The new 7 embodies luxury that inspires, driving dynamics that enthuse, and a visual presence that earns universal admiration. It is the product of a self-assured design philosophy and consistent yet ever-evolving engineering artistry. In great measure, this new sedan owes its unique, progressive character to an abundance of innovations whose purpose is to make driving a magnificent automobile – as well as riding in it – a memorable experience.

At the core of this experience are chassis engineering that sets new international standards and all-new powertrain technology. BMW, which introduced its Active Steering concept in 2004, now brings it to the 7 Series in a new, unique form: Integral Active Steering, encompassing not only the original variable-ratio front steering, but also, new rear-wheel steering. Acting as an overall system, the two capabilities deliver a new combination of handling ease, maneuverability and unrivaled stability in dynamic driving conditions: Integral Active Steering is included in the optional Sport Package.

The new 7 Series introduces Driving Dynamics Control, which enables the driver to select from four progressively sporty driving programs with the touch of a button. Driving Dynamics Control integrates Dynamic Damping Control (which has three-mode shock-absorber control) with transmission shift characteristics, engine response to the accelerator pedal, and steering assist and traction control level.

Active Roll Stabilization another BMW advance in handling and riding comfort, is yet another element of the available Sport Package: Via electro-hydraulically actuated anti-roll bars, ARS reduces body “roll” or lean in cornering to a minimum, greatly enhancing the feeling of road-hugging handling.

An all-new engine that uniquely combines Efficiency and Dynamics.
Both U.S. models will be powered by an all-new twin-turbo V-8 engine also making its debut in the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. This is a highly advanced, unique and outstanding powerplant. With 4.4 liters of displacement and direct fuel injection (BMW’s High Precision Injection), the V-8 carries its two turbochargers in the “valley” between the two cylinder banks putting its exhaust valves inboard and intake valves outboard – a highly unusual layout and a complete departure from its predecessor. This “variation from the norm” pays off: the engine develops 400 hp over a range from 5500 to 6400 rpm, and a robust 450 lb-ft. of torque over the even broader range of 1750-4500 rpm. Compared to the like-named 750i/Li predecessors’ 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V-8’s 360 hp and 360 lb-ft., the new engine represents major progress in performance; and though official EPA ratings are not yet in, it is expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency as well.  To provide some context to this achievement: the previous 7 Series’ 6.0-liter V-12 develops 438 hp and 444 lb-ft.

Leading the way again: a new generation of iDrive.
With the new 7, BMW again assumes the role of world leader in automotive control concepts. A 2nd generation of iDrive sets new standards for ergonomics, efficiency and logical functionality with its larger, higher-definition Control Display. New, uniformly structured menus and an optimized control strategy for the display and console-mounted controller are also signature features of the new system.

Other new details include buttons for direct selection of the Radio, CD, Navigation and Telecommunications menus, grouped conveniently next to the controller. Visual assists and consistent flow in the display simplify choices within the individual menus. In the GPS Navigation section, users will benefit from map displays with new standards of size, brilliance, detail and view choice. A “map preview” function facilitates selection of the navigation destination from a list; in a new operational logic, letters of the alphabet and numerals are arranged in circular form for more intuitive input of addresses and phone numbers.

For greater driving safety: Active Blind Spot Detection and BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.
Thanks to innovative driver-assistance systems – some of them BMW-exclusive – active safety also attains new levels. The new 7 is the first in its segment to offer a Head-up Display, which projects relevant driving information onto the windshield in front of the driver.  The HUD is a stand-alone option on U.S. models. Optional Adaptive Cruise Control, with new Stop-and-Go capability, assists the driver in maintaining serene progress in rapid freeway or interstate driving or on country roads; and in dense, stop-and-go traffic, can do precisely that when necessary to maintain a safe following distance.

With the new 7, BMW’s newly developed Active Blind Spot Detection makes its debut. Its function is to warn the driver – by vibration in the steering wheel plus a blinking LED on the exterior mirror – upon initiating a lane change when there is an unseen vehicle in the blind spot or when there is a vehicle –not yet in the blind spot- but is closing in at a rate that could result in a collision if the driver changed lanes. Active Blind Spot Detection will be offered together with the Lane Departure Warning, a familiar BMW option but new to the  7 Series. By alerting the driver (also, via a vibrating steering wheel) when a lane change is initiated without the turn signals, the driver is assisted in avoiding potential accidents.

Finally, the High Beam Assist, which automatically dims the headlights for oncoming traffic and returns them to high beams when the way is clear, is included with Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning in the optional Driver Assistance Package for U.S. models.
BMW Night Vision continues as an option in the new 7, and adds a new capability: recognizing and indicating individual pedestrians on or near the roadway.

Innovations in climate and entertainment systems – plus more space.
The new 7 delivers technological progress in climate control and entertainment systems, plus more space in the cabin to enjoy them. The standard automatic climate control provides for precise adjustment of airflow and temperature, free of drafts or unpleasant air turbulence. Newly standard is 4-zone climate control, with which rear-seat passengers can vary their climate independently on the left and right sides, just as in the front compartment.
And speaking of the rear passenger compartment, the 750Li has a 140-mm/5.5-in. longer wheelbase for greater rear leg room; this model also has more rear head room.

Sporty BMW image – in its most elegant form.
A harmonious blend of dynamic presence and elegance is the overarching theme in the new 7 Series design. A long wheelbase (in the Li, longer), long hood and short front overhang are basic attributes; a “greenhouse” set relatively rearward, a flat roofline and overall dynamic proportions say “BMW,” and at the same time “the most elegant BMW.”

At the front, headlights include BMW’s distinctive use of the “corona rings” for Daytime Running Lamps, and are accented at the top by a light band that visually unifies the traditional dual headlights on each side. The BMW “kidney grilles” – another traditional element, appearing here in new form – are notable for their boldness, verticality and low placement.

In profile, the interplay of convex and concave surfaces associated with recent BMW design appears here in extended, subtly swung contours and lines. For the first time on a  7 Series, the front side panels include a chromed “gill” that integrates the side blinker – itself a safety element – and lends character to the relatively long space between front wheelwell and windshield base. Form follows function: this proportion is a consistent attribute of BMW body design, and an outward sign of the rear-wheel drive and optimum front/rear weight balance that are BMW tenets.

The profile’s sculptural modeling makes for a graceful transition into the rear deck. Rooflines flow gracefully over the flanks all the way to the bumpers creating a sporty conclusion to this altogether graceful design. An understated chrome band connects the taillight clusters, which continue the L-shape that has become a BMW tradition. LED technology throughout makes for warm, homogeneous illumination whether tail-, brake- or turn-signal lights or even the 3rd brakelight, set into the rear window’s upper edge.