Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7 Series (model code G11/G12) will also be built in Dingolfing: Series production of the sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series will get underway on 1 July. Between 2008 and the present day, 370,000 models of the previous generation were built in Dingolfing and shipped to customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Since the launch of the first BMW 7 Series in 1977, the Dingolfing plant has produced a total of more than 1.6 million BMW 7 Series. Its main markets today are China, the US, Germany, the Middle East, Russia, Korea, the UK and Japan. Taking into account all the diverse engine, colour and customer-specific options, countless vehicle variants (options to 1070) can be produced. Barely any two BMW 7 Series leaving the Dingolfing assembly line are the same.
At the employee event to mark the start of production in Dingolfing Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: “This car demonstrates the full innovation capabilities of our developers and designers, as well as the extensive experience and expertise gained from producing our flagship model here in Dingolfing. We have invested more than half a billion euros in the plant in the past three years alone for this purpose. The Plant has been developed and adapted so that it is fully prepared for the future with new technologies, such as carbon fibre and electrification. This represents a clear commitment on the part of the BMW Group to both Dingolfing as a high-tech production location, and to Germany.”
With the new BMW 7 Series, BMW has redefined what an exclusive, luxurious driving experience looks like in contemporary, pioneering form. Groundbreaking technologies in the areas of lightweight design, powertrains, chassis, operating systems, intelligent connectivity and interior ambience underline its mission to bring together unbeatable driving pleasure and long-distance comfort in a luxury sedan. The handing over of the baton from one generation to the next at the top end of BMW’s model line-up sees the brand presenting a raft of innovations unmatched by any of its rivals.
Key factors in enhancing dynamics, efficiency, comfort and safety while on the move are the use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the body structure, engines from the BMW Group’s new generation of power units, the plug-in hybrid system in the new BMW 740e, the Executive Drive Pro active chassis system, the Driving Experience Control switch with ADAPTIVE mode and BMW Laserlight. Maximising well-being in the rear compartment, meanwhile, are the Executive Lounge feature with massage function and Vitality Programme, the Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof, the Welcome Light Carpet, the Ambient highlight and a smartphone holder with inductive charging station. Standout innovations in operating system and driver assistance technology include the extension of the iDrive system to include a touch display and BMW gesture control, as well as Touch Command, the new BMW Head-Up Display, crossing traffic warning, the steering and lane control assistant, active side collision protection, Surround View with 3D View and the Remote Control Parking system.
The new BMW 7 Series is available with an extensively updated V8 engine and six-cylinder in-line variants from the BMW Group’s latest generation of power units. All the engines link up as standard with the likewise further developed eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which can be specified as an option, also operates more effectively than ever.
The addition to the model range of the BMW 740e sees the arrival in the luxury sedan segment of BMW eDrive technology which was first introduced in BMW i cars. The plug-in hybrid model, which will be launched in long-wheelbase BMW 740Le form and bear the BMW 740Le xDrive badge when specified with intelligent all-wheel drive, is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which together generate total system output of 240 kW/326 hp. The BMW 740e records combined fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (134.5 mpg imp) as calculated in the EU test cycle for hybrid vehicles and a combined electric power consumption of 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions stand at 49 grams per kilometre (provisional). The electric drive system, supplied with energy by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery, provides a noticeable boost for the combustion engines when dynamic acceleration is required. Moreover, the BMW eDrive technology enables all-electric and therefore locally emission-free driving at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) and with a range of up to 40 kilometres (25 miles).
The BMW 750Li xDrive, BMW 740Li, BMW 730Ld and BMW 730Ld xDrive models specified with the optional Executive Lounge, which redefines personal well-being in a luxury car, offer levels of comfort a class apart. This equipment package includes Automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control, Electrically adjustable comfort seats with massage function in the rear and Active seat ventilation for all seats, plus the optional Executive Lounge Seating, Executive Lounge rear console and Rear-seat entertainment Experience with BMW Touch Command. The massage function now also includes the Vitality Programme, which allows rear passengers to engage in active physical exercise for recuperation purposes. The Executive Lounge Seating option increases comfort in the rear seat behind the front passenger seat, which can slide forward by an additional 90 millimetres and has an electrically extendable footrest integrated into its backrest. The rear passenger can unwind into an extremely relaxing position thanks to a backrest which can recline impressively close to the horizontal position.
The Executive Lounge rear console houses a fold-out table, additional cupholders and the Touch Command system. This removable 7-inch tablet computer allows the user to control the infotainment and comfort functions available in the rear of the new BMW 7 Series and can also be used to play back external audio and video files, as a games console or to surf the internet.
Global launch communications for the new BMW 7 Series are centred on the claim “Driving Luxury”. Dr. Steven Althaus, head of Brand Management BMW and Marketing Services BMW Group, explains: “The new BMW 7 Series brings positive new aspects to the BMW brand. BMW M represents the “Future of Performance” and BMW i the “Future of Mobility”. The BMW 7 Series stands for the “Future of Luxury”. This thread runs through the entire campaign. Just as ground-breaking as the new BMW 7 Series itself, are the creative partners, settings and innovative approach we have chosen.”
The car is being positioned as “the contemporary luxury experience for the performance elite” – an idea expressed in all communication formats.
BMW 7 Series G11/G12 brochure
