The all-new BMW 7 Series. Drive Luxury.

The Luxury Sedan segment is largely an aspirational segment for many. Reserved for the well heeled, there are only a select few that will be able to experience the opulence and class that one would typically find in a vehicle of this nature.

While this presents a small sliver of total sales, it doesn’t mean that the segment is any less important. Virtually all manufacturers will use their flagship models as the launchpad for new tech and innovation. The developments integrated into the new premium models usually filter down into the lower models over time. This means that of the tech featuring in the all-new BMW 7 Series, you can expect to see some trickling down into the likes of the 6-, 5- and even 3 Series over time.

The new BMW 7 Series presents a host of new technology and innovation for BMW. The 7 Series is no stranger to innovation though and former models have pioneered certain technologies, including: digital engine electronics, Xenon headlights, V8 common rail diesel engines, BMW iDrive and night vision with pedestrian detection.

Two sides to the coin.

BMW admits that there will be a split between customers who will purchase the new G11 / G12 BMW 7 Series. Depending on the market, some will buy it to drive, others will buy it to be driven in.

With this taken into consideration, the new 7 Series is a balance between typical BMW driving dynamics and interior comfort and convenience.

Driving.

Available with three engine options and four model derivatives, you can choose from the 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo diesel 730d making 195kW and 620Nm, the 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol 740i that produces 240kW and 450Nm and the 4.4-litre TwinPower twin Turbo petrol V8 750i that maxes out at 330kW and 650Nm. The three engines are complemented by the long-wheelbase 750Li that is 140mm longer and 12mm taller. The 740e is expected to be made available in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Getting to sample the 730d, which may be the most popular choice for diesel crazy South Africans, it was evident that there has been a strong focus on driver engagement. The new 7 Series still feels like a BMW and a reduction of over 130kgs to the overall mass means that the new 7 Series feels agile and sporty.

Executive Drive Pro is a system that debuts in the new 7 Series. This system reduces body roll during cornering through electromechanical anti-sway bars and self leveling 2-axle air suspension with damper adjustment. This keeps turn in sharp and handling predictable.

A redesigned Driving Experience Control now also includes an Adaptive mode which reads the road surface and driving style and adjusts accordingly for the best performance. This is now standard fitment across the range.

Drivers also benefit from the Driving Assist program featuring Rear Collision prevention, Land Change Warning, Speed Limit info, Rear Cross Traffic warnings. Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and Active Steering Assist are all part of the Driving Assist Plus package which is now also standard across the range.

Being driven

Whether a passenger up front or at the rear, the new 7 Series is a classy place to be. A host of innovation litters the cabin, making any journey one of relative tranquility and comfort.

Listing all the tech that has been included in the G11 / G12 would take quite a while, something best left for our full review. I was immediately impressed by the range of motion and adjustability of the seats, both front and rear. The eight-program massage function, which is an optional extra, also includes the BMW Vitality program for rear passengers that provides as strenuous a workout and one could get riding passenger. The seats also include heating and cooling functions.

Staying connected with the world has been made even easier thanks to the Rear-seat Entertainment Experience. This sees two 10-inch screens fitted to the backrests that can be operated from the removable 7-inch tablet in the center console. These screen allow connection to the internet, Blu-Ray drive, navigation, vehicle settings and a host of other functions, including media and comfort.

Design

The all-new 7 Series is nowhere near as radical a departure as the Bangle Bungle E65 (2001) was and is still clearly tied to BMW’s current design DNA. While more similar to the exiting F01 (2008) chassis, the treatment up front brings the G11 (2016) inline with cues seen on the current 3- and 4 Series.

BMW’s Carbon Core technology sees Carbon Fibre and CFRP used for the first time in an F segment car construction and is largely responsible for the increased safety and reduced weight. This also aids performance and efficiency.

The extremities are characterized by LED lighting with BMW Laser Light an optional extra. The new Air Breather kidney grille sees the adjustable vanes of the kidney grille closed when parked and open when cooling is needed. This is automatically controlled and promotes a cleaner look for the front end, without any unsightly mechanics visible from the front when stationary.

Verdict

BMW has tried to remain true to their established clientele, the type of customer that would consider a BMW based on their previous BMW ownership. This they have done very well, even if I found the drive a little flawed in places (namely steering and throttle feel).

They are, at the same time, casting a line out into the ocean, hoping to lure away potential Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 customers. Whether the new 7 Series offers enough to be able to do this is yet to be seen.

Pricing (including 14% VAT, but excludes CO2 emissions tax)

Standard Model
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission Steptronic
730d	R 1 365 500
740i	R 1 339 000
750i	R 1 755 000
750Li	R 1 893 500
Exterior design Pure Excellence
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission Steptronic
730d	R 1 377 100
740i	R 1 350 600
750i	R 1 766 600
750Li	R 1 905 100
M Sport Model
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission Steptronic
730d	R 1 405 000
740i	R 1 378 500
750i	R 1 775 000
750Li	R 1 913 500
M Sport Model including interior design Pure Excellence
8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission Steptronic
730d	R 1 424 800
740i	R 1 398 300
750i	R 1 793 700
750Li	R 1 932 200
Motorplan	5 years/100 000km
Warranty	Two years (24 months) and unlimited mileage