BMW 7-series

BMW 7 Series

The most luxurious and exclusive BMW on the market has undergone some changes that help lifts its overall presence, appeal and performance. 

It now has a new upright kidney grill that extends further forwards. The chrome surround is now much larger and has nine slats instead of the usual 12. The front majestic new look is further boosted by the use of new full-LED headlights.

Adaptive full-LED headlights

They offer unmatched visibility at night. Daytime running LEDs gives the new 7 series its unmistakable front look. The lower section is dominated by a large full-width air intake. At each side are integrated LED fog lights. Chrome bars mark its outer section and also help to enhance the overall front look. Two narrow air intakes below the fog lights help channel air to the engine and also around the front wheels.

Coupe like roof and long seeping bonnet remain unchanged

The overall styling remains unchanged. It still has the long sweeping bonnet, coupe like roof and a long wheelbase that ensures rear passengers sit further back in the car. At the side it has all new indicators incorporated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors. At the back, it has the familiar L-shaped rear LED lights that are linked by a shiny chrome strip. A new second chrome strip is visible just above its four chromed tailpipe. 

Front air intakes with LED fog lights

The top of the range 7 series, the 760i comes fitted with a 6.0 liter twin turbo V12 engine. The engine has an output of 544hp. Top speed is limited to 250km/h. 0 to 100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds. It will need 12.8 liters of fuel to cover 100km. Next on the lineup is the 750i. This comes with an all-new 4.4 liter V8 engine. The engine has an output of 450hp. 0 to 100km/h takes only 4.8 seconds. It will accelerate to a limited top speed of 250km/h. 8.6 liters of fuel is required to cover 100km.

Chrome strips connect the rear reflectors

The 740i is next on the list. This has an all-new 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 engine. The engine has a peak output of 320hp. Top speed is also limited to 250km/h and one will need at least 7.9 liters of fuel to cover 100km. The petrol entry level model is the 730i. This comes with a 3.0 liter straight six engine. It has an output of 258hp. It will need 8.6 liters of fuel to cover 100km. 

L-shaped rear LED lights

For diesel enthusiast a top of the range 750d xDrive is available. This has 6.0 liter twin turbo diesel engine that has an impressive 381hp. 0 to 100km/h takes a remarkable 4.9 seconds. The amazing performance also rewards the driver with an incredible fuel efficiency of only 6.4 liters per 100km covered.

Key-less ignition

Next of the diesel menu is the 740d. This a refined version of the legendary twin turbo 6.0 liter diesel engine from the previous top of the range model. The output remains at 313hp while fuel consumption has been reduced to 5.7 liters per 100km. The list ends with the 730d. This has a 3.0 liter 6 cylinder diesel engine.

Top of the range 6.0 liter twin turbo V12 engine

This has an output of 258hp. Its fuel consumption is a rewarding 5.8 liter per 100km covered. All engines are married to an all new eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to an all new electronic transmission controller and closer gear ratios the gear box now shifts faster giving an overall sporty feel. Power is sent to the rear wheels or to all wheels in the xDrive versions. The 7 series also comes with the familiar aluminum front double-wishbone suspension and high comfort rear-axle with air suspension.

BMW radial spoke style rims

The rear suspension can also automatically level itself to ensure the car remains levels at all times. It’s also the first car in the world whose dampers that are electronically adjusted at each wheel on any given surface. Dynamic Drive roll stabilization reduces body roll on high speed corners or under sudden changes in direction.

Driver focused cockpit

It also comes with Electric Power Steering (EPS) that offers precisions cornering as standard except in the xDrive models. On board safety equipment include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) that incorporates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). All this acronyms ensure that the vehicle remains safe, agile comfortable and responsive at any given scenario. 

BMW I-drive controller

Its interior is now classier than ever before. Dakota and Nappa leather are visible at every corner of the interior. It has the BMW driver focused front design that focuses all front controls towards the driver. It also has new slender front seats that offer better support and comfort.

Control display

The front seats can also be ordered with a foldable rear tray with the Rear Seat Entertainment package. With the package, the 7 series comes fitted with 9.2 inch screens that are neatly placed to make them appear as they are floating on the seats.

Foldable tray on the rear of the front seats

It has enough room for three persons in the back. However one can order with two separate seats that can be adjusted independently.  In the long wheel base version, the rear headroom has been raised by 10mm and the length added by 140mm. Behind the steering wheel is the new multifunction instrument cluster.

Chrome bars help to enhance its front

The traditional four circular analogue dials, car speed, engine revs, fuel level and oil temperature, are all unified in a 10.25inch display. They can display in different colours that reflect the selected performance modes, COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO. Next to the steering wheel is another 10.25 inch Control Display. It has a black surround and electroplated bars that matches with the surrounds of the cup holders’ lids.  The amazing new interior soundproofing helps reduce driving noise.

Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System

It also ensures that occupants can enjoy the new Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System. The 1,200 watts music is connected to 16 speakers and features the all new B&O Acoustic Lens Technology.

Interior ambient light

This scans occupants at each seat to ensure that they enjoy the best surround sound from the speakers. The interior also has new ambient lighting systems that offer an amazing interior lighting especially at night.

Spacious rear thanks to increased legroom

One can also choose from a choice of different ambient light colours. Other added features included split-screen display for the front Control Display screen, night vision with early pedestrian detection, park assist, adaptive high-beam lights and active cruise control.

Multifunction instrument cluster 

The best of the extra is a 3D navigation system with full speech recognition function that also comes with office functions. In short the driver can compose a text verbally and send it to a recipient while on the wheel. One can even edit an SMS or email verbally before sending it. 

Hands-free boot feature in action

One can even store recorded messages on a USB read them later. Another system offers a hands-free boot lid opening function. One simply has to stand behind a car, do a quick movement of the foot and the boot automatically opens if the car detects the ignition key. New owners also have other amazing optional extras to choose from. 

Prices start at $71,895 (Kshs. 6 million excl. taxes) to a whopping $140,000 (Kshs. 12 million excl. taxes) for the top of the range 760Li version.