BMW is leading the luxury segment into a new era that will be shaped by innovations in the fields of sustainability and digitalization. With the new BMW 7-Series, the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles is creating forward-looking ways to enjoy pure driving satisfaction, unsurpassed long-distance comfort, and a top-end digital experience. Central to this reinterpretation is the BMW i7. The models at the pinnacle of BMW’s luxury range are wrapped in a new definition of luxury that focuses on the individual and their personal attitudes, needs and emotions. In addition to presence, elegance and exclusive premium quality, there is a progressive approach characterized by innovations that directly enhance the user experience, wide-ranging connectivity, and standard-setting sustainability of the new 7. In this way, the new BMW 7-Series has been designed to meet the needs of a clientele that sees itself as committed to meeting challenges in a responsible manner – and one that views personal mobility as a way to experience unique moments in everyday life and on trips away. The all-electric luxury sedan is a fully integrated member of the 7-Series line, and clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of on-board wellbeing can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
The 2023 BMW 740i is powered by a thoroughly upgraded version of the iconic B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. Now dubbed B58TU2, the new Miller cycle six-cylinder features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, electronically controlled VANOS variable camshaft timing, and 48-volt mild hybrid technology. All of this adds up to a typical BMW outcome: more power, lower emissions. And for the very first time in its history, the 7-Series is now available fully electric. Featuring two highly efficient current-excited electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of instantaneous torque, the i7 xDrive60 will sprint from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 300 zero-emission miles in utter silence and profound luxury. The 760i xDrive combines the relentless power of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 borrows technology from BMW Motorsport, and features a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling, and further developed turbocharging. The V8, too, gains 48V mild hybrid technology, and with the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission delivers the twin benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration, and greater efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation.
The brand’s hallmark twin circular headlights and BMW kidney grille have been newly interpreted. The light functions are now divided into two separate areas, with the upper elements acting as the more prominent focal point, especially when highlighted by optional Swarovski crystal details. This gives the front end of the new BMW 7-Series a progressive and memorable appearance. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the dark lower units set deep into the front apron. These lights only become visible when switched on after dark. The new BMW 7-Series comes standard with Adaptive LED Headlights including cornering light and high beam assistant. The expressive design features created for the exterior of the new BMW 7-Series authentically reflect its place atop the BMW luxury class and the promise of an extraordinary on-board experience. The vertically prominent front end, with the combination of the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille presiding as its centerpiece and two-piece split headlight units, give the new 7-Series a powerful and distinctive presence. The front-end design, developed specifically for BMW’s flagship models, enables clear differentiation from the brand’s other models.
The crystal headlights also play a role in a visually expressive Welcome and Goodbye Scenario. When the customer approaches their car, first the illuminated surround of the BMW kidney grille is activated, followed by the enhanced sparkle of the BMW crystal headlights. Then the standard-fit dynamic light carpet is revealed. LED lights integrated into the door sills project four graphics, one after the other, onto the ground just outside the doors of the new BMW 7-Series. This welcome display continues in the interior as part of a neatly composed choreography that enhances the luxury-infused digital experience. The clean surfacing of the front apron, with only a small number of contour lines, underscores the muscular and solid appearance of the new BMW 7-Series. The car’s width is also emphasized by the single-piece lower air intake and slim side intakes positioned at the outer edges of the front end. Another unique design cue for the new-generation car is the chiseled hood with a dynamic streak down its centerline.
The slim strip of lights set high up in the front end brings together the daytime driving lights, side marker lights, and turn indicators. Their crisp graphic replicating a pair of upturned “L”s projects a technically sophisticated feel. The optional crystal headlights create an all-new light effect that is both highly dramatic and completely functional. Crystals from Swarovski – again arranged in L-shapes and each backlit by 14 LED units – function as side marker lights and daytime driving lights. Whether the lights are switched on or off, the crystals reflect the available light in a multitude of facets. Even sunshine sparks a unique aesthetic in the crystal structure and brings the front end to life. At night, 22 LED units light up the crystals from behind and join with the kidney grille’s contour lighting to create an unmistakable light signature. Two LED elements below the crystals provide the striking daytime driving light signature, integrate the turn indicator and enhance the sparkle of the crystals in each function and color.
