these rules.
bmw
Over the past few decades, we’ve seen countless concept cars set up as chic autonomous lounges with furniture-like seats and wild infotainment screens for future commuters to work or relax on the go. Rear seat screens have also been common since the 1990s, although these are usually relegated to small seatback displays or outdated tablet setups. BMW is now taking rear-seat entertainment into the future and on Wednesday unveiled a 31-inch theater screen in the new 7 Series sedan, putting some home theater setups to shame.
Measuring 31.3 inches diagonally, to be precise, the deployable theater screen has an 8K resolution and can display media in 16:9, 21:9 or 32:9 aspect ratios. The 7 Series has 5G wireless connectivity and Amazon Fire TV is built-in, allowing passengers to stream content in 4K UHD to apps like Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Twitch and YouTube. You can also stream music, play games, watch live TV, view information about your trip, or watch pre-downloaded media. Two Bluetooth headphones can be connected, and with different viewer profiles, you can pick up your movie or show where you left off at home.
The theater screen is touch-screen and can be electronically moved forward and backward for better viewing angle or accessibility. Rear passengers can also control the system via voice command or via the 5.5-inch touchscreens integrated into each rear door. These screens not only control the infotainment system and volume, but also the climate controls, seats, lights and other infotainment features. When the cinema screen is extended, the sunshades for the rear doors and rear window are automatically raised and the interior lights are dimmed.
I have to get on this seat as soon as possible.
bmw
Obviously a screen like this needs high-end audio to support it, and every 7 Series comes standard with an 18-speaker, 655-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system. But what you really want is the optional 4D Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system, with a total of 36 speakers and a 1,965-watt amplifier. Four of these speakers are located in the headliner and each headrest contains two surround speakers. The 4D system also uses exciters in the seats that vibrate in conjunction with the audio being played, and BMW worked with Hans Zimmer to design all sorts of unique sounds for the car, including acceleration sounds for the all-electric i7.
When not in use, the theater screen folds into the roof to look like a thick crossbar dividing the glass. However, this is not just a regular panoramic sunroof. The 7 Series comes standard with what BMW has dubbed the Panorama Sky Lounge, a single solid piece of glass that runs the length of the roof and features integrated LED light filaments. The pattern of the lights reflects the quilting of the seats and the color can be configured individually or matched to the chosen My Mode environment. There are also animations such as a welcome effect when entering the car or one that, according to BMW, “intensifies the feeling of acceleration” when the car is in motion. It’s all very over the top, which we like, but an electronic sunshade can be closed if you so choose.
Each door has a 5.5 inch screen.
bmw
The rear seat experience is hugely important for a large luxury sedan like the 7 Series, especially in markets like China where it’s far more common to be driven around by a chauffeur than in the US – and BMW expects around 70% of new 7 Series sales accounted for in China. To that end, the less digital aspects of the 7 Series’ cabin look just as good. When equipped with the Executive Lounge package, the rear seats get massage functions and recline up to 42.5 degrees, as well as adjustable neck pillows, heated armrests and a fold-out glass infotainment controller. The seat behind the passenger has an integrated, extendable calf support, the front seat has a heel rest and can slide and recline all the way forward to offer the rear passenger maximum space. The 7 Series is also offered with a fabulous mix of wool and cashmere upholstery and sumptuous leather.
You see, I love driving, but on long road trips there are so many moments when I just want to put my feet up and relax while someone else trudges through hundreds of boring miles of freeway. And the Theater Screen will also be available on the all-electric i7 version of the new 7 Series, making it the ultimate solution for what to do when you need to stop and charge. The 7 Series and i7 will go on sale by the end of the year, with theatrical screen priced around $5,000.
The BMW cinema screen is the pinnacle of in-car entertainment
View All Photos Receive the CNET TVs, Streaming and Audio Newsletter
Become a home entertainment expert with our handpicked tips, reviews and deals. Delivered on Wednesdays.