BMW's flagship limousine – the 7 Series has been a favourite among BMW enthusiasts alright, but mostly the back-seat type. The car is known for its pace, comfort and appearance. After five long generations of the model, the sixth-generation version brings with a lightweight chassis that incorporates carbon-fibre elements, an iDrive system with gesture controls and a whole lot more on the connectivity and technology front. With other competing German luxury sedans in sight, the 2016 BMW 7 Series is sure to shake up the luxury car business, given its raft of talents like refinement, a quality cabin and strong performance.
Exterior
In M Sport guise, the 2016 7 Series looks a little too in-your-face, what with those M-Sport styled bumpers that look aggressive. However, the design on the 'Design Pure Excellence' variant is softer and will be the choice among buyers. Up-front, the kidney grille is larger, flanked by stylish headlamps with question mark-shaped edges. It also features BMW's signature LED DRLs. The shapely front bumper also sports some chrome trim on the lower portion. Viewed from the side, the 7 Series comes across as a long car, with some more chrome found under the doors, going all the way to the rear. And the optional 20-inch wheels do look rather sporty. There's quite a bit of chrome at the rear too – particularly around the exhausts, the rear bumper and in between the three-dimensional-like U-shaped tail lamps.
Variants
The 2016 BMW 7 Series for the diesel variants are as follows: 730Ld Eminence, Design Pure Excellence, Design Pure Excellence Signature and M Sport. The petrol variants include the 740Li Design Pure Excellence Signature. Features include ambient lighting, seats with heating, cooling and massage function, a sunroof, sunblinds, an air freshener system, a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, display key that lets you check the temperature, range etc. In overseas markets, the key will let the owner call the car from the parking lot to the destination he is standing at. There's even a remote control function that lets you control the settings of your rear seat. You also get air suspension, four-zone climate control, iDrive system with navigation and gesture control, an optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system and BMW Night Vision. On the safety front, it is equipped with 6 dual-stage airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESP, traction control, 360-degree cameras, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors.
Interior
The cabin of the 7 Series oozes craftsmanship – right from the light-coloured wood grain, brushed metal and soft leather upholstery to the contrast stitching and the well crafted dashboard. The iDrive system can be operated via a touchscreen and a few gesture controls, apart from the regular touchpad and click-wheel. The front seats are well bolstered, and the space at the rear is great. There's ample legroom and headroom, and the rear chairs even recline, while the armrest in the centre folds down. It also consists of seat controls and a Samsung tablet that gives you access to a host of settings for the infotainment, ambient lighting etc. The front passenger seat can be folded forward to free up space, while also relieving the footrest behind it. And while the M Sport variant gets paddle-shifters, the other ones do not. Boot space is massive at 520 litres.
Engine Specifications & Performance
The 2016 BMW 7 Series is powered by two engine options: a 3.0-litre diesel engine that produces 262bhp and 620Nm of torque and a 3.0-litre petrol engine that makes 322bhp and 450Nm of torque. Paired to both engines is an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. In Sport Plus mode, the diesel feels really quick, and there's a nice, sporty sound that can be heard when you floor the throttle. In the city, however, it's best to stick to Comfort mode. There's ample power on tap, and the engine is very refined at low speeds. EcoPro mode is perfect for when you're cruising on the highway, as it helps in getting the best fuel efficiency. The twin-scroll turbocharged straight-six petrol engine is very quiet at idle, and it's only after 3000rpm, that you hear the engine. Acceleration is smooth; push it to the redline however, and that's when it puts all that power down so seamlessly. Even the petrol-engined 7 Series gets four driving modes. Ride quality is impressive, making it an ideal car for everyday usability – particularly in Comfort mode. And Sport mode ensures the car stays composed, so the occupants don't get thrown about in the cabin. The steering is sharp and responsive, while body control too, is good.
Mileage
The BMW 7 Series' ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure is rated at 16.77kmpl for the diesel model and 12.5kmpl for the petrol model.
