Getting back to the matter at hand, the 750e xDrive M Sport retails for RM699,800 on-the-road without insurance. This figure is inclusive of the five-year extended warranty and service package, and without it, the asking price drops to RM662,700. Compared to the 750e xDrive Pure Excellence, you’re looking at a premium of RM50,000 for the also locally-assembled (CKD) limousine.
The extra you’re paying over the base option (in terms of price) nets you the M Sport styling package that includes sportier front and rear bumpers, 20-inch M aerodynamic style 907 alloy wheels, M high-gloss Shadowline trim, M side sills in high-gloss black and M signature high gloss fine-wood interior trim in Fineline Black with metal effect highlights.
The M Sport variant is also the only one that gets the BMW Theatre Screen, which is a 31.3-inch widescreen display that swings down from the ceiling of the car to entertain rear passengers, who will also enjoy Executive Lounge Seating.
While the Pure Excellence variant gets Driving Assistant Professional, the M Sport gets Driving Assistant Plus that includes Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Speed Limit Info, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go as well as autonomous emergency braking.
Beyond these differences, the M Sport is otherwise identical to the Pure Excellence, with adaptive air suspension, the Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille frame and crystal headlamps, L-shaped taillights, automatic doors, a backlit BMW Interaction Bar, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, Crafted Clarity crystal glass applications, four-zone climate control, head-up display and Parking Assistant Plus all coming as standard.
This extends to the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system is shared too, which consists of the BMW Curved Display that features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen – powered by BMW Operating System 8.
As for the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the specifications are as follows:
Total system power output: 489 PS (483 hp or 360 kW)
Total system torque output: 700 Nm
Engine: 3.0 litre inline-six petrol
Engine power: 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW)
Engine torque: 450 Nm
Engine induction: Turbocharged
Electric motor power: 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW)
Electric motor torque: 280 Nm
Electric motor top speed: 140 km/h
Electric range: Up to 87 km
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
In terms of exterior colours, the M Sport is offered in Oxide Grey Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic and a variant-exclusive Brooklyn Grey Metallic. Merino leather is standard for both variants and can be ordered in Black or Tartufo.
We were told back in May that the Pure Excellence would be limited to just 48 units, with no such restriction applied to the M Sport. BMW Malaysia didn’t make it known in its release if the Pure Excellence is sold out, but if it is, the M Sport is the only way you can get a petrol-powered 7 Series moving forward.
2024 BMW 750e xDrive M Sport spec sheet; click to enlarge
Here’s a full gallery of the all-new BMW 7 Series G70 in 750e xDrive Pure Excellence guise, which is one of two available variants, with the other being the 750e xDrive M Sport. Both options are locally assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia, and the car pictured here retails for RM612,700 on-the-road without insurance.
This figure is with a standard two-year warranty, but if you add the optional five-year extended warranty and service package, the price goes up to RM649,800. If you’re curious about the M Sport variant, it currently only has an estimated price tag of RM700,000 with the extended warranty and service package.
The 750e xDrive powertrain is a plug-in hybrid that features a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine making 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 450 Nm of torque. This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 280 Nm, which is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, for a total system output of 489 PS (483 hp or 360 kW) and 700 Nm.
Along with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, the big limo will get from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 250 km/h. When relying solely on the electric motor for motivation, the top speed is limited to 140 km/h, while the battery pack provides up to 87 km of range.
Said battery pack is mounted under the vehicle floor and has a usable energy capacity of 18.7 kWh (22.1 kWh gross). The 750e xDrive’s electric-only range is nearly double that of the previous G12-generation 740Le xDrive that offered just 46 km. The newer model’s maximum AC charging input (Type 2) is also twice that of the older 7er at 7.4 kW, with a full charge reached in a little under three hours.
Unlike the previous 7 Series, the newer G70 is no longer offered with a short-wheelbase option, hence the lack of the ‘L’ in the variant name. As such, the long-wheelbase version is the default for all variants of the G70. A fully electric version called the i7 is also slated to be launched in Malaysia, although there’s no indication on when this will happen – the electric vehicle (EV) has been sighted in public on numerous occasions.
In terms of design, the latest 7 Series is a very striking thing to look at with its large kidney grilles that are flanked by a two-tier lighting setup, the latter comprising of slim LED daytime running lights set above the main headlamps. The front face that will undoubtedly divide opinions also sports vertical air curtains at the edges of the bumper and a subtle lower intake.
