First official pix! New BMW 7 Series

BMW today released the first official pictures of the new BMW 7 Series, describing it as a ‘revolutionary new model’ and ‘the most technologically advanced BMW ever’. Featuring a host of innovations, the new 7 Series will make its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motorshow this September and will go on sale in Asia from 2002. Prices are not available at this time.

Apart from having what is known as a new ‘design language’ for both the interior and exterior, the new 7 Series is said to incorporate a pioneering step in driver ergonomics known as ‘iDrive’. This is a revolutionary concept which reinvents the rules of the traditional dashboard and separates the cabin into two distinct areas: the ‘comfort area’ and the ‘driving area’.

Within the comfort area, the majority of secondary functions are now operated by a single central ‘controller’. The result is a dramatic reduction in the number of buttons and switches creating an extremely clean and modern interior look and feel. The ‘controller’ is a rotary dial located in front of the central armrest and is intuitive in operation. By rotating and pressing the ‘controller’ and moving it laterally, the driver is able to select and control functions including the ventilation system, the audio and entertainment system, navigation and telematics applications. A central computer monitor displays the various functions and the chosen setting selections.

The new 7 Series also offers internet access through an individually-configured WAP-supported BMW internet portal incorporated in the car – a world first. All the functions in the ‘comfort area’ can be operated by both the driver and the passenger.

In the driving area, an instantly noticeable feature of the new 7 Series is the absence of a central gearlever and traditional ignition key. Instead, all primary controls are located in and around the steering wheel, the centre of the ‘driving area’. Gear selection for example is controlled via a stalk in the steering column. The ignition switch is controlled by a new electronic key and the engine is started and stopped using a button. With all the relevant functions positioned in this central ‘driving area’, the driver can remain focused on the road.

New eight-cylinder engines come with the new BMW flagship with two displacements available at launch. The new 735i will be powered by a 202 kW/272 bhp, 3.6-litre engine with 360 Nm of torque while the more powerful 745i will have a 251 kW/333 bhp, 4.4-litre engine, with 450 Nm of torque.

The new 7 Series is claimed to set a new benchmark in fuel consumption and performance compared to other cars in its class. This new generation V8 reduces fuel consumption by 14% while increasing maximum power output by the same amount when compared to the V8 engines in the existing 7 Series models. This has been achieved by combining BMW’s double VANOS variable valve timing system with the new Valvetronic technology, which varies the degree of valve lift to control engine breathing, thereby negating the need for a throttle butterfly. Valvetronic technology appeared for the first time this year in the 4-cylinder engines for the 3 Series Compact.

For the first time, these V8 engines both feature DIVA, a new fully-variable intake manifold system. These three variable systems combine to provide the power and fuel consumption advantages of the new car. Fuel consumption (according to EU overall criteria) is at an impressively low level for this class: the 735i recording 10.7 and the 745i 10.9 litres per 100 kms (26.4 mpg and 25.9 mpg, respectively).

Another pioneering feature is the world’s first 6-speed automatic transmission with integrated shift-by-wire technology. Operated by a selector lever alongside the steering wheel and Steptronic buttons on the steering wheel rim, this innovative transmission also helps to deliver the impressive performance figures. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h takes a claimed 6.3 seconds in the 745i and 7.5 seconds in the 735i. Top speed in both models is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Driving dynamics and safety are also substantially improved and as safety remains high on BMW’s priority list, the new 7 Series comes with a number of innovations including improved head airbags, new active head restraints and a new airbag safety control system called ISIS. Via its network of sensors, ISIS decides which safety system to deploy, and when, in the event of an accident. This system is faster and more precise than the previous sensor system.

Ride quality has also been enhanced making the drive smoother and more comfortable. Continuously-variable electronic damper control, pneumatic suspension with automatic self-levelling for the rear axle and a new active all aluminium ‘dynamic drive’ chassis with active roll stabilisation are all key developments in this area.