Pioneering: the new 7 Series BMW

Munich. The new BMW 7 Series points the way forward to the future of the
top automobile category: with a progressive exterior and interior
design, an innovative vehicle control concept and a multitude of
technological highlights, it sets new standards in the balance of
performance, dynamism, safety, luxurious comfort and economy within the
segment of luxury performance vehicles. The BMW 7 Series celebrates
its world premiere at the IAA 2001 in Frankfurt and is launched
throughout Europe with the models 735i and 745i in November. Benchmark
in driver orientation and comfort: the iDrive concept With iDrive in
the 7 Series, BMW presents a new, pioneering concept of driver
orientation and motoring. Along with a unique array of functions there
is also a drastic reduction and reorientation of the control elements.
In the course of this uncompromising step into the future, the central
gear lever and conventional ignition key were found to be
technologically obsolete. The few elements of real importance for
driving are located in and around the steering wheel, and a few
frequently used basic functions are to be found at the centre of the
instrument panel. Most of the other functions - including all telematic
services such as navigation, ASSIST and the WAP-supported BMW Internet
portal, which can be personalized according to the customers' needs, are
the first functions worldwide that can be activated via a controller
which is located on the centre console and operated intuitively. The
controller is connected to a control display. For the driver, iDrive
means simple safe operation and convenient access to the world of
ConnectedDrive with the networking of communication, information and
navigation technology. Benchmark in fuel consumption and performance:
revolutionary 8-cylinder with the world's first 6-speed automatic
transmission. The most outstanding technological highlight is a new
generation of the 8-cylinder engine. With virtually all the relevant
parameters being continuously variable - such as valve timing
(Bi-Vanos), valve stroke (VALVETRONIC) and - for the first time ever -
intake tube length, they can be adapted to all requirements with a level
of perfection hitherto unknown. With this uncompromising type of engine
control, the BMW 8-cylinder set new standards: fuel consumption is
reduced by around 14%, whilst maximum output increases by around 14%.
There is a choice of a 3.6 litre engine with 272 bhp (200 kW) and 360 Nm
in the 735i and a 4.4 litre with 333 bhp (245 kW) and 450 Nm in the
745i. Power transmission is effected by the first serial production
6-speed automatic transmission in the world. This highly efficient and
compact unit with integrated Shift-by-Wire technology is operated by a
novel selector lever at the steering wheel and by Steptronic keys in
the steering wheel rim. Outstanding performance figures are possible
with this innovative drive train. The spurt from 0 to 100 km/h is taken
care of in only 7.5 or 6.3 seconds, with maximum speed in both cases at
250 km/h. Fuel consumption according to EU overall criteria is at an
unbeatably low level for this class of 10.7 or 10.9 litres per 100
km/h. Benchmark in driving dynamics and safety The new quality of
driving culture in the 7 Series derives from a whole bundle of
progressive technologies. For example, the fully aluminium chassis
available with the new active chassis Dynamic Drive and for the first
time a continuously variable Electronic Damper Control function, as well
as pneumatic suspension with automatic self-levelling for the rear
axle. An increase in passive safety is ensured amongst other things by
the further developed ITS side head airbags, new active headrests at
front and the extremely fast ISIS network. It takes care of the exchange
and transmission of all crash-relevant safety data with a decentralised,
intelligent sensor concept which controls the activation of the
individual components with greater speed, precision and selectivity.
These innovations and numerous new developments are combined in the new
BMW 7 Series to make an automobile which provides a new interpretation
of pure driving pleasure.