virtually all of the internet – seem to think the new 7 Series is further proof that BMW has taken leave of its senses (or less pleasant words to that effect). There’s no doubt BMW has committed itself to a challenging new design philosophy. PLEASE TELL US THAT IT LOOKS BETTER IN THE FLESH… Who knows, it might be good to drive, too. Oh, and a huge 31.3in panoramic television (‘theatre’) screen that folds out of the roof for the rear-seat passengers. Globally, BMW will start taking orders in November 2022, so expect the first pricing details around then.The rules have changed, though, and the electric i7 moves centre stage as BMW re-frames the luxury car experience around on-board well-being, a class-leading digital experience via its new OS8 software, and standard-setting sustainability. Prices and release dateīMW hasn’t confirmed pricing of the new 7 Series in the UK just yet, but the first deliveries are expected in the early months of 2023. And though the petrol model was marginally better in the corners, the electric 7 Series offers better ride comfort over the poorest surfaces. The eight-speed automatic gearbox works well, and the xDriver four-wheel drive system ensures there is plenty of traction.īut it is worth noting that compared with the all-electric i7 prototype we drove back-to-back with it, this conventional version did feel somewhat old fashioned. It almost goes without saying that performance is outstanding, with huge overtaking capability and very high speeds achievable on the unrestricted German autobahn. You do sit rather low behind the wheel, however, which occasionally makes visibility towards the opposite front corner feel a little limited. Despite features such as rear-wheel steering, it still manages to feel remarkably natural to drive, so you won’t be left second-guessing its responses. Very much like a giant 3 Series, in fact – although the composure is such that it doesn’t feel giant from behind the wheel for very long. While this xDrive pre-production model was fitted with a powerful twin-turbo petrol V8 mild-hybrid – rather than the plug-in system that will be offered in the UK – it still gives us a good idea about how future owners can expect this big car to drive. While we’ll have to wait until closer to the car’s 2023 launch date to find out what the production version is like to drive, we have had early access to a prototype. Range and chargingīMW has confirmed that both the new 7 Series plug-in hybrids are capable of 50 miles of zero-emission driving regardless of which version you pick, with fuel economy figures set at 235.4mpg and emissions as low as 28g/km.Īs for plugging in, BMW says the plug-in hybrids can be charged at up to 7.4kW – a full charge can take as little as three hours. Acceleration and top speed performance figures aren’t confirmed yet, but we know that the 750e has 490hp and the M760e has 571hp available – neither will be slow. They use a straight-six petrol engine connected to an electric motor, which is powered by an 18.7kWh battery pack. We’ll have to wait a little while to see what else sets apart the two variants.īoth of the engine options are plug-in hybrids, and those are your only choices in the UK market. What models and trims are available?Īt launch, the 7 Series will arrive in two trim lines – Excellence and M Sport – and two engine options in the UK: the 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive.Īs far as we know, the two trims are only broadly distinguished by their design – the M Sport trim features exhausts at the rear while Excellence doesn’t, for example. You can even include ‘seat exciters’ – points within the seat that vibrate and pulse with loud sounds. Included in the package are small touch panels in the door to control it, and blinds that darken the rear compartment so you get the best viewing experience. The system comprises a huge 31.3-inch 8K display that folds down from the ceiling, and incorporates Amazon Fire TV that allows you to stream content from it for your own entertainment. The ‘Theatre Screen’ is essentially your own private cinema for the rear seats and it’ll be an option (and likely a very expensive one).
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |