09 Jul 08
And if you're a high-powered executive sitting in the back of your BMW 7-Series while static in traffic, you no longer need to feel you're wasting time, as BMW is providing you with what it claims is the first unrestricted use of the internet in a car. Yep, you can surf the 'net and find out how little your shares are worth or how expensive oil is now.
In terms of engines, the 7-Series will be launched with three powerplants: two petrol and one diesel. The petrol engines will be the 740i's six-cylinder 3.0-litre unit generating 321bhp and 331lb-ft or torque and the 750i's 4.4-litre V8 that pumps out 401bhp and 442lb-ft. The diesel 730d is a six-cylinder 3.0-litre unit providing 241bhp and 331lb-ft of torque. CO2 emissions are said to be 232g/km and 266 g/km for the petrol-powered cars and a pretty impressive (considering the car's size) 192g/km for the diesel.
There will also be long-wheelbase versions of the two petrol-engined cars available at launch, taking the full line-up to five models.
The 7-Series will also have a wide range of BMW's Efficient Dynamics measures, including regenerative braking, on-demand control of the car's ancilliaries (such as fuel and steering assistance pumps) better aerodynamics, actively controlled cooling air flaps and tyres with minimum roll resistance.
All of which, combined with the sort of driving dynamics we've come to expect from BMW (which we'll review in detail when we get in the car in a few months' time), suggests that the new 7-Series is going to be a serious rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class when it arrives in UK showrooms on November 15. Let battle commence.
Video: BMW 7-Series