Besides the locally emission-free driving offered by the new BMW i7, the remaining powertrain variants for the brand’s new flagship model are also shining examples of efficiency through electrification. All engines available for the new BMW 7-Series range are members of a new modular generation of the BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engine family and will be equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology worldwide. Playing a key role here is the world premiere of the new 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which is standard in all combustion-engine model variants and is unique in this segment. Now installed in a compact housing as part of a 48V mild hybrid system is an electric motor, complete with the necessary power electronics, which acts as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator and helps the combustion engine to deliver a smooth, dynamic, and, at the same time, efficient drive. The mild hybrid system generates torque of 147 lb-ft and an output boost of up to 12 hp, depending on the driving situation. This additional drive torque translates into remarkably instantaneous response to the slightest movement of the accelerator, both when pulling away and when putting in a sudden burst of speed.
Under the hood of the new BMW 760i xDrive is a 4.4-liter V8 engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, channeling its power to the road through an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 boasts a number of technological highlights that are designed to enhance both its sporty power delivery and its efficiency. It utilizes the thermodynamic benefits of a cross-bank exhaust manifold and external engine oil cooling. In addition, a reinforced crankshaft drive, further developed turbocharging with a blow-off valve, a new oil pump and a weight-minimized oil sump all play their part in increasing the engine’s efficiency. With an increased output of 536 hp (and peak torque of 553 lb-ft), the eight-cylinder engine propels the new BMW 760i xDrive from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.2 seconds. The controlled intervention of the electric motor also noticeably increases comfort levels when the Auto Start Stop function cuts in and in idling and coasting situations. The coasting function with deactivated combustion engine comes into play in the My Mode Efficient.
The BMW 740i is powered by a substantially upgraded 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology. The new engine is now rated at 375 hp, a 40-horsepower increase over the previous generation, and peak torque of 383 lb-ft, which can be briefly boosted to as much as 398 lb-ft with a lift from the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control on the intake side is now complemented by switchable rocker arms on the exhaust side, allowing gas exchange to be interrupted, if required. In this way, the engine’s frictional torque on the overrun can be reduced by around two thirds. Therefore, when the driver releases the accelerator, a higher proportion of the braking energy can be absorbed by the mild hybrid system’s generator and fed into the 48V battery by means of recuperation. The innovations that contribute to both the output of the straight-six engine and its efficiency and emissions performance include the application of a Miller cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and an ignition system featuring an active coil with integrated electronics. The effectiveness of the turbocharging system and intercooler has also been increased.
The chassis technology for the new BMW 7-Series range has been engineered and tuned to make allowance for both varying customer preferences and the increased diversity of the powertrain portfolio. Wheel suspension, the spring and damping systems, the steering, and the braking system are all designed to ensure the latest generation of the BMW 7-Series delivers the blend of dynamic performance and ride comfort for which it is renowned. As a result, they are equally adept at delivering a high performance driving experience behind the wheel and outstanding passenger comfort. The increased body rigidity, larger wheels and wider tires of the new BMW 7-Series combine with its wider tracks of 65.6 inches at the front (an increase of 1.9 inches) and 64.9 inches at the rear (an increase of 0.16 inches) to provide remarkable agility, precise steering, and high lateral acceleration. The sedan’s double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension have also undergone an extensive upgrade. An elastic steering gear mounting has been fitted on the front axle subframe to improve acoustic properties. This is supplemented by a model-specific motor mount on the BMW i7. In all-wheel-drive models, an aluminum shear panel now increases torsional rigidity at the front end. The new hydro mounts for the rear axle subframe (bi-directional on the BMW i7) are another factor contributing to the vehicle’s enhanced ride comfort.
