Bold new 7 Series pushes upmarket , gains two EVS

All-new BMW limo packs more space, tech, luxury and electrified options than ever

- GREG KABLE

The seventh incarnation of BMW's flagship 7 Series saloon, on sale from November, is the largest and most luxurious version yet and includes pure-electric models for the first time.

A minimalist three-box silhouette with familiar proportions characterises the overall shape, but to give it the visual impact to suit its elevated positioning, the upmarket four-door has a bold new exterior design.

"We wanted to give the new model a more striking appearance," said 7 Series project director Robert Kahlenberg. "Customers in our largest markets are generally younger and demand a more contemporary look than perhaps what we're used to in Europe, where the average age of buyers is higher."

The illuminated front grille is even bigger than before and the separation of the headlights, with the LED running lights positioned above and the main beams in a separate recess below, adds greater presence while providing close visual ties with the updated X7 SUV.

The horizontal LED taillights, meanwhile, mimic the look of the iX's, giving the new 7 Series added visual width.

The i7 brings its own subtle touches, including a blanked off grille with an 'i' logo as well as decorative elements within the bumpers and sills.

The car is 130mm longer than before, at 5391mm, and 48mm wider, at 1950mm. Its height is up 51mm to 1544mm. There is no longer a choice of wheelbases because all new 7 Series models have a 3215mm wheelbase - 5mm longer than that of the previous LWB car.

BMW'S CLAR platform has been heavily reworked for the new model. The weight-saving carbon elements of the previous generation have been swapped for a new material mix that includes more traditional steel, aluminium and titanium.

"We have altered the structure without any loss of rigidity," said Kahlenberg.