Elsewhere, there are slim air curtains at the edges of the front bumper, although there are no pronounced air breathers on the fenders like there were on the previous 7 Series. You’ll also find the exterior features flush door handles as well as a simple rear end featuring L-shaped LED taillights. This look is for the Pure Excellence you see here, while the M Sport variant amps up the aggression with new bumpers that have large sections in black for a more menacing appearance.
Focusing more on the Pure Excellence in this post, standard equipment that comes with the money paid include 19-inch double-spoke style 903 light-alloy wheels, an Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille and crystal headlamps, a Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, automatic doors and two-axle adaptive air suspension. As you can see, since there’s a glass roof, there’s no 31.3 inch BMW Theatre Screen folding down from the ceiling here, as that’s reserved for the more expensive 750e M Sport variant.
Inside, you’ll find Merino leather upholstery available in Black or Tartufo, fine-wood oak mirror finish trim with grey metallic highlights, an anthracite headliner, Crafted Clarity crystal glass applications, four-zone climate control, a wireless charger, powered front seats with memory function, massaging rear seats and sunblinds for all rear windows.
There’s also no shortage of technology, with standard items being the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system with the BMW Curved Display that features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. Powered by BMW Operating System 8, the infotainment system has the Connected Package Professional package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, Intelligent Personal Assistant and is linked to a 21-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
Rear passengers also have touch control panels on the doors as well as a dedicated tablet to fiddle with comfort and media settings, while those at the front can be entertained by the backlit BMW Interaction Bar that wrap around the cockpit. For the driver, the included Iconic Sounds Electric generates sounds that are aimed at enhancing the driving experience.
2023 BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence spec sheet; click to enlarge
The Pure Excellence comes with the Driving Assistant Professional suite of safety and driver assistance systems, which include Lane Change Warning, Rear Collision Prevention, Exit Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Speed Limit Info, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning and Evasion Assistant. There’s also Parking Assistant Plus with features such as Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, Surround View System and Parking: Start-Up Monitoring.
BMW Malaysia has said the Pure Excellence will be offered in limited quantities, with just 48 units being made available. Each purchase is accompanied by roadside assistance, BMW Service Online and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card.
BMW 750e xDrive G70 specifications:
Total system power output: 489 PS (483 hp or 360 kW)
Total system torque output: 700 Nm
Engine: 3.0 litre inline-six petrol
Engine power: 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW)
Engine torque: 450 Nm
Engine induction: Turbocharged
Electric motor power: 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW)
Electric motor torque: 280 Nm
Electric motor top speed: 140 km/h
Electric range: Up to 87 km
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic automatic
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
BMW 750e xDrive G70 dimensions:
Length: 5,391 mm
Width: 1,950 mm
Height: 1,544 mm
Wheelbase: 3,215 mm
Pricing for the redesigned G70 7 Series is as follows:
BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence – RM649,800 OTR without insurance
BMW 750e xDrive M Sport – RM700,000 OTR without insurance (estimated)
BMW Malaysia has officially launched the seventh-generation 7 Series G70, which is being offered in two locally-assembled (CKD) variants, namely the 750e xDrive M Sport and 750e xDrive Pure Excellence. If you notice, the ‘L’ is missing from the variant name, and that’s because the new G70 no longer offers a short-wheelbase option. As such, what would have been called the 750Le is simply the 750e.
Both 750e variants feature the same plug-in hybrid powertrain that uses a 3.0 litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine making 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 450 Nm of torque. This is paired with an electric motor rated at 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 280 Nm, which is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, accompanied by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.
With a total system output of 489 PS (483 hp or 360 kW) and 700 Nm, the 750e xDrive G70 duo will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 250 km/h. When running purely on electricity, the top speed is limited to 140 km/h and the range is up to 87 km.
The latter is a major improvement over the previous G12 740Le xDrive due to the new underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery that has an increased usable energy capacity of 18.7 kWh (22.1 kWh gross). Meanwhile, the maximum AC charging input (Type 2) has been doubled to 7.4 kW, with a full charge taking a little under three hours.
In terms of equipment, both G70 variants come with the adaptive air suspension, Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille frame and crystal headlamps, L-shaped taillights, automatic doors, a backlit BMW Interaction Bar, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, Crafted Clarity crystal glass applications, four-zone climate control, head-up display and Parking Assistant Plus.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional system is shared too, and it comes with the BMW Curved Display that features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen – powered by BMW Operating System 8.
2023 BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence (left), M Sport (right)
Meanwhile, variant-specific kit for the Pure Excellence includes 19-inch double-spoke style 903 alloy wheels, fine-wood oak mirror finish interior trim with grey metallic highlights and Driving Assistant Professional.
The M Sport gets a lot more goodies in addition to its sportier front and rear aprons, with items like 20-inch M aerodynamic style 907 alloys, M high-gloss Shadowline, M side sills in high-gloss black, M signature high gloss fine-wood interior trim in Fineline Black with metal effect highlights, plus the Driving Assistant Plus package.
The 750e M Sport variant is also the only one that gets the BMW Theatre Screen – a 31.3-inch widescreen display for rear seat passengers that can accept HDMI inputs (you can plug in a PlayStation 5 if you wish) and is controllable using touchscreen panels. Those in the back can also enjoy the Executive Lounge Seating feature that allows the seat and backrest angle to be adjusted individually, along with the adjustable lumbar support and memory function.
2023 BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence spec sheet; click to enlarge
As far as exterior colours go, the all-new G70 7 Series is offered in Oxide Grey Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic and Mineral White Metallic. Each variant also gets its own exclusive hue, with Brooklyn Grey Metallic being for the M Sport, while Sophisto Grey Metallic is available for the Pure Excellence. Merino leather is standard fitment for both and can be ordered in Black or Tartufo.
Pricing for the redesigned G70 7 Series is as follows:
BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence – RM649,800 OTR without insurance
BMW 750e xDrive M Sport – RM700,000 OTR without insurance (estimated)
BMW Malaysia points out that the more affordable variant is limited to just 48 units, so you’ll want to hurry if the M Sport is a little too much for you. Keep in mind that these figures are inclusive of the five-year extended warranty and service package. Each purchase is accompanied by roadside assistance, BMW Service Online and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card.
BMW 750e xDrive G70 specifications:
Total system power output: 489 PS (483 hp or 360 kW)
Following the world debut of the seventh-generation BMW 7 Series (internal codename G70) in April this year, the German carmaker has now revealed more details of the two plug-in hybrid variants that will be available from November.
The more exciting of the two 7 Series is the M760e xDrive, which is regarded as the successor to the G12 M760Li xDrive that packed the venerable N74 6.6 litre twin-turbo V12. As of June 2022, BMW produced the very last V12 engine ever to be fitted to a series production road vehicle, so the first-ever M Performance PHEV takes its place.
In M760e xDrive guise, there’s a 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine with 381 PS (375 hp or 280 kW) from 5,200 to 6,250 rpm and 520 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. This is paired with an electric motor rated at 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 280 Nm that is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, accompanied by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.
The electric motor draws power from an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with a usable energy capacity of 18.7 kWh (22.1 kWh gross), and running just on electricity allows for range of between 77-85 km (provisional WLTP figures) as well as a top speed of 140 km/h.
Put together, the M760e xDrive’s total system output is 571 PS (563 hp or 420 kW) and 800 Nm, which translates to a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. For context, the departed G12 M760Li xDrive’s N74 mill makes 585 PS (577 hp or 430 kW) and 850 Nm and is quicker in the century sprint, taking just 3.8 seconds – the top speed is identical.
The other PHEV option is the 750e xDrive, which uses pretty much the same drive components as its M-branded sibling, although the straight-six is tuned to deliver less power at 313 PS (308 hp or 230 kW) and 450 Nm. As a result, the total system output is reduced to 489 PS (483 hp or 360 kW) and 700 Nm, which sees the century sprint time increase to 4.9 seconds – the top speed remains at 250 km/h (140 km/h in EV mode).
The 750e xDrive also offers slightly better range when powered by just the battery with BMW quoting between 78-87 km. These range figures are an improvement over the previous G12 745Le xDrive that manages between 50-54 km thanks to its battery with a usable energy content of 10.4 kWh (12 kWh gross). The new PHEV variants of the 7 Series are also able to support AC charging (Type 2 connection) at a max of 7.4 kW instead of 3.7 kW, with a full charge taking a little under three hours compared to 4.4 hours.
Moving away from the PHEVs, BMW also detailed the 740d xDrive variant that is powered by a 3.0 litre straight-six turbodiesel with 286 PS (282 hp or 210 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 650 Nm from 1,500 to 2,500 rpm. The diesel variant comes with an eight-speed auto, all-wheel drive and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which includes a 20 Ah battery in the boot and an electric motor rated at 18 PS (17 hp or 13 kW) and 200 Nm.
