Product Deep Dive – 2016 BMW 7 Series

27/03/2013 - 11:08 | ,  ,   | Kaustubh Shinde

Flagship cars are special because they are the epitome of the brand. They signify the real prowess of their makers. All automakers, be it Mercedes or Maruti, take considerable efforts to make sure that their flagship cars are the best in the business. Case-in-point, Mercedes took a good 5 years to develop the all new S Class and it is finally slated for launch on May 15th, 2013.

2016 BMW 7 Series Rendering

Though the S Class’s arch rival BMW 7 Series recently got an LCI treatment (facelift for us human beings), BMW has already started testing the replacement for the current F02 model. Here are the details that are available –

  • Codenamed the G11, the sixth generation BMW 7 Series is still in an early prototype phase.
  • The new platform will feature extensive weight saving technologies and ample use of exotic materials such as carbon fibre. There is a very good chance that the roof, bonnet and boot lid could be made entirely of carbon fibre. The rest of the package will feature a mix of aluminum and steel. BMW engineers are targeting a weight saving of 200 kgs over the current model.
  • Like its rivals Mercedes S Class and Audi A8, the next generation BMW 7 Series will increase in length. The G11 is expected to touch 5.15 m in length. The current F02 model is 5.08 m long.
  • BMW will also offer the G11 in long-wheel-base format for the Chinese customers.
  • The next generation model will also draw a lot of technologies and design cues from the i8 hybrid sports coupe.
  • A host of autonomous driving technologies are planned for the new 7 Series. BMW has partnered with Continental for developing the new autonomous tech wizardry for the G11.
  • BMW has also collaborated with Harman to develop new in-car technologies for the G11. We should expect exciting goodies such as 3D maps with real-time traffic updates, weather updates, downloadable applications, Wi-Fi capabilities and enhanced voice activation features.
  • A host of highly refined petrol and diesel engines will be on offer. All of them will be mated to a 9-Speed ZF transmission. A M Sport (not an M7) will also be on offer with xDrive (all-wheel-drive).
  • Rumors indicate that BMW may remove the 6.0-liter V12 engine in the next 760Li

[Rendering Courtesy: AutoBild.de]

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