New BMW 7 Series unveiled in Portugal

PORTO, Portugal: On Oct. 24, the global launch of the new BMW 7 Series will arguably witness the most advanced luxury saloon in the world.
The new sixth generation 7 Series initiates some innovative technology into the segment.
It also enhances superior comfort without losing the traditional agility and driving dynamics that BMW is renowned for.
The new 7 Series can park itself in a garage by remote control while the driver is outside the car and can recognize hand gestures by the driver with a high degree of accuracy. The car also managed to lose 130 kilograms of weight and achieve a superior degree of aerodynamic efficiency with a drag coefficient of only 0.24.
Walter Schindlebeck, vice president of the 7 Series Project, explains that the light weight was achieved by extensive use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic in the passenger cell as part of an intelligent material mix which includes high tensile steel and aluminum.
He adds that front flaps close during driving to reduce drag and only open when more cooling air is needed by the engine.
While every previous generation of the 7 Series managed to introduce one innovation to the industry such as the i-Drive in the 4th generation and night vision in the fifth generation, this generation has introduced many new technologies and also integrated many technical features such as Lane Control Assistant, Traffic Jam Assistant and Rear Cross Traffic Warning.
While driving, the driver has on display the legal speed limit and the actual figure of the car’s speed which changes color into red when it exceeds the legal limit.
The new sixth generation was introduced to the global media in Portugal in a two-day program that included driving on some of the finest mountain routes in Europe.
The drive emphasized BMW claim that despite focus on comfort and efficiency, driving dynamics remain supreme in the company’s objective for its new flagship.
BMW launched the new 7 Series in a long-wheelbase format to cater for the Chinese — and Middle Eastern — markets which prefer space and comfort in the back seats.
The short-wheelbase version will be introduced later for the European markets.

Innovations

The new 7 Series applies laser light technology first used in the i8, which virtually double the full beam range compared with LED headlights.
In addition to remote parking by use of the unique display key, the driver can interact with the car through a series of hand gestures.
A wiping hand action dismisses an incoming telephone call while a rotary motion adjusts the volume of radio or audio output.
A two-finger gesture assigns a driver’s choice of function.
A sophisticated head-up display is now available to the 7 Series driver.
The display projects information over a 70 percent larger area than in the previous model.
The information includes navigation details in addition to legal speed limits, actual speed and functions of active cruise control.
A wide range of smartphones can now be charged wirelessly.
The car also provides its own ‘hot spot” for wireless communications of devices onboard.
Reiner Friedrich, vice president, driver assistance, said to Arab News that the 7 Series is more ready than ever for autonomous driving but that prevailing rules and regulations require a driver to be at the steering wheel at all times.
He explained that the semi-automated functions in the car allows the driver to keep pre-set speeds and distance to the car in front while also controlling steering within its lane to speeds up to 210 kmh.
The connected drive keeps the driver informed of real-time traffic information and other online services.

Backseat comfort

BMW takes a leap forward in providing backseat comfort in the new 7 Series.
The front passenger seat can be retracted to give the rear passenger an executive lounge space with electric seat adjustment and massage function.
The passenger has maximum leg room and footrest which folds down from the front seat.
A full length rear console allows control of the video and entertainment functions through a digital pad.
Full size screens and a fold-down table complete an office-like environment in the back seats while ambient lighting can be adjusted to suit the mood.
There is also a function for mixing the air-conditioning inside the vehicle with perfumed scents.
Eight scents in four categories are available to choose from. Vanity mirrors with lights are now available to back seats as well as front seat.
At night the car provides a “carpet of light” alongside the passenger doors which illuminates the floor during entry and exit.
All these ideas were well-researched on a global level by the company.
Timo Resch, vice president, product management — Grand Series explained that the company sent teams to China and the Middle East to find out more about what customers want.
He added that individual luxury choices could be adapted to clients’ wishes from the launch date.
What is remarkable about the new 7 Series is that despite all the refinements for luxury driving, the car kept is renowned agility and sharp dynamics.
This was put to the test during two days of long-distance driving in Portugal and the car performed beyond expectations.
This new generation is likely to do well in the Middle East.
Previous generations have been best sellers in the region.