This setup has a total system output of 300 PS (295 hp or 220 kW) and 670 Nm, so the 0-100 km/h time is 5.8 seconds and the top speed stays capped at 250 km/h. Fuel consumption for the 740d xDrive is rated at between 6.8-6.1 l/100 km (WLTP cycle), which is quite far off the petrol PHEVs that can do 1.2-1 l/100 km. The diesel variant is available for order immediately and the two PHEVs from October 12, with deliveries only set to commence in spring 2023.
The battle in the luxury car segment kicks into high gear with the unveiling of the new G70 BMW 7 Series, which aims to take the fight to the latest W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There’s that polarising new face that everyone’s talking about, but the car also gets several innovations that mark a significant generational leap for the nameplate, so let’s dive deep into them.
Long wheelbase only with controversial styling
First things first – the new 7 Series is only available in long-wheelbase form, as has almost always been the case in Malaysia. At 5,391 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,544 mm tall, it’s 130 mm longer, 48 mm wider and 51 mm taller than the outgoing G12, although its 3,215 mm wheelbase is a scant five millimetres longer.
The new front fascia is the bit that everyone will be gravitating towards, simply because it’s so different from past models. The enormous double kidney grille is actually the less divisive part, as it was introduced halfway during its predecessor’s lifecycle. The split headlights, however, are very different, although they were introduced on the facelifted X7 that was revealed last week.
The slim upper units house the daytime running lights and indicators and form four inverted Ls, with Swarovski crystal versions available as an option. With the latter comes a unique approach and departure lighting sequence that illuminates the contours of the grille first, followed by the aforementioned DRLs and the standard-fit welcome light carpet. The light show continues on the inside as well.
The blacked-out lower lamps are set deep in the front apron and hide the low- and high-beam projectors until they are lit. Adaptive LED headlights with cornering lights and matrix high beam come as standard; there’s no Laserlight option this time around.
Along the side, the 7er‘s boxier silhouette is very apparent, with a flatter roofline and a more upright C-pillar helping to free up a “noticeable” amount of headroom in concert with the increased height. Like the G20 3 Series, the rear section of the G70’s chrome window strip is fixed to the C-pillars, highlighting the Hofmeister kink; the rear quarter light windows have also been generously blacked out to increase privacy.
The surfacing on the flanks has been simplified, with a single shoulder line stretching from the upper headlights to the taillights. There are also no more Air Breather vents aft of the front wheels and the associated hockey stick chrome graphic, just an upswept crease and a chrome strip on the side skirts. Flush door handles (taken from the electric iX SUV) further reduce visual clutter.
Moving to the rear, the G70 gets slim LED taillights with an integrated chrome strip, the latter forming the familiar L shape. The number plate has been moved from the boot lid to the bumper to create more interesting surfacing, BMW says. For the first time, the exhausts are hidden on most models, with only the 760i and M760e coming with integrated quad trapezoidal tailpipes.
As usual, there’s an M Sport package that adds a striking front bumper with a blacked-out V-shaped section, unique side skirts and rear bumper, black exterior highlights and 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. The M Sport Pro throws on 21-inch aerodynamic wheels, extended gloss black highlights (including the grille), a black rear spoiler, M Sport brakes with black callipers and M tricolour seat belts.
The colour palette includes ten standard paint options (nine of which are metallic) and four BMW Individual hues, along with five new two-tone finishes that split the colour way along the shoulder line – there are two colour options for the upper section and a separate coach line. While the wheel lineup ranges from 19 to 21 inches in diameter, buyers can specify massive 22-inch rollers from the M Performance catalogue.
Tech-laden interior with new BMW Operating System 8
The new 7 Series is as much of a departure on the inside as it is on the outside. Front and centre is the curved widescreen display panel with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, both taken from the iX. As with that car, the G70 runs on the new BMW Operating System 8 with large tiles, a customisable instrument layout and a new My Modes feature that controls not only the powertrain and chassis but also the display themes and several interior functions.
Among these is a Relax Mode that focuses on the wellbeing of the occupants and activates the seat massage function if fitted. The new Digital Art Mode, on the other hand, features art from Chinese artist Cao Fei; it will be offered starting from the spring of 2023.
The Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control now responds faster and can manipulate additional features, such as the driver assistance systems, the transparency of the optional Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof and the also-optional automatic powered doors. Rear occupants can also operate the system for the first time.
The operating system has several other new features, including faster and more accurate cloud-based BMW Maps navigation with augmented-reality directions, built-in YouTube functionality (for when the car is not being driven, of course), separate hands-free rear-seat telephony and 5G connectivity with a personal eSIM and dual-SIM functionality. The centre screen also integrates the functions for the standard four-zone automatic climate control, as is (unfortunately) the norm in more and more German cars.
Speaking of which, the air vents are now hidden, their usual space on the dashboard being taken up by a new Interaction Bar that spans around the entire front cabin. This multifaceted panel integrates the ambient lighting and touch controls for airflow, lights, powered doors and even the glovebox opening.
The redesigned flat-bottomed steering wheel (two-spoke for regular models, three-spoke with a hollowed-out third spoke for the M Sport models) was first seen in the new 2 Series Active Tourer, while the centre console with the transparent iDrive rotary controller (crystal version optional) and minimal gear selector toggle has been lifted from the iX. The central tunnel also houses twin cupholders, each with its own damped lid.
More luxurious rear seating, giant widescreen display
But the real magic happens at the back. The standard power-adjustable seats are wider than before and come with headrest speakers as standard, with the optional “multifunction” seats getting increased adjustment and ventilation and massage functions.
An Executive Lounge option adds up to 42.5 degrees of seat recline, a new gapless ottoman design, separate power adjustment for the neck cushions and a tilt-forward function for the front passenger seat. Also thrown in with the package is a large armrest with glass inserts and an integrated Qi wireless smartphone charger with cooling.
Screens galore in the back of the cabin, starting with a 5.5-inch control touchscreen housed in each door. But it’s the overhead display that grabs the headlines – a giant 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen with integrated Amazon Fire TV, allowing a wide variety of streaming services to be accessed.
The deployment of the screen is accompanied by a startup sound created by renown Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, who also designed the IconicSounds Electric for BMW’s zero-emission models. The blinds for the sunroof, side windows and rear windscreen are also deployed for the best viewing experience. A panoramic sunroof and an 18-speaker, 655-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system come as standard.
Options include an even more advanced 36-speaker B&W Diamond Surround Sound system with a 1,965-watt output and exciters built into the front and rear seat backrests, plus heated armrest surfaces. The Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof mentioned earlier also gets new LED light strips imprinted in the glass.
As you’d expect from a range-topping premium product, the new 7 Series comes with a wide range of upscale appointments, including standard (and terribly named) Veganza upholstery, a form of high-end faux leather. You can, of course, still get the car with real extended Merino leather trim, including two-tone versions for the first time; there’s even a cashmere wool option, paired with part-leather surfaces. Open-pore wood trim options and standard stainless steel speaker covers are also offered.
As with other new BMW models, the 7 Series is available with the BMW Digital Key that enables Apple CarKey using ultra-wide-band (UWB) radio connectivity, allowing users to unlock and start the car with an iPhone in their pocket. The upgraded Plus version in the G70 provides additional functions, such as opening and closing the auto doors and partially activating the alarm system, via the MyBMW smartphone app.
Widespread electrification with mild and plug-in hybrids, plus full electric models
Munich is making a definitive statement in electrification by offering the all-electric i7 (which we’ve detailed in a separate article) at launch – the only variant available globally for now. In the US and China, the car will also come as a 740i with a 380 PS/520 Nm B58 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six, although the Middle Kingdom and certain other markets also get a 286 PS/435 Nm version called the 735i.
There will also be a 760i xDrive with the M division’s new S68 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8, which made its debut in the facelifted X7 M60i; it pushes out 544 PS and 750 Nm of torque. All engines are mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with an integrated electric motor, turning them into mild hybrids. It delivers 10 kW (14 PS) and 200 Nm of additional power, boosting overall torque figures by up to 20 Nm under hard acceleration and even driving the car briefly on its own at low speeds.
Initially getting only the i7, European markets will later receive the 740d xDrive with a 300 PS/650 Nm B57 3.0 litre turbo six-pot. Two plug-in hybrid models will also be offered worldwide next year – the 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive, the latter billed as the first M car based on the 7 Series. They use the 740i’s engine (downgraded to 310 PS on the 750e), pairing it with a 145 kW (200 PS) electric motor to deliver outputs of 490 PS/700 Nm and 571 PS/800 Nm respectively.
