BMW is finally pulling the wraps off its
sixth-generation 7 Series. The flagship
boasts a ton of improvements for 2016, including a smattering of onboard tech
and weight reduction of 190 pounds.
The 7 Series uses a new internal structure called Carbon Core. Carbon Core uses a mix of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and ultra-high-tensile steel for the 7's major structural components. It's largely responsible for the 190-pound weight reduction, along with the aluminum doors and trunk lid. The weight savings has allowed BMW to maintain a fifty-fifty weight distribution.BMW has unveiled the all-new BMW 7 Series, the brand’s flagship in its sixth generation. The 2016 BMW 7 Series will be introduced in the USA as a 740i and a 750i x Drive model – featuring a new Twin Power turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in the 740i, from the BMW Group’s new generation of modular engines. The use of BMW drive technology in the BMW 740e x Drive plug-in hybrid model constitutes yet another highlight.
The 7 Series uses a new internal structure called Carbon Core. Carbon Core uses a mix of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and ultra-high-tensile steel for the 7's major structural components. It's largely responsible for the 190-pound weight reduction, along with the aluminum doors and trunk lid. The weight savings has allowed BMW to maintain a fifty-fifty weight distribution.BMW has unveiled the all-new BMW 7 Series, the brand’s flagship in its sixth generation. The 2016 BMW 7 Series will be introduced in the USA as a 740i and a 750i x Drive model – featuring a new Twin Power turbo in-line six-cylinder engine in the 740i, from the BMW Group’s new generation of modular engines. The use of BMW drive technology in the BMW 740e x Drive plug-in hybrid model constitutes yet another highlight.
The
engine line-up available at the launch of the new 7 Series range is spearheaded
by the BMW 750i x Drive and its powerful V8 engine. This engine features a
4.4-liter displacement and BMW Twin Power Turbo technology with the
turbochargers located within the V-shaped space between the banks of cylinders.
This redesigned V8 engine now comes equipped with TwinScroll turbochargers
featuring flow-separated, bank-specific exhaust manifolds made from thin-wall
castings. Engine efficiency was increased with a change in the compression
ratio from 10.0:1 to 10.5:1 and the latest generation of Valvetronic and
Double-Vanos technology. The optimized engine-cooling concept with separate
flows through the cylinder heads and cylinder liners includes a map-controlled
coolant pump. Throughput can be restricted to 10% to warm up the engine faster,
reducing energy consumption. For the first time in a production car, the intake
manifold has been partially integrated into the cylinder head allowing airflow
resistance to be decreased, maximizing airflow volume, while reducing the
exterior packaging dimensions. Overall, the efficiency factor of the 451ps
engine has been greatly improved.
The 740e x Drive joins the BMW PHEV model
line-up, and will be available in 2016. Intelligently controlled interaction
between a 2-liter gasoline engine with BMW Twin Power Turbo technology
and an electric drive unit integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission,
endows the 740e xDrive with dynamic acceleration on the one hand and noticeably
higher fuel efficiency, with lower emissions figures in everyday driving. The
energy for the electric motor is drawn from a lithium-ion high-voltage battery
housed underneath the rear seat where it is particularly well protected in the
event of a crash. It can be recharged by connecting to any standard domestic
power socket, a BMW i Wallbox or a public charging station. The Drive button on
the center console enables the driver to adjust the hybrid drive’s operating
mode. In the AUTO Drive basic setting, the engine’s power is boosted to notable
effect by the electric drive when accelerating. With the MAX eDrive mode
engaged, the BMW 740e xDrive is able to run purely on electric power, meaning
zero local emissions at speeds of up to 120km/h for a maximum range of 37km.
The driver is also able to select the Battery Control mode, which raises or
maintains the high-voltage battery’s state of charge so that electrical power
can be deliberately conserved. Whenever route guidance is active in the
navigation system, the predictive power management function calculates a
trip-specific strategy for electric driving through to the entered destination.
The standard-equipment 8-speed Sport Automatic
Steptronic transmission serves to boost efficiency with its wider ratio spread,
reduced weight and optimized efficiency. A new transmission control system
makes for more comfortable shifting and allows the transmission to be linked up
with the standard navigation system. The navigation-data-based shift strategy
means that the gear selection can be adapted to the driving situation and the
route profile even if route guidance has not been set. The shift
characteristics are adjusted in accordance with the selected driving mode, so
that the emphasis can be placed on both driving comfort and sportiness. The
transmission also includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a Launch
Control function that allows acceleration runs from standstill with maximum
power and optimum traction.
Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration and
the Auto Start Stop function ensure highly efficient energy management.
Activating the ECO PRO mode with the Driving Dynamics Control switch allows use
of the coasting function, which decouples the powertrain in coasting phases
while traveling at speeds
between 50km/h and 160km/h. This mode’s range of
functions, which are now individually programmable for the first time,
additionally include efficiency oriented operation of comfort functions,
efficiency tips, as well as the Route-ahead Assistant, which gives
recommendations for an efficient driving style based on the navigation data.
The
new Active Kidney Grille optimizes engine cooling and aerodynamics. Whenever
additional cooling air is required, the Active Kidney Grille bars and flaps in
the lower air intake automatically swing open. This feature tailors the amount
of air for cooling the engine and brakes in a total of five stages as demands
dictate. This system activates depending on several temperature thresholds as
well as the speed of the vehicle. For instance, during the warming-up phase and
when operating at low loads, the BMW Active Kidney Grille is closed completely
to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle