The role of BMW’s crown jewel 7 Series may have evolved, but it retains its mandate of presenting the brand’s latest thinking in terms of ultimate luxury, comfort and technology, writes Ian McClaren in the March 2023 issue of CAR Magazine.
Unveiled in 1977 as the E23, the 7 Series has a proud history of showcasing ground-breaking levels of sophistication and technological breakthroughs. From the introduction of Xenon lights in the second-generation car to the incorporation of satellite navigation in the 1994 “Bond” version, the reveal of an all-new 7 Series always corresponds with a glimpse into the future.
Although the larger overall dimensions correspond with improved levels of spaciousness and comfort, BMW is quick to point out that historically most 7 Series owners favour driving over being chauffeured.
Related: BMW outsells archrival Mercedes-Benz in 2022
This may well change in the new 7, though, as over-and-above the expected levels of luxury in the rear passenger compartment, highlights include tablet-type touchpads in the door handles and the option of a 31,3-inch, 8K cinema screen that deploys from the roof, capable of streaming everything from Netflix to YouTube. A Bowers & Wilkins audio system completes this opulent set-up.
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A sentiment shared among the journalists gathered after a day spent sampling this range is that the i7 xDrive60 is the 7 Series to have. A vehicle with such a bold and unapologetic stance may as well continue to its tale of flamboyance with a future-focused drivetrain that only adds to the sense of occasion.
BMW 740i sDrive Fast Facts
Price: from R2 160 000
Engine: 3,0-litre, straight-six, turbopetrol; 48 V electric system
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 280 kW @ 5 200–6 250 r/min
Torque: 540 N.m @ 1 850–5 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 5,4 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Fuel consumption: 8,0 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 183 g/100 km
BMW 740d xDrive Fast Facts
Price: from R2 280 000
Engine: 3,0-litre, straight-six, turbodiesel; 48 V electric system
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Power: 220 kW @ 5 000 r/min
Torque: 670 N.m @ 1 750–3 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,3 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
Fuel consumption: 6,9 L/100 km
CO2 emissions: 182 g/100 km
BMW i7 xDrive60 Fast Facts
Price: from R2 825 600
Drivetrain: dual electric motors, front and rear; 101,7 kWh battery
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Power: 400 kW
Torque: 745 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,7 seconds
Top Speed: 240 km/h
Range: 591–625 km
Find Ian on Twitter: @ianmclaren76
Also read: BMW i5 traipsing around sideways in Scandinavian snow during tests
