Range Rover

BMW’s all-new 7-Series has been leaked on internet sites ahead of its official unveiling.

The photographs reveal a new, fifth-generation 7-Series that carries an evolutionary silhouette but with styling that is significantly more conservative than its polarising predecessor.

According to both a North American and German website – reporting information as facts – the new 7-Series increases in size. It’s now 5.1 metres long and sits on an all-new suspension that features double-wishbones at the front instead of struts and a multilink set-up at the rear.

A wheelbase increase of 84mm should help to liberate extra cabin space. Long-wheelbase versions extend the gap between the front and rear axles by another 140mm.

BMW is said to have used aluminium for the new 7’s bonnet, roof, doors and side panels to help reduce weight.

Three new engines are also made of aluminium and are reported to comprise two six-cylinders and one V8.

The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol (740i) has 240kW and 450Nm and sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. The (730d) 3.0-litre turbo diesel’s figures are 180kW, 540Nm and 7.2sec, with the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (750i) the fastest at 5.2sec thanks to 300kW and 600Nm.

Fuel efficiency is impressive for such a large car, with the 730d the most frugal at 7.2L/100km. The 740i and 750i use 9.9L/100km and 11.4L/100km respectively.

BMW’s new flagship, which will make its public debut at October’s Paris motor show, naturally boasts plenty of technology.

One of the headline acts is reported to be an optional speed-sensitive rear-wheel-drive steering system called Integral Active Steer. The system is claimed to improve low-speed manoeuvring and high-speed handling because it can adjust the angle of the 7-Series’ rear wheels by up to three degrees.

The new 7-Series also includes lane-departure warning system, active cruise control with stop-go capability, blind-spot detection, head-up display, night vision with pedestrian detection, and side view and reversing cameras.

Of course, there’s a new-generation of BMW’s iDrive menu controller system.
Source:drive