Bavarian Works

Dhiram Shah experiences BMW’s 2016 7 Series on a luxurious road-trip to Ahmedabad.

Since its introduction in 1977, the BMW 7 Series has been a showcase of the Bavarian car maker’s capabilities and also a precedent on what a luxury automobile can offer. Over the years, this model has been a vehicle of choice for some of the swankiest hotels, CEOs, diplomats, celebrities and even prime ministers. Now in its sixth generation, the 2016 7 Series has recently launched in India. To experience all that BMW has packed in this palatial sedan, I decided to test drive it on a 1,200km road-trip, from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and back, where I was able to sample the luxury car as a driver and also pamper myself in the back seat.

There are two members of the 7 Series family available in India — the petrol powered 750Li (₹1.55 crore) and the lesser expensive diesel burning 730Ld (₹1.14 crore), also my ride for this test drive.

Unlike its predecessors, the 2016 7 Series is quite sporty; the exterior design is entirely new. Its signature kidney grille is larger than ever and behind it are computer controlled flaps which open and close to help the engine cool and improve aerodynamics. The headlights are slimmer and use lasers to intelligently illuminate a kilometre sign ahead of you, without blinding oncoming drivers. The rear-lights, equipped with LED technology, beautifully merge into the trunk. A low centre of gravity and an aggressive styling give the car a profound younger look.

“Technology” is the keyword fuelling this luxe vehicle. BMW has transformed the former, humble keyless entry to an advanced keyfob for this model. Along with a set of buttons, its key now has a 2.2inch multi-touch screen. Swipe across the screen to know how much fuel the car has left, estimated range, status of door and window locks, along with notifications like when service is due.