BMW‘s flagship 7 Series sedan is getting a thorough makeover inside and out for 2016.
Calling the latest 7 Series a technological marvel is an understatement – among the new features is BMW’s latest iDrive 5.0 infotainment system. Not only does it now have a touchscreen monitor, but iDrive also boasts a small camera mounted near the rear-view mirror and handful of 3D sensors that track and respond to pre-programmed hand controls. Rotating a finger clockwise turns up the volume, swiping to the right ignores a phone call and jabbing at the dashboard with two fingers jumps to the next radio station, to name just a few of the possibilities.
2016 BMW 7 Series
Handout, BMW
Not to completely ignore autonomy, the 2016 7 Series can park itself while the driver is outside, but we won’t see that particular feature in North America. Instead, our 7 Series’ park assist system can squeeze into parallel and perpendicular spaces. Adaptive cruise control is another staple of the 7 Series’ technological features, along with optional massaging and reclining rear seats, heated door armrests, a 16-speaker sound system and a panoramic roof with LEDs etched inside, giving off the impression of a starry sky. Posh enough for you?
2016 BMW 7 Series
Handout, BMW
On the outside, the 2016 7 Series is largely similar to the outgoing model, save for redesigned front and rear fascias, new lighting and restyled wheels. Under the sheet metal we see more changes, specifically a new chassis BMW calls Carbon Core. It’s a mix of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and high-tensile steel, a mix similar to what we’ve seen on BMW’s i models. All told, the 7 Series is 86 kg lighter than the 2015 model and maintains a 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
In North America, the base 740i will come standard with BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, rated at 320 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. Stepping up to the 750i xDrive nets a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 pumping out 445 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque.
2016 BMW 7 Series
Handout, BMW
Both engines will be paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 740i will be initially available as a rear-wheel-drive model, with an all-wheel-drive version joining the lineup down the road. A rear-wheel-drive 750i will join the lineup down the road as well.
Canadian pricing hasn’t been announced just yet, but the 740i will start at $81,400 in the U.S., while the 750i xDrive is priced at $97,400. Expect to see the 2016 7 Series in dealers by this autumn.
2016 BMW 7 Series
Handout, BMW
