The ultimate BMW, the 7 Series Beemer has just been launched in India. That's right, India gets it just months after its International launch but that comes as no surprise as India is an emerging market for BMW and that the 7 series is fully imported as a Completely built Unit (CBU). So, not only can the car get here sooner but at an astronomical cost too.
Three models have been launched initially - the 730Ld, 740i, 750i but expect the terrestrial jet 760Li to be available on order. The cost of the 750Li comes at a whopping price tag of Rs 93,30,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The prices of the other two models will be announced after their launch later this year. The 7 is available with a choice of 8 paint and 8 interior fabric finishes but as is the norm with all luxury cars, expect infinitely customizable options (provided you have the cash).
Even though this is a luxury car, expect BMW levels of driver involvement and undiluted dynamics. Debuting in the 7 is the Dynamic Damper Technology. The newly developed dampers adjust infinitely in the inbound and rebound stroke to both road conditions and style of motoring preventing unwanted movements of the car caused by bumps or fast lateral acceleration operating independently of one another to prevent undesired movements of the car caused by bumps or fast lateral acceleration. Also present is the drive selector that has 4 modes for Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.
Leading the list of innovations is the 4 wheel steering, dubbed the Integral Active Steering. At low speeds, it turns in a direction opposite to that of the front wheels to reduce the turning circle and ease the turn in while at high speeds, it turns in the same direction albeit at a very small angle to aid stability. Heads-up display is a first in this segment and the night vision is improved to the extent of even noticing humans. As with all BMW's, Run Flat tyres come as standard. BMW's improved i-Drive is also present. Energy conservation in the form of brake energy regeneration has also been incorporated in the new 7.
* For the first time the entire instrument cluster is made up of a high-resolution colour display in black panel technology presenting all information required for motoring. When the car is at a standstill, the display forms a black, homogenous panel.
* Another new feature is the 10.2-inch display with enhanced resolution and a list structure replacing the former compass arrangement
* A state-of-the-art entertainment system featured as standard in the 750Li includes a 6 DVD changer along with an 80 GB hard disk and TV module that includes two 9.2 inch screens integrated in the front seat backrests with independent rear seat controls. The four-zone automatic air conditioning now features individual temperature, air volume and distribution control for the rear passengers. Innovative seat venting and massage seats at the rear and active seats available for front seat passengers ensure driver and passenger comfort is accentuated to unimaginable levels.
Don't ever think that the 7 series has put on a lot of fat and increased its mass. In spite of better and higher levels of equipment, it is 55Kg lighter than the equivalent 730Ld, which is due to extensive use of alloys like aluminium and magnesium in the bodywork.
IAB Comment-This is the ultimate in luxury and the S-Class surely gets some good competition from this 7. Lets see how the three compete and which one wins.
BMW 7 Series Data
BMW 7 Series Images
