BMW has revealed an updated version of its flagship 7 Series model.
Highlights are a new look and a host of latest technological features, along with a revised range of engines.
The exterior of the car has been extensively refreshed, with the prominent kidney grille design at the front now 40% larger. The headlights have been slimmed down, while chrome running strips have been added to the flanks of the car.
Improvements in refinement include side glass that is 5mm thicker, while the sound-deadening material in the rear wheel arches has been revised to keep the 7’s cabin as hushed as possible.
Subtle changes to the interior include higher quality materials. The rear-seat entertainment system comprises two ten-inch full-HD displays with a Blu-ray player while the car also giant the latest version of the BMW Touch Command unit.
The Touch Command removable tablet with a seven-inch screen can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle. Occupants can use it to operate comfort functions such as seat adjustment, interior lighting and climate control, as well as the infotainment, navigation and communication systems.
The standard and long-wheelbase options remain, but both have been extended by 2cm over the previous car. The long wheelbase variant offers an extra 14cm over the standard car.
Powertrain options range across six, eight or 12 cylinders. The entry-level petrol engine is the 740i with 340hp, while the 4.4-litre V8 in the 750i produces 530hp. Above it sits the range-topping M760i, offered only as a long-wheelbase model and powered by a 6.6-litre V12 with 585hp, capable of sending the 7 Series to 60mph from 0 in under four seconds.
Diesel choices use the same 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, with either 265 or 320hp, while there is also an updated plug-in hybrid version is also available, with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol linked to an electric motor to produce a combined 394hp.
Other new technology includes an updated version of the Parking Assistant, along with a new Reversing Assistant. This can remember where the car has driven at slow speeds and reverse it up to 50 metres along that route.
The new 7 Series is expected to arrive in the UK this April at prices yet to be announced.
