BMW 7 Series Gets Extreme Makeover: Is It the Ultimate Luxury Sedan?

BMW Unleashes Radical 7 Series Facelift

BMW has completely transformed its flagship 7 Series sedan, giving it the most dramatic update in its history. This isn’t just a minor refresh; it’s a complete overhaul designed to make a bold statement. The updated 7 Series aims to redefine luxury and presence on the road.

Exterior: A Striking New Face

From the first glance, the new 7 Series commands attention with its dramatically revised front end. The headlights are now split into two distinct levels, with a slimmer, more integrated main beam unit.

This design change allows for a larger, more imposing grille, giving the car a powerful and assertive look. BMW has even altered metal panels, adding a distinctive ‘valley of wealth’ to the hood, a rare move for a mid-cycle update.

The signature BMW kidney grille has also been reshaped, appearing slightly larger and flatter. When you unlock the car, you’re greeted by a welcoming light show, a feature now common across BMW’s newer models. Puddle lights illuminate the ground as you approach, adding a touch of sophistication.

The side profile remains elegant, but the wheel designs are fresh, with options up to 21 inches, and even larger 22-inch wheels available. The two-tone paint options have expanded significantly, with nearly 500 color combinations possible, including unique satin finishes that take days to perfect.

Door handles have been redesigned for a cleaner look, featuring a simple pop-out mechanism. At the rear, the 7 Series sports a new trunk lid and bumper, contributing to a tidier appearance.

The taillights echo the design language seen in other new BMWs, and they also participate in the car’s welcome and farewell light animations. A neat feature allows you to open or close the doors remotely via the infotainment screen, a handy tool for chauffeurs.

Interior: A Digital Sanctuary

Step inside, and the 7 Series reveals a completely new interior design philosophy. It embraces multi-layered surfaces and a wide array of premium materials, including wood and carbon fiber trims. The headliner feels exceptionally luxurious, and the steering wheel, updated from other recent BMWs, feels more premium with its high-quality leather.

The centerpiece is the large, vibrant infotainment screen, which is incredibly responsive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A standout feature is the ‘Panoramic Eye Vision,’ a sophisticated head-up display projected onto the windshield. It shows crucial information like speed and navigation prompts directly in your line of sight, with customizable views, including a sporty tachometer.

For the first time in a BMW, a dedicated screen for the front passenger is available, mirroring features seen in competitors like Audi and Mercedes-Benz. This screen comes preloaded with apps like YouTube and Disney+, and you can even connect a game controller to play.

Ambient lighting is extensive, with customizable colors and themes. You can even upload your own photos, and the system will adapt the interior lighting to match the colors in the image. While there’s a lot to play with, most owners will likely set their preferred lighting and leave it.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering good storage solutions with USB ports, cup holders, and a 44-watt wireless charging pad. The door bins are generously sized, and thankfully, there’s a physical glove box, unlike some cars that rely solely on the touchscreen. Climate controls and seat heating are managed through the screen, which keeps the dashboard clean but can be less intuitive for quick adjustments.

Technology and Convenience

BMW’s voice assistant, powered by Amazon Alexa, offers extensive control over car functions. However, its reliance on an internet connection means voice commands may not work in areas with poor signal, a step back from older, fully onboard systems. The sunroof blind, while featuring intricate patterns that sync with the ambient lighting, experienced some initial technical glitches during testing, highlighting the complexities of such advanced features.

The rear seats are where the 7 Series truly shines as a luxury transport. With generous headroom, ample legroom (as all models are long-wheelbase), and deeply cushioned seats, it’s a first-class experience. The fold-down armrest includes storage, USB ports, wireless charging, and hidden cup holders.

The rear entertainment system features a massive, improved 8K touchscreen that supports touch input and delivers incredible Dolby Atmos sound through 36 speakers, some integrated into the seats for a truly immersive experience. When not in use, the entire system folds away neatly.

Performance and Practicality

The 7 Series will be available with a range of powertrains. These include 3.0-liter straight-six diesel and petrol engines, a plug-in hybrid variant producing over 600 horsepower, and the all-electric i7 with 680 horsepower. There are even whispers of a V8 model without any electrification, appealing to traditionalists.

For practicality, the trunk offers a generous capacity of 500-540 liters, depending on the specific model. While the rear seats do not fold down, there is a through-loading feature, and the space is ample for luggage. The car’s overall dimensions ensure a commanding presence, and the attention to detail throughout the cabin speaks to its luxury intentions.

Verdict: A Bold New Era for BMW Luxury

The updated BMW 7 Series is a bold and uncompromising statement in the luxury sedan segment. Its radical styling, advanced technology, and opulent interior aim to set new benchmarks.

While the design might be polarizing, its commitment to luxury and innovation is undeniable. For those seeking the pinnacle of automotive comfort and cutting-edge features, the new 7 Series presents a compelling, albeit expensive, proposition.

Pricing for the new 7 Series starts at approximately $96,400 for the 740i, with the i7 xDrive60 beginning at $105,700. Higher-performance M models and plug-in hybrids will command even higher prices. Availability is expected to begin in late 2024.

Source: MASSIVE UPGRADES for the new BMW 7 Series (YouTube)