New BMW 7 Series revealed

Drivers can pedal the new BMW 7 Series to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds then get out of the big limousine and watch it steer itself into a parking spot.

In the latest round of the German flagship sedan war, the sixth-generation 7 Series fires shots back at the S-Class it came under heavy attack from last year.

For the first time BMW has pinched technology from its ‘i’ division, both for the carbonfibre reinforced-plastic (CFRP) passenger cell and electric drive components.

The 3.0-litre turbo six makes 240kW between 5500-6500rpm and 450Nm over a broader-than-outback-skyline 1380-5500rpm. Thank the weight loss program for the 5.5-second 0-100km/h and 6.8L/100km claims.

That said, the new 740e takes just a tenth longer to get to the same performance standard, its combination of 2.0-litre turbo four, electric motor nestled within the eight-speed automatic and batteries under the rear seat (note: not taking up boot space) delivering 2.1L/100km. The plug-in 7 Series will also go 40km on silent running at up to 120km/h.

Its overhauled 4.4-litre turbo V8 pumps out 330kW (at 5500-6000rpm) and 650Nm (at 1800-4800rpm), allowing the 1870kg limo to do a 4.4sec 0-100km/h.

That is a match for our rear-drive-only Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, by the way, which has 900Nm from its 5.5-litre, with the V12-engined 760iL yet to come.

All models now come standard with five-link aluminium air suspension, while four-wheel steering can operate even on xDrive models for the first time.

The system has a “data-based predictive function” that uses sat-nav, forward stereo camera and info on your driving style to prepare its suspension for the road ahead before it arrives (if you choose the new Adaptive mode, added to the usual EcoPro, Comfort and Sport).

Thanks to a new BMW key with a screen on it, you can literally jump out of your car and watch it park by pressing forward and back on the remote – a world first.

There is also inductive mobile phone charging, matrix laserlights that can double the standard LED beam to 600 metres, a panoramic roof that uses LEDs to form stars at night, and an Executive Lounge option; it reclines the rear pews by 42.5 degrees, and can perform a ‘vitality’ massage that promotes a “active physical exercise”.

It isn’t sure on all-wheel drive yet, but xDrive is the only option if the 750i is to appear. The local arm wants all the technology, too, though it is still seeing what may work for Australia. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is on notice.

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