The new BMW 7 Series

The launch of the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets a new benchmark in
automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics,
combined with emissions reducing and fuel saving technology.


The flagship of the BMW model range debuts in November with a host of world
firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three powerplants, one
diesel and two petrol engines. The two petrol-powered cars will be offered with
a long-wheelbase body too. All three engines produce more power yet use less
fuel and produce less emissions than any rival premium product.

(See attached download document for formatted table of specifications)

Model / Power Hp / Torque Nm / 0-62mph Secs / Top Speed Mph / Combined Mpg /
CO2 Emissions g/km

BMW 730d / 245 / 540 / 7.2 / 152 / 39.2 / 192
BMW 740i / 326 / 450 / 5.9 / 155* / 28.5 / 232
BMW 740Li / 326 / 450 / 6.0 / 155* / 28.3 / 235
BMW 750i / 407 / 600 / 5.2 / 155* / 24.8 / 266
BMW 750Li / 407 / 600 / 5.3 / 155* / 24.8 / 266
* Electronically-limited.

The BMW 730d sets a new benchmark in terms of drivetrain performance. The new
all-aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder diesel engine produces 245hp at
4,000rpm. Its effortless real world driving smoothness comes courtesy of a peak
torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm.


The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure of any BMW 7 Series
before it and it is also the most economical 7 Series ever. Its 192g/km
emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, while
no other competitor comes close to its 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It
can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a 152mph top speed.


To put the BMW 730d's competitive advantage in context this luxurious vehicle
records near identical fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to the Mercedes
C320CDi - a car that is two market segments below the 7 Series and is smaller
and lighter than the BMW.


The impressive performance of the 730d is, in part, possible due to
third-generation common-rail direct injection incorporating piezo injectors
that operates at a peak pressure of 1,800 bar. This system ensures a near
perfect combustion process. Weighing 185kgs the new six-cylinder diesel engine
is also 5kgs lighter than its predecessor.

The BMW 730d is set to be the biggest seller in the UK, accounting for
approximately 85 per cent of sales.

The BMW 750i and 750Li are the range flagships. The new 4,395cc V8 engine from
the recently launched X6, featuring twin-turbochargers and high-precision
direct injection technology, produces 407hp from 5,500rpm to 6,400rpm.
Impressive figures that are backed up by an equally stunning 600Nm of torque
from 1,750rpm to 4,500rpm. Such breathtaking performance sees the BMW 750i
accelerate from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.3 seconds for the 750Li) before
going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Consumption on the
combined cycle is 24.8mpg, while CO2 emissions equate to 266g/km.

The all-aluminium V8 engine powering the 750i and 750Li also features its own
world first - twin-turbochargers and catalysts that are placed within the
V-space of the engine block. This not only optimises packaging but the
reduction in manifold length and larger cross sections mean the engine breathes
better for enhanced performance. Double-VANOS variable valve technology and
high-precision direct injection technology further aid engine performance to
the degree that all the innovations combine to offer a V8 engine that has an
equivalent output of a traditional 12-cylinder unit.

Aimed at customers who prefer the characteristics of a petrol-powered BMW
six-cylinder engine, the BMW 740i and 740Li are also offered. Using an
internationally-acclaimed 2,979cc powerplant, the BMW 740i musters 326hp and
450Nm of torque for rapid yet serene performance. The twin-turbocharged engine
features high-precision direct injection and Double-VANOS variable valve
technology to achieve optimum performance. The 3.0-litre BMW 740i and 740Li
post combined fuel consumption figures of 28.5mpg and 28.3mpg respectively,
while returning emissions figures of 232g/km and 235g/km.

All BMW 7 Series models come with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

EfficientDynamics
The launch of the new 7 Series completes the line-up of the entire BMW range
now being equipped with EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard. With
its roof, doors, bonnet and side panels all made from aluminium to dovetail
with the principle of lightweight engineering, the 7 Series also has other
innovative class-leading technology which improves engine performance, while
cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

Brake Energy Regeneration uses the engine's power on overrun, such as braking,
to charge the battery for the car's electrical circuit. When the driver is
accelerating the alternator disengages so all of the engine's power is
channelled towards the car's performance. Other ancillaries, such as the
air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the all
round performance of the car. This intelligent use of drivetrain power is why
EfficientDynamics technology has helped the 7 Series become a class-leader in
terms of performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

World firsts
The BMW 7 Series' drivetrain superiority is reinforced with a plethora of
automotive firsts. All 7 Series can now be specified with the world's first
Head-up Display incorporating a speed limit warning system. A camera mounted on
the back of the rear view mirror scans oncoming road signs to alert the driver
of any impending speed restriction. The BMW 7 Series is also the world's first
car available with a Side View camera system that operates in conjunction with
Park Distance Control. The system provides an overview of traffic conditions on
the iDrive display so the driver can negotiate a partially obscured junction,
leave a car park or drive through a narrow gate with absolute confidence.

