Indian Autos blog

BMW has unveiled the facelifted 7 Series a bit earlier than we expected. The F01 LCI was supposed to be launched in July but BMW has decided to come out with all the official information a full two months ahead of the introduction.

Some four years after the launch of the 7 Series, BMW has made a few minor tweaks to keep the 7er fresh and happening. Let’s get down to business; So what has changed?

In the US, BMW will introduce the 7 Series facelift (LCI) in July and perhaps by the end of 2012, one can expect it to grace the Indian dealerships.

The bigger development is that BMW India has started assembling the 7 Series at its Chennai plant and will be eager to begin selling this model as the new A8 and the upcoming S-Class can leave the 7 Series behind very quickly.

Shoeb R Kalania used a powerful magnifying glass to spot differences in the new 7 Series ready for an unveiling during end 2011.

The mildly improved 7 Series could be assembled in India for an Auto Expo introduction. Last year BMW India told IAB that CKD operation for the 7 Series is “common sense” as they look to assemble as many new cars as possible. The new generation X3 (code – F25) will be newest to join that list when it is introduced in the next few months.

The 2012 7 Series will receive a new front bumper, LED indicator lights on the wing mirrors and a new LED cluster on the corner of the headlight. Likewise the tail light will be redesigned along with a new rear bumper, completing revisions at the rear.

In India the 7 Series is available in lengthened wheelbase form (14cm longer) with six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines. BMW India sold 23 units in May 2011, 32 units in April and 60 units in March of the 7 Series. For a car that costs about one crore rupees, sales performance is brisk.

Under-hood machinery on the new 7er will be tweaked for better efficiency and added performance. The six-speed automatic transmission will be replaced a new ZF-sourced eight-speed box, World Car Fans has reported. BMW India has also made the Security edition available to Indian customers and the cosmetic refreshment will apply to that variant as well though that will continue through the CBU channel.

HAMANN, which earlier showcased its tuned version of BMW 7 Series, has pushed the pack a step further. The entire program has undergone a refining procedure in which the tuner has adjusted the individual components of the aerodynamic pack, to optimize the air flow across the car silhouette. The end results are quite spectacular.

HAMANN BMW 7 Series features

• Aerodynamics components (roof spoiler and rear spoiler) optimized to reduce lift.
• Stainless steel exhaust systems with a sporty and earthy sound. Four round stainless steel end pipes with a diameter of 90 millimeters enhance the rear part of the 7-series BMW
• Interiors fitted with leather and combined with floor-mats in matching colors
• Non-slip aluminium pedals
• LED daytime running lights which are integrated in the new front skirt, increase the passive safety.
• Rear shield insert (optional) for the side skirt of the model 730d and 740i allows fitting the four-pipe sport end muffler.

click through for images, engine modifications and press release

Here is yet tuning news of a big-sized super-tuned car. The all-new BMW 7 Series which was recently introduced in India is tuned by Schnitzer tuners in Germany.