BMW 7 Series

Expert Review by Maxabout

Looking at the rising competition from cars like Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ, BMW has re-launched the upgraded version of its flagship car, 7-series. With this new car, BMW hopes for better results and aims to grab the majority of buyers. Will this car be able to do so? Let’s find out.

Exterior

At first sight, it’s hard to notice the exterior changes made to this car as it resembles a lot to its outgoing model in terms of visual appearance. There are only few minor changes which add freshness to this car. The new LED corona lights are the biggest change at its front which makes it look extremely sporty at night. The restyled front part grilles also look attractive and gel well with the new headlights of 7-series. The new air-inlets in its front bumper not only catch your attention but also improve the aerodynamics of the car. The elegantly designed extended bonnet of this car makes it look premium when seen from the front. The massive 19 inches alloy wheels and bulgy wheel arches add muscularity to this new car. The large doors indicate towards the actual length of this car. The back swept roof nicely merges into the boot of 7-series. BMW has opted for new set of tail lights for this car which look extremely sporty with a long chrome bar placed on its trunk.

Interior

The dual tone interiors of 7-series enlighten your mood as soon as you step inside this car. The wood and aluminium finishing inside this car goes well with its interior styling. The top quality of material and leather instantly grabs your attention and makes it feel up-market. The bucket seats occupy you comfortably and offer you optimum under thigh and back support. Five people can easily sit in this car with ample amount of shoulder and head room.

Comfort and Convenience

There are endless features in this car which enhances your comfort inside. The car has adjustable front seat, electric ORVMS, windows, keyless entry, contact less boot opening, rear centre armrest, rear AC, multi view instrument console and camera system etc.

Dashboard and Storage

The dual tone dashboard feels quite soft to touch and gives you the royal feel inside. The car comes integrated with a touch screen being placed just above its centre AC vents. The wood finishing separates this dashboard and adds premium touch to it. This dashboard also features an integrated glove box in its lower section. There are many cubby holes inside this car and its large door pockets also acts as storage space. The large boot capacity of this car can easily carry your heavy luggage on weekends.

Music System

The new 7-series comes equipped with Bang and Olufsen high end surround system with powerful 12 speakers. The optional rear seat entertainment also features separate 9.2inches touch screens at the back which can play radio/DVD and T.V and can be individually controlled. The car also features Bluetooth connectivity and navigation system. All audio and Bluetooth controls are also mounted on its steering wheel.

Engine and Gearbox

BMW offers 7-series with three different petrol engines and one diesel engine in India. The smallest petrol unit is the 2979cc 6cylinders engine with a maximum power and torque output of 320 bhp and 450 Nm arriving at 5800 rpm and 4500 rpm respectively. The second petrol unit is a more powerful 4395cc 8 cylinder engine with utmost power and torque output of 450 bhp and 650 Nm arriving at 5500 rpm and 4500 rpm respectively. The most powerful petrol engine in 7-series is a 6.0L, 12cylinders DOHC engine which pumps out a peak power of 544 bhp at 5250 rpm. The maximum torque output of this engine is of 750 Nm which ranges from 1500 rpm-5000 rpm. The only diesel motor in 7-series is a 3.0L 6-cylinders DOHC engine which generates a maximum power of 258 bhp at 4000 rpm. The maximum torque output of this liquid-cooled engine is of 560 Nm which starts arriving as early as 1500rpm. All these engines are now mated with a new eight speed automatic transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

With the help of new light-weight eight speed gearbox, the performance of all the engines of 7-series have improved significantly. Even, the diesel motor now takes only 6.5 seconds to reach 0-100km/hr. It’s a very refined engine which suffers no turbo lag. The 12cylinders engine now reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 4.6 seconds while the 8cylinders engine does the same in less than 4.8seconds. The 6cylinders engine reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 5.6seconds.

Mileage and Safety Features

The fuel efficiency of 6, 8 and 12cylinders petrol engine is 9km/ltr, 8km/ltr and 6-8km/ltr respectively. The diesel engine may return a mileage of around 9-10km/ltr. 7-series comes with safety features like ESP, traction control, 8dual stage air-bags and park assist system.

Suspension and Braking System

BMW 7-series comes with adjustable suspension system and ventilated disc brakes at its both ends. The braking system also features ABS with EBD and brake assist for precise braking at high speeds.

Ride and Handling

The wide and low stance of the car improves it aerodynamics and makes it extremely stable at high speeds. The soft suspension system adjusts brilliants and gives you comfortable rides. The light electric steering makes it easy for you to handle this car in city traffic. The stretched wheelbase of 3210 mm and wide tyres improves its cornering abilities and it handles brilliantly around corners. The braking system of 7-series always keeps this car under control and boosts your confidence while driving on highways.

Shades, Variants and Warranty

The four variants of 7-series are available in three new colors. BMW offers a warranty of 2 years/ unlimited kilometres on this car.

Verdict

This car has certainly got better than before and with new features and improved performance thanks to its new gearbox; we surely feel 7-series is back in race. The car certainly feels like a complete value for money car and now it will be interesting to see what changes this car will bring in its segment.