The new BMW 7 Series can be specified with the world's most advanced Night
Vision system in a production car. BMW was the first manufacturer to fit a
Night Vision system to a premium car and it has now upgraded this package to
include an individual person recognition system in another world first. A
control unit within the system analyses video data of human behaviour as part
of the Night Vision camera's reach and can subsequently alert the driver if it
detects a human is moving into the path of the vehicle.

Building on the impressive list of innovations, the 7 Series is the first BMW
to feature Lane Change Warning combined with Lane Departure Warning. The latter
is a system that first appeared on 5 and 6 Series models and uses a camera to
monitor road markings. Should the driver start to stray out of lane, a gentle
vibration of the steering wheel would provide an alert. However, courtesy of
cameras located in the door mirrors, Lane Change Warning adds another tier of
driver safety. The two cameras constantly scan the blind spot either side of
the vehicle, up to a distance of 60 metres, and alert the driver to the
presence of another vehicle with a triangular symbol in the door mirror.

Completing the host of innovations is speed-related Integral Active Steering. A
car specified with this optional equipment allows the rear wheels to turn by up
to 3º. At slow speeds it is highly manoeuvrable, while at a faster pace it
offers enhanced composure and driving dynamics. BMW's flagship car is also the
world's first to come with full-scale Internet connectivity.

Tailormade driving dynamics
The latest generation BMW 7 Series is the first to have Dynamic Driving Control
featuring Dynamic Damping Control as standard. Dynamic Driving Control is the
umbrella function that lets a driver customise the characteristics of his or
her car. As part of this Dynamic Damping Control can bet set in comfort, normal
or sport modes, but, for the first time, with the added benefit that these
settings are infinitely variable depending on driving style and road surface
condition. Depending on selected mode the throttle response, gear change speed
and steering feel are also altered at the same time.

To aid driving dynamics and comfort the 7 Series is the first BMW Saloon to
feature race car-like double-wishbone front suspension. This arrangement allows
engineers to fine-tune the suspension for the best kinematic configuration. The
rear suspension consists of a five-link arrangement made of aluminium which can
be further optimised with the inclusion of Adaptive Air Suspension.

The BMW 7 Series comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control + featuring
additional functions such as Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake
Pre-tensioning, Soft-stop and Brake Fade Compensation. Dynamic Traction Control
can be activated via a button to enable spirited driving or greater traction of
slippery surfaces such as snow and ice.

A new interior
The new BMW 7 Series comes with one of the most luxurious interiors of any
premium car. In addition to a new iDrive controller and larger 10.2-inch
screen, owners will be able to programme frequently selected radio stations or
navigation destinations on favourite buttons located on the centre console. For
the first time on a BMW the instrument cluster comprises a high-resolution
colour display with Black Panel technology. This new style of display makes for
greater character clarity and, when not in use, forms a smooth, homogenous
black surface that gives the interior an added level of modern elegance.

With its 40Gb hard drive, the BMW 7 Series is the first production car in the
world that enables a customer to upload their favourite music to be stored on
the vehicle. In excess of 100 albums can be saved in this way for the driver's
enjoyment. Four-zone automatic air-conditioning can be specified and, for the
first time, the 7 Series can have a rear seat ventilation system combined with
massage function. The air-conditioning system feeds cool air to the seat squab
and backrest while twelve massage bubbles gently kneed the occupants' upper
body.

The BMW 7 Series comes with BMW ConnectedDrive with enhanced BMW Assist and BMW
TeleServices as standard. BMW Assist is the reactive safety blanket that
automatically dials the emergency services if the driver is involved in an
accident. For the 7 Series this life-saving system has been improved so that it
can now tell the emergency services the severity of the accident and the likely
injuries of those inside. BMW TeleServices sees the 7 Series automatically
communicate with a call centre if it the car is due a service or a potential
fault is detected. A dealer will then contact the owner to arrange a convenient
time to rectify this.

The BMW 7 Series goes on sale in the UK on 15 November, 2008. Prices will be
announced in due course.