2016 BMW 7 Series snapped during Indian customer preview - Spied

27/11/2015 - 16:55 BMW 7 Series, BMW, Spy pictures Aravind Jayachandran

Launch to take place at the Auto Expo 2016

BMW India is holding an exclusive customer preview of the 2016 BMW 7 Series in Goa today, well ahead of its market launch at the Auto Expo 2016, according to a BMW spokesperson.

2016 BMW 7 Series front quarters India preview spied — The 2016 7 Series would be available in India solely in LWB specification.

Making its public debut at the 2015 IAA in Frankfurt, the new 7 Series gives a preview of what we can expect from the next generation model range from BMW. The exterior design draws inspiration from the BMW Gran Lusso Concept, featuring a bolder kidney grille with active cooling, Laser headlamps, LED foglamps, more chrome details, LED taillamps and dual exhaust tips.

Inside, the 7 Series debuts a new design direction that will influence future BMWs. It comes with latest iDrive 5.0 that supports touch gestures, largest head-up display fitted to a car, high resolution displays for HVAC and seat ventilation systems, new multifunction steering wheel, customizable driver's display, ambient lighting, and optional individual seats for the rear with power adjustment.

2016 BMW 7 Series front India preview spied — Initial units of the new 7-er could be imported through the CBU route.

Also Read: BMW India announces 3 percent price hike effective 1 Jan, 2016

The only diesel option for the Indian market is the BMW 730Ld, which packs a six-cylinder diesel engine making 265 PS (7 PS more than the outgoing model), and is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Power is sent to the rear wheels, while fuel efficiency is rated at 22.2 km/L (EU cycle).

Given that the Indian government has certain restrictions on radar-based features, it's unclear whether the Indian-spec BMW 7 Series will offer Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and Lane Departure Warning Assistant.