The new 7th generation BMW 7 Series has just been unveiled and while it may look like a luxury concept car, it’s actually a production car that rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. Alongside the petrol- and diesel-powered 7 Series, BMW has also unveiled the all-electric i7 variant – the first alternative flagship since the 7 Series was introduced in 1977.
The new 7 Series debuts a new design style – first seen on the recently refreshed X7 SUV – that’s a mix of soft edges and sharp triangles. The new 7 features many new technologies, including a curved instrument cluster and an infotainment display similar to that of the iX electric SUV. The interior is also fitted with touchscreens throughout that control various aspects of the car, including a giant display that drops down from the ceiling.
According to BMW CEO Oliver Zipse, the new 7 Series can be described as “Tech Magic at its best”. So here are 10 features that set the new BMW 7 Series apart from its main competition.
10 Bold exterior design
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The exterior of the new 7 Series is certainly eye-catching and a big departure from the previous generation. The new model is slightly longer, wider and higher than the previous model and has more rounded corners. Still, it seems like BMW is stepping away from older 7 Series designs in terms of overall shape – leaning towards a more boxy shape rather than the fully rounded design of the Mercedes-Bens EQS or Audi A8.
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The 7 Series and i7 series models differ only slightly as both cars are built on the same platform. The i7 has a few subtle electric car trinkets like blue trim and slightly different bumpers. Overall, it takes a second look at the car to differentiate between the 7 Series and i7 – which is easily possible with the S-Class and EQS.
9 Familiar yet new interior
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The interior of the new 7 Series is brand new – but features some elements that can also be found in other BMW models. The curved instrument cluster and infotainment display are almost the same as the iX SUV and i4 EV. The rest of the dashboard is a new design – more minimalist than the previous model – and features hidden air intakes and crystal inlays.
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The dashboard is available in a range of materials including oak and ash wood, carbon fiber and stainless steel. Seats are completely bespoke for both 7 Series and are ventilated, heated and almost infinitely adjustable as standard, with many materials available – including soft Nappa leather and even cashmere. The car is also fitted with a huge panoramic glass roof, which has individual strands of LED lights embedded in it to create quite an outlandish lighting mood.
Also see: 10 coolest features of the 2022 BMW iX
8th New screens for more control
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The interior is flooded with screens. At the front is the main infotainment system, which has all the standard features like satellite navigation, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A great decision on the part of BMW was to keep the climate controls as separate buttons rather than putting them in a menu somewhere.
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At the back, BMW has done away with the center armrest tablet and added a touchscreen on each rear door to replace it. Now each rear passenger can control their own climate and entertainment, as well as select new destinations for their chauffeur to drive to.
Related: These are the pros and cons of the Mercedes-Benz EQS
7 Theater mode – an automotive first
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The new 7-Series and i7 can optionally be fitted with a huge 31-inch 8K cinema screen suspended from the ceiling. When Theater Mode is activated, the privacy screens rise from the rear windows and the massive sunroof closes while the display slides down.
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The screen has a built-in 5G internet connection and comes standard with Amazon Fire TV, making it easy to stream movies and series on long journeys. The screen is also capable of making video calls – handy for the businessman on the go. Sound quality should be exceptional as the screen is complemented by a 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo system.
6 An almost Rolls-Royce level of comfort
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All versions of the new 7 Series and i7 come standard with adaptive air suspension with level control. This system can be lowered 0.4 inches when driving fast or on the freeway, or raised 0.8 inches when maneuvering to avoid scratching the bumpers on the pavement.
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The 7 is also offered with optional rear-wheel steering for added stability and maneuverability. Pay even more and BMW will add some extra electric motors to the suspension and anti-roll bars, resulting in active body control to keep the car level during aggressive cornering.
Also Read: What Rolls-Royce Learned After Arctic Testing of Its Specter EV
5 Livelier to drive than rivals
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All the optimisations to the chassis and the impeccable BMW chassis tuning make the new 7 Series significantly sportier than the previous generation. That doesn’t mean the car is tough on bumpy roads, quite the opposite.
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With both versions of the new 7 Series being built on the same platform, the i7 could actually be an electric car that’s fun and appealing to drive. Perhaps this could be the tipping point where electric cars become more than just one-trick ponies.
4 Powerful electric version coming soon
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The first electric model to go on sale will be the i7 xDrive60, which comes with twin motors that combine to give a healthy 544 hp. This version therefore has around 20 hp more than the corresponding Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 and manages the sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
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BMW has confirmed that there will be a more powerful version called the i7 M70. This model will have 660 hp and 738 lb.ft of torque, making it the most powerful BMW to date. The i7 M70 is said to reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
3 BMW individuality
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BMW will also offer its individual service with the new 7 series with a range of new colors and features. Although they haven’t given everything away, some press photos show a two-tone M760e with a black and gray livery.
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These personalization options will most likely be available on every version of the 7 Series and i7, regardless of the price point. The M Package vehicles also feature blacked-out exterior accents that give the car a more aggressive and imposing stance.
2 Almost autonomous driving
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The 7 Series and i7 are available with a variety of safety and driver assistance systems, including Level 3 autonomous driving. This system allows the car to drive itself not only on main roads and motorways, but also on some secondary roads.
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BMW has said owners in the US can even drive their cars autonomously without touching the steering wheel – something current cars are still forcing owners to do. This is a big step forward in autonomous commuting.
Related: These are the different levels of autonomous driving in a nutshell
1 Better value for money
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BMW has stated that the new i7 will be available from late 2022, while the 7 Series will go on sale in Spring 2023. The i7 will start with the xDrive60 trim and start at around $120,000. Consider the i7 M70 a bit more expensive when it’s finally unveiled.
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The 7 Series in the US starts with the 6-cylinder 740i, which starts at $94,000. This is considerably less than the equivalent 6-cylinder S-Class, which starts at around $112,000. The V8 760i xDrive starts at $115,000, in contrast to the V8 S-Class, which costs almost $119,000. That being said, all prices exclude options that can easily reach atmospheric heights in large luxury sedans.
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About the author
Michael De Kock (97 published articles)
Michael De Kock has a passion for cars and everything from avocados to particle accelerators. He studied psychology and knows a bit about repairing cars (mostly old Land Rovers). He also blogs and has a book, 125 Creative Writing Prompts for Petrolheads, available on Amazon. His philosophy of life: Stop the hate – Adopt a V8.
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