India-bound 2016 BMW 7 Series - Motorshow Focus
Will have its Indian launch at the 2016 Delhi Auto Expo.
BMW showcased the 2016 BMW 7 Series at the 2015 Thai Motor Expo. The flagship luxury sedan was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and is sold in the US with a starting price of US$81,300 for the 740i variant.
This is the first Bimmer to be based on the BMW CLAR modular platform that is made from what BMW calls ‘Carbon Core’ technology. This is one of the most significant developments on the new 7 Series, as it is the first mass-produced car to integrate industrially manufactured Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in its construction in combination with steel and aluminum. This mixed materials approach has led to more rigidity and strength of the passenger cell along with a weight reduction of up to 130 kg.
The interior gets the iDrive 5.0 infotainment system that for the first time supports touch as well as gesture controls. The dashboard is wrapped in leather and embellished with wooden trim while the seats are upholstered in Dakota or Nappa leather.
The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and reduced button count on the center console emphasize the clean and clutter-free layout of the cabin. Standard features are a large head-up display, individually power-adjustable rear seats and smartphone holder with inductive charging.
More luxury is on offer for those who go for the Executive Lounge package or the long-wheelbase variants. The added features on these offerings are ventilated seats with massage function, four-zone automatic climate control, Sky Lounge glass roof and a premium Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround audio system.
The engines on offer are the 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8 gasoline unit developing 445 hp / 650 Nm of torque; a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline-6 gasoline engine generating 320 hp / 450 Nm and a 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline-6 diesel churning out 259 hp and 620 Nm of peak torque.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid variant that derives power from a 2.0-liter twin turbo four-cylinder petrol engine assisted by a 93 hp electric motor giving a combined output of 320 hp. All of the above engines will be mated only to a 8-speed automatic transmission.