10.2" display and a revised on-screen menu.

The new 7 series is the first of Bimmer's sedans to feature a double-arm front axle, and BMW's integral V rear axle, both of which are also made of aluminium.

Other options include Stop & Go equipped cruise control, Lane Keep Assistant including speed limit indicator, Lane Change Warning, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision (which can detect individual pedestrians), Side View, and reversing cameras.  All it needs now is an Auto Pilot, and you're laughing.

Press Release and images below.

BMW today reveals the first details of the all new BMW 7 Series which will come to Australia in 2009.

The fifth generation of BMW 7 Series limousines delivers a new interpretation of style, luxury and driving enjoyment. It will feature two sparkling new engines that are incredibly frugal, clean, powerful and satisfying in their performance in every way.

These new lightweight, EU5 compliant, state-of-the-art engines will power the new 740i and 750i and will be joined at launch by long-wheelbase versions in the 740Li and 750Li, which have a wheelbase extension of 140 mm, and are even more cosseting in the rear.

The hallmarks of the most regal of BMW Sedans are even greater visual presence, exclaiming sportiness, precise elegance and aerodynamic efficiency. Technically, the adoption of the latest BMW EfficientDynamics systems ensure the new BMW 7 Series makes the lowest possible impact on the environment, while remaining true to its dynamic persona.

Lightweight engineering and innovative suspension technology provide these dynamic driving qualities quite unique in the luxury class. Driver assistance systems and comfort functions exclusive to BMW set the foundation for a truly memorable driving experience.

The new BMW 7 Series boasts a prominent, sporty frontal aspect, comprising enlarged trade-mark kidney grilles to allow for the cooling needs of the new engines. The low and stretched side view, sculptured surfaces, and the horizontally accentuated lines at the rear emphasise the sheer power and presence of the car.

The interior offers the latest rendition of typical BMW luxury, enhanced further with a new arrangement of functions that brings driver oriented controls close to hand and driver and passenger shared function controls to the centre of the dashboard area.

The particularly inviting interior ambience is exclusive and sophisticated, with gently curving surfaces covered in high-quality materials that leave an incredibly luxurious impression.

The driver-oriented cockpit with its innovative Black Panel technology display is complemented by the electronic selector for the automatic transmission located close at hand on the centre console, next to the Dynamic Driving Control unit and BMW iDrive control.

The concept of the multi-function steering wheel was pioneered by the BMW 7 Series more than 14 years ago, and is further updated for the new generation 7 Series. An extended range of functions can be controlled through the buttons, giving the driver intuitive control over their environment.

Another technology previously introduced with a new 7 Series is BMW iDrive. For the new 7 Series, the trendsetting iDrive control system is coupled to a new, larger 10.2-inch display boasting high-resolution graphics, and a new optimised menu structure.

The new iDrive Controller is complemented by direct selection buttons and, for the first time, freely programmable favourite buttons for even more intuitive control and operation.

For many BMW 7 Series customers the sumptuous performance of the straight-six or V8 engines is a prime attraction. For the new BMW 7 Series, BMW introduces a pair of new engines starting with a V8 petrol engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) producing an enviable 300 kW and 600Nm of torque.

This engine accelerates the 750i from 0-100 km/h in an extremely rapid, yet unfussed manner, taking just 5.2 seconds and uses only 11.4-litres of petrol per 100km on the European combined cycle. Importantly, this engine, blessed with the technological advances of the BMW EfficientDynamics programme, emits only 266 g/km of CO2, amazingly low for an engine of this capacity fitted to a car of this class.

For the many fans of the iconic BMW straight-six petrol engines, the power-optimised Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection 3.0-litre now delivers 240 kW and 450 Nm of torque. This engine accelerates the 740i from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and uses only 9.9-l/100km on the European combined cycle, while emitting 232 g/km of CO2.

All models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics for faster gear-shifting, improved shift comfort, reduced fuel consumption, and are controlled via the electronic gear selector.

In order to contribute fully to the concept of BMW Efficient Dynamics, the new BMW 7 Series has been weight-optimised by the use of multi-phase steel and heat-formed steel profiles in the body structure.

The roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium, while aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with an aluminium housing, work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible. Of course, the two engines are made from aluminium, too.

The BMW 7 Series is renowned for its dynamic on-road performance, and the new car will offer even greater enjoyment behind the wheel for the sporting driver.

The all-new suspension optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort. The new BMW 7 Series is the first BMW Sedan with a double-arm front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle. The front and rear axles are made largely of aluminium, while air suspension at the rear is standard on the BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li.

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering (available as an option).

Extending the performance envelope are new driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control featured as standard. The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map are varied by the Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console. This offers the choice of COMFORT, NORMAL, and SPORTS settings.

A special traction mode and SPORTS+ setting with reduced or deactivated DSC control is available for drivers wishing to experience a particularly sporting style of motoring. Dynamic Drive, anti-sway control is also available as an option.

A unique combination of innovative driver assistance systems for the luxury class is optionally available to BMW 7 Series customers. These include cruise control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist including speed limit indicator, Lane Change Warning, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision (available for the first time with detection of individual persons), Side View and reversing cameras.

Maximum occupant protection is ensured by the optimised body structure working in conjunction with comprehensive, interacting and electronically controlled passive safety systems, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, side airbags and side head airbags, crash activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres, and a tyre defect indicator. Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime lights function, fog lamps and two-stage brake lights, Adaptive Headlights and Variable Light Technology are available as standard.

A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment options include an audio system with a hard disc memory, while an AUX-in sleeve is featured as standard.

A USB port, multi-channel audio system, a rear DVD system, a rear-seat iDrive Controller for operating entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions from the rear seats, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, massage seats, and an innovative, contoured sliding roof optimised for noise control and design, are optionally available, while an Integrated Owner’s Manual is featured as standard.

The new BMW 7 Series will make its international debut later in 2008 with arrival in Australia due in 2009. Further pricing, specification and range information for Australia will follow closer to launch.

2009 BMW 7 Series Performance highlights.

All engines comply with future EU5 emission standards

BMW 750i: V8 petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)

Capacity: 4,395 cc

Max output: 300 kW from 5,500–6,400 rpm

Max torque: 600 Nm from 1,750–4,500 rpm

Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 5.2 s (BMW 750Li: 5.3 s)

Top speed: 250 km/h

Average fuel consumption (EU Comb. Cycle): 11.4 l/100 km (BMW 750Li: 11.4 l/100 km)

CO2 emissions to EU standard: 266 g/km (BMW 750Li: 266 g/km)

BMW 740i: Straight-six petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)

Capacity: 2,979 cc

Max output: 240 kW at 5,800 rpm

Max torque: 450 Nm from 1,500–4,500 rpm

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.9 s (BMW 740Li: 6.0 s)

Top speed: 250 km/h

Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb. Cycle): 9.9 l/100 km (BMW 740Li: 10.0 l/100 km)

CO2 emissions to EU standard: 232 g/km (BMW 740Li: 235 g/km)