New BMW 7-Series Flagship models available With 3 Engine Capacities

New BMW 7-Series Flagship models available With 3 Engine Capacities

by -

New BMW 7-Series Flagship models available With 3 Engine Capacities.

As part of our BMW ‘8 cars – 1 soul’ drive, we got a chance to try out the brand new BMW 740 Li, from the newly launched 7 Series lineup that features three engine sizes. All the three are powerful machines, are handsome in appearance, and awesome in performance. Buyers can choose between a straight six 3.0 litre, and a choice of a 4.0 litre or 5.0 litre V8.

All three models available in Malaysia come with long wheelbase for first class legroom at the rear to pamper the towkays. In Europe, BMWs are built primarily for the driver, but in Malaysia, the company recognizes that the market for this category favours cars that are chauffer driven, which is why the 7-Series comes with a host of improvements to meet the requirements of its target audience. The 7-Series combines the very best of premium luxury and comfort, innovation and technology, and of course, BMW engineering.

Rear-seat comfort is premium in the new 7 Series with all models featuring self-leveling pneumatic suspensions that work to smoothen the ride. In the eight-cylinder models, this technology is taken a step further with the new Adaptive Drive suspension package, combining the self-leveling pneumatic suspension with Dynamic Drive and Electronic Damper Control (EDC) to reduce body sway in bends and consistently adjust damper characteristics according to road, load and driving conditions, resulting in maximum ride comfort.

Electronically adjustable comfort seats are standard in the rear for all the new 7 Series models for that perfect seating position. In addition, the V8 models also feature active ventilation for individualized cooling.

“BMW recognizes that the select group of customers found in the 7 Series segment demand a product that is uncompromising, unreserved and exclusive. Especially in Asia, where chauffeurs are a norm for the business elite, it is critical that our flagship model reflects this rule by providing uncompromising rear-seat comfort and an abundance of in-car and entertainment functions,” said Wolfgang Schlimme, Managing Director of BMW Malaysia.

A true BMW, the new BMW 7 Series line-up also features further enhancements in driving dynamics as well, with the updated models now sporting new engines.

The new 750Li and 740Li feature eight-cylinder petrol engines with VALVETRONIC, developing an increased maximum output of 270 kW/ 367 bhp and 225 kW/ 306 bhp respectively, with a maximum torque output of 490 Nm and 390 Nm correspondingly.

The BMW 730Li now carries a new straight-six petrol engine with a composite magnesium/ aluminium crankcase and VALVETRONIC. This engine offers not only the highest output per litre, but also the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. Maximum output is 190 kW/ 258 bhp while maximum torque is 300Nm, while claimed to consume 4.7 percent less fuel than the previous 730Li.

According to Schlimme, “The BMW 7 Series combines two cars in one: On the one hand it is a genuine BMW offering those typical BMW virtues such as driving pleasure, agility and nimble handling. Yet, on the other hand, it is a highly prestigious luxury sedan offering generous space and supreme comfort in both front and rear, making it the only real choice for customers in this elite segment.”

“Coming off the back from our successful first-half of the year, in which we recorded a 37% percent growth in sales, we are confident that the launch of this refreshed line-up for our flagship model will be catalyst to driving our growth ahead,” he added.

The model we managed to get our hands on was the 740Li, during a ‘lifestyle’ event, which involved a drive from Cyberjaya to Gua Musang. On the road, the 740 Li is first of all, very comfortable, both for the driver and passengers. I took the opportunity to take a ride in the back while my drive partner for the day, Balbeer, drove. We even did a little bit of ‘role play’ taking turns to treat each other as ‘boss’ and ‘chauffer’.

I must say that if you are the fortunate one sitting in the rear seats, you are literally sitting in the lap of luxury. Each rear passenger (there really is only room for two at the back, first class seating, that is,) gets two air-conditioner vents, one from the centre console between the front seats, and an individual blower located in the roof lining directly behind the front seat. Each rear passenger has his own temperature and fan speed control.

Legroom is more than adequate, so tall people will have no problems at all. The electronic controls for the rear seat allow you to slide your seat forwards or backwards, adjust the rake, and also the headrest height. If you want some privacy, you can also put up the blinds for your side window, at the touch of a button. Controls for the audio system are available close at hand, via the famous I-drive mouse located on the centre armrest. A pop-up TV screen allows you to catch the latest movies and news on TV.

On the road, the 740Li is surprisingly agile, and will do just about anything you may wish it to do. Driven sedately, it glides along smoothly; ruffle its feathers, and it will fly. It does not have the zest of the Z4, but do not underestimate what it can do. It will still out-accelerate many so-called ‘fast’ cars, and it will also out-corner them. I think that some of us are still trying to find out where its limits are. Anyway, be warned; do not tangle with one of these cars, because, sedate as they may seem, these cars will come alive in the right hands.

Prices for these updated BMW 7 Series models (on the road, without insurance) are:
BMW 730Li – RM638,000 (West Malaysia)
BMW 740Li – RM818,000 (West Malaysia)
BMW 750Li – RM948, 000 (West Malaysia)


1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply