The Ultimate Driving Office

Munich. The future of multimedia in a mobile world has already begun. At
the Geneva Motor Show 2001 the BMW Group presented for the first time a
saloon model of the luxury performance segment with a fully operative
office equipment designed for multimedia use. With the manufacture of
the production based prototype on the basis of the L7, the stretched
version of the 7 Series cars, BMW was the first automobile manufacturer
to build a car featuring all functions like for example DVD, Internet
and e-mail, the use of which is possible without any restrictions, not
only when the car is at a standstill but also when it is being driven.
The BMW L7 that was presented in Geneva offers a sophisticated workplace
as well as a wide range of multimedia applications. The video
workstation in the rear makes possible the use of the Microsoft Office
Programs and unrestricted Internet access for rear-compartment
passengers. Moreover, passengers can retrieve and write e-mails, and
make phone calls. A TV, a CD player as well as top-class audio and DVD
equipment make sure that the passengers enjoy their journey. Thus the
luxury class saloon offers to the sophisticated BMW customers a perfect
symbiosis between a mobile office and entertainment. The special thing
about this BMW chauffeur driven saloon, which provides a glimpse into
the future technology of the new 7 Series generation, is that all
features, like for example Internet access, e-mail or telephone, cannot
only be used without restriction during standstill but also while the
car is in motion. The special equipment is very easy to operate. With
the push of a button the 15-inch flat-square screen comes out of the
partition between the rear-compartment and the front seats. At the same
time the computer is started. The cordless keyboard transmits the
control commands by means of infrared transmitting technology to ensure
comfortable seating in the mobile office. There is an integrated color
printer on the left hand side of the partition, which is covered with
nappa leather. BMW did not equip the compact computer, which is placed
together with the audio and DVD components behind the back rest, with a
hard disk but with a high-capacity random-access memory. The software
runs under the operating system Microsoft Windows but has been tailored
to the customers' needs in a mobile environment. Thus BMW had the
possibility to implement a modular design of the user interface
according to their own ideas. At the same time the customers have the
opportunity to retrofit as desired further options like for example
videoconferencing or voice input systems. When users of the mobile
office are away travelling they are now able to use the same programs
they normally use at the office. Being connected to the Internet
customers can access the data stored on their computers at the office,
update their memo books or retrieve other documents they need for work.
Besides perfect working conditions the multimedia equipment also offers
new ways to relax and be entertained. For example, it is possible to
download pieces of music from the Internet or install computer games.
The Dolby Surround Cinema High Audio System offers a very special
dimension of entertainment. The foldaway flat square screen in the
rear-compartment is used for DVD playback. The acoustics of the
equipment encompassing high quality components were especially geared
to the closed rear compartment. Thus the volume of the luggage space is
used for the subwoofer to develop its sound capacity. This unique sound
experience offered by the sound system with ten loudspeakers and a
permanent output of 720 watt (peak value of 1230 watt) changes the
saloon into a Dolby Surround cinema or a mobile concert hall. BMW
Individual chose the most sophisticated hardware components presently
available on the automotive market to go with the BMW L7, which has a
twelve-cylinder engine under its hood. These are in detail: Video
workstation: - Electrically retractable 15-inch flat-square screen -
Computer featuring an Intel Celeron processor (533 MHz, 1 GB memory
capacity, 128 MB RAM) - Infrared keyboard with trackball - Color
printer integrated into the partition - Integrated telephone
Entertainment: - Self-sufficient video and sound system operating
independently of the on-board network - DVD player - 6 CD changer -
Infrared remote control - Sound playback in Dolby Pro Logic - Video
playback in Dolby Digital 5.1 - 9 high end loudspeakers - 1 subwoofer in
the luggage boot - 3 final stages This BMW L7 is equipped with a
separate climate control system for the rear-compartment, a drinks
refrigerator in the center armrest and a partition with electrically
operated blinds, a lowerable partition window and a two-way intercom
system. It goes without saying that the BMW navigation system featuring
all functions and an integrated telephone with a handsfree kit are at
the driver's and the front-seat passengers' disposal. The interior of
the luxury performance saloon proves that the experts working for BMW
Individual master their job perfectly. Walnut-colored nappa leather
upholstery, English green trim, high-grade wood and an excellent quality
of processing provide an ambience perfect for feeling comfortable and
relaxing while travelling. The luxurious car was designed by BMW
Individual. This BMW M program was initiated in 1991 in order to
fulfill the BMW customers' desire for an even higher degree of
individuality. The spectrum of BMW Individual ranges from products
with a very sporty or exclusive character to technological key
products, special body colors, interior features of high quality and
special-purpose modifications