German giant BMW has launched the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series. According to the maker it has set a new benchmark in automotive luxury, technical innovation and class-leading driving dynamics, combined with emissions reducing and fuel saving technology.
A favourite for user-choosers and executives the flagship of the BMW model range debuts in November with a host of world firsts and will initially be offered with a choice of three powerplants, one diesel and two petrol engines. All three engines produce more power yet use less fuel and produce less emissions than the models they replace.
The BMW 730d has a new all-aluminium 3.0-litre straight-six cylinder diesel engine producing 245hp at 4,000rpm. It has a peak torque figure of 540Nm attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm.
The 2,993cc powerplant posts the lowest ever CO2 figure of any previous BMW 7 Series, it emits 192g/km and it has a 39.2mpg combined consumption figure. It can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 7.2 seconds and has a 153mph top speed.
BMW expect the 730d to be the biggest seller in the UK, accounting for approximately 85 per cent of sales.
All 7 Series can now be specified with the world’s first car available with a Side View camera system. In addition to Park Distance Control that aids slow speed manoeuvring, the front side view camera system provides another tier of driver awareness. With the touch of a button two forward facing cameras mounted in the front bumper can show an overview of traffic conditions on the iDrive display. This allows the driver to negotiate a partially obscured junction, leave a car park or drive through a narrow gate with absolute confidence.
An advanced Night Vision system is also available on the production car. BMW was the first manufacturer to fit Night Vision to a premium car and it has now upgraded this package to include a pedestrian recognition system. A control unit analyses video data of human behaviour as part of the Night Vision camera’s reach and can subsequently alert the driver if it detects a human is moving into the path of the vehicle.
The BMW 7 Series goes on sale in the UK on 15 November, 2008. Prices will be announced in due course.
Simon McBride