Meanwhile, the lithium-ion battery capacity has been increased by more than 50% to 18.7 kWh, allowing an all-electric range of 80 km. It now also supports up to 7.4 kW of AC charging, enabling charge times of less than three hours (nine hours using a domestic socket).
The battery is now located under the floor of the car, minimising luggage space intrusion; the boot of the plug-in hybrids is now 105 litres larger than that of the outgoing 740e/745e at 525 litres. As for the standard 7 Series, cargo space has increased by 25 litres to 540 litres, despite the 48-volt lithium-ion battery for the mild hybrid system now located under the boot floor.
Click to enlarge
Greater rigidity, up-to-date suspension and chassis tech
The 7 Series continues to ride on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform from the previous generation, with suspension consisting of redesigned double wishbones at the front and multilinks at the rear. Air springs, adaptive dampers come as standard, as are new rear hydro mounts for improved comfort; in particular, the new rod eye for the rear dampers help absorb small bumps and ridges. The Executive Drive Pro option adds active roll stabilisation, now a 48-volt system, with the M models getting specific tuning.
Increased track widths – up 47 mm at the front and four millimetres at the back – work with the more rigid structure (aided by the front aluminium shear panel on xDrive all-wheel-drive models) for improved agility. Variable-ratio steering now comes as standard (with a new elastic steering gear mount for less noise), with rear-wheel steering available as an option with up to 3.5 degrees of steering angle. Brake-by-wire and an integrated traction control system have also been added.
Full range of driver assists at launch, Level 3 autonomy later on
Safety-wise, the new 7 Series comes as standard with autonomous emergency braking, now with oncoming traffic, pedestrian and cyclist detection. Stepping up to the Driving Assistant package adds blind spot monitoring and collision prevention, reverse AEB and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, plus a door opening warning that lights up the Interaction Bar and prevents the doors from opening.
Click to enlarge
Driving Assistant Plus throws in adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centring assist, functioning at speeds of up to 180 km/h. The Professional variant bumps this up to 250 km/h and enables traffic light detection (in Germany), emergency lane assistant and lane change assist.
In North America, the Driving Assistant Professional package also allows for hands-free driving on highways up to 130 km/h, with automatic lane changes up to the highway exit when navigation is active, just like Tesla’s Navigate on Autopilot. It’s not a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving system, however, as the driver still needs to keep their eyes on the road and be ready to take over at any time, although Level 3 functionality is built into the car’s architecture and will arrive later on.
Elsewhere, the Parking Assistant Professional option can now use road lines and kerbs to designate a parking space and allow users to store up to ten unique parking locations and manoeuvres. Remote parking functionality via the MyBMW app will be added in the spring of 2023.
During our trip to Portugal to try out the new G12 BMW 7 Series LCI, we were only given seat time in two variants – the 750Li xDrive and the 745Le xDrive plug-in hybrid. A third xDrive variant, which we never got to drive, was also present at the event, and it’s this, the range-topping M760Li.
The only 7 Series option available with a V12 engine – specifically a 6.6 litre twin-turbo unit – the M760Li could likely be the last of its kind, given BMW’s shift in powertrain strategy in the future. With that in mind, we now bring you a gallery of the “super limo” for your viewing pleasure.
Available only in long-wheelbase form (hence the Li in its name), the M760Li’s V12 serves up 585 PS and 850 Nm on tap, making it a little bit more powerful than the 750Li’s 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 with 530 PS and 750 Nm.
Connected to the big motor is an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, which allows it to hit a top speed of 250 km/h. More impressively, despite being the heaviest in the range at 2,220 kg, the M760Li is the fastest in the line-up when it comes to the century sprint, taking just 3.8 seconds to do so.
Visually, the variant comes as standard with the M Sport get-up, which includes dedicated bumpers, with the the one at the front sporting large intake sections. There’s also “V12” badges on the C-pillars to make sure those around you know that you didn’t go with a lesser version too.
Another reminder of this is inside the vehicle, where the digital instrument cluster has “M760Li” displayed front and centre, while near the gear lever on the centre console is where you’ll find another “V12” printed.
There you have it, a forbidden fruit that will cost you RM18,294 a year in road tax (as checked on oto.my) should it ever come to Malaysia. With 12-cylinder engines set to be phased out in other German camps – Mercedes-AMG S 65 and Audi A8 W12 – will you place the M760Li above them all?
