2016 BMW 7 Series FIRST LOOK

2016 BMW 7 Series FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

In the executive, flagship sedan segment there are a handful of players delivering the utmost combination of performnce and luxury. The BMW 7 Series is one of the best sellers and for the 2016 model year, the brand’s stately 4-door enters its 6^th generation; its first redesign since 2009. These types of cars often pioneer new technologies and this 7 Series doesn’t disappoint. Highlights include the extensive use of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic increasing strength and reducing weight by 190 pounds. iDrive 5.0 with Gesture Control allows hand movements in the vicinity of the center console to perform functions like adjusting volume and accepting incoming calls.

The removable Touch Command Tablet lets occupants control comfort functions, connects to in-car Wi-Fi and displays selections on one of the 10” rear entertainment screens. The all-new Display Key provides a state-of-the-art remote control for various vehicle functions, the panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof creates the effect of a starlit sky in 6 different color schemes and ahead of the driver is the largest heads-up display in the industry. All just a smattering of how the 7 Series is designed to advance the segment with a dazzling array of new comfort and convenience features.

Offered exclusively as a long wheelbase version, the new car is more than 1” longer than its predecessor making it the roomiest sedan the brand has ever built. The base rear-wheel drive 740i sedan, priced from $82,295, is powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-scroll turbo, inline-6 producing 320 horsepower while the top trim all-wheel drive 750i xDrive, priced from $93,395, is powered by a 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8 making 445 horsepower, capable of a 0-to-60mph time of 4.3 seconds. And 8-speed Sport automatic transmission with launch control and air suspension is standard. The 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid will follow later in 2016.