Rendering - 2016 BMW 7 Series to weigh less than current 5 Series

Will set a new benchmark in its segment for weight saving by shedding about 200 kg.

Seen here is a speculative rendering of the next generation BMW 7 Series, which is reported to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next September. A report from Autocar UK sheds a few more details about the new Mercedes S Class challenger.

As said earlier, the new 7 Series will shed about 200 kg of its weight by using a high content of high-strength aluminium and carbon fiber. Weight saving techniques learned from the i3 and i8 projects will be used for the new 7 Series. At about 1,650 kg for the 740i model, the new 7 Series will weigh less than a current 5 Series 535i says the report.

Engine options for the new 7 Series will not start from six-cylinder units, in fact, a four-cylinder engine will power the base model, the report reads. BMW are planning a new entry-level on the 7 Series which could see power come from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. The petrol engines on the other hand will include six-, eight- and twelve-cylinder engines.

The new 7 Series if launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show next year, should arrive in India in late 2015 or early 2016.

Competitors: Mercedes S Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ

Expected Price: INR 1 crore upwards, ex-Showroom

Launch date: Late 2015 or early 2016

[Source - Autocar UK]