BMW Malaysia last week introduced two new top-end models for the Seven Series line which are sure to stir passions – the awe-inspiring first-ever BMW X7 and the magnificent 740Le xDrive
Sashi Ambi, head of corporate communications of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW X models are some of the most recognised models of the BMW portfolio with over five million units delivered worldwide since its introduction. In Malaysia, BMW X vehicles accounted for more than 5,000 units of BMW vehicles delivered nationwide in 2018.
Designed for game-changing innovations, benchmarking comfort and contemporary design with modern dynamics, the First-Ever BMW X7 displays progressive flair in the current family of luxury BMW vehicles.”
“Meanwhile, the new 7 series is set to raise the bar once again with prestige, elegance, comfort, exceptional sporty performance, and most importantly, an understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. The new BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence exemplifies these characteristics and conveys the essence of electric driving pleasure exactly.”
Sashi Ambi with the new X7
The exterior of the X7 features a bold design with the massive front imposing kidney grille lending an exceptional road presence to the vehicle, along with the slender BMW Laserlight that can illuminate up to 600 metres ahead. The driver is also able to adjust the body’s ground clearance by pushing a button in the cockpit to raise or lower by 40 mm.
With an increased ride height and a taller rear, the five-metre-long luxury Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) features a width of 2,000 mm and a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. The ride height sits at 1,805 mm (exactly 60 mm taller than the BMW X5) with the option to adjust the suspension by up to 80 mm.
This luxury SAV comes with the xDrive40i Pure Excellence variant. Powering it is a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with a maximum power of 250kW/ 340hp, and a peak torque of 450Nm. This results in a century sprint completed in 6.1 seconds. All of these are achieved with combined fuel consumption of 9.5l/100km and a combined carbon emission of 217g/km.
Power is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system of the luxury SAV maximises traction, agility and handling stability which links up with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) to provide the basis for effortless handling, whatever the road and weather conditions.
The cockpit is marked by typical BMW driver orientation and a high seating position with impeccable all-round visibility is characteristic of a BMW X model. Equipment includes a sports leather steering wheel and electrically adjustable comfort seats with active seat ventilation in front. Fine-wood trim surfaces framed with electroplated accent trim on the instrument panel and centre console enhance the interior’s elegant aura.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 ensures effortless control of vehicle functions including the Head-Up Display and Gesture Control which responds to seven different hand movements such as circling your index finger clockwise to turn the volume up and swiping their hand to the right to reject a call.
Other highlights include five-zone air conditioning, a Harman Kardon sound system with 16 loudspeakers and electric roller blinds for side windows. The spaciousness of the X7 is further enhanced by the large “Panorama Roof Sky Lounge” that also includes an LED lighting scenario.
The X7 is available in Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Arctic Grey, Sophisto Grey, Phytonic Blue, Terra Brown and Vermont Bronze.
On the very occasions when you do need a change of ride, BMW pairs the X7 with its perfect match – the new 740Le xDrive
Visually, the New BMW 7 Series leaves a strong impression with a distinctive presence, while the advanced operating strategy inside delivers assured dynamics and unbeatable efficiency. The new-generation Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) can be driven on electric power alone in city traffic or cross-country. The 113 hp electric motor allows the vehicle an electric range of up to 46 kilometres. The intelligent all-wheel-drive system ensures supreme traction, optimised directional stability and enhanced agility through corners in all weather and road conditions. Perfectly executed power distribution between the front and rear wheels gives the New BMW 7 Series extremely dynamic accelerative ability.
Powerful horizontal lines across the rear underscore the width of the vehicle, holding onlookers’ attention even as the luxury sedan drives into the distance. For added character, a special taillight animation sequence is performed whenever the car is locked or unlocked. Due to front and rear modifications, the vehicle has increased 23mm in length and possesses a wheelbase of 3,210mm.
The 740Le charges forward with power from both a petrol engine and an electric motor. Sitting at the heart of the vehicle is a three-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a peak output of 210 kW/286 hp. The advanced electric motor accompanying it contributes another 83 kW/113 hp. Positioned under the rear seats is a lithium-ion battery with state-of-the-art battery cell technology and improved storage capacity that enables the New BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence to cover 46 kilometres on electric power alone. The all-electric top speed is 140 km/h.
Additionally, the plug-in hybrid drive boasts an electric boost function that makes for significantly more powerful acceleration. When the Driving Experience Control is set to Sport mode, the New BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence has an overall system output of 290 kW/394 hp. The luxury sedan is capable of doing the century sprint in just 5.1 seconds. The luxury sedan has a combined fuel consumption of 2.8 litres per 100km and combined carbon emission of 65 g/km.
The New BMW 7 Series boasts a wealth of driver assistance systems that provide maximum safety and comfort on the road. The wide range of BMW Personal CoPilot driver assistance systems is now complemented with standard equipment such as the camera and radar-based approach and pedestrian warning system that can now detect cyclists.
The luxury sedan also features the Evasion Aid which uses steering interventions to support the driver in sudden evasive manoeuvres. In addition, the Crossroads Warning with City Brake Activation warns the driver of a potential collision with crossing traffic and preconditions the brakes for increased power during emergency braking. The Steering and Lane Control Assistant provides support for narrow road sections. Parking is also made easier as assistance comes in the form of the Parking Assistant and Reversing Assistant. The BMW Digital Key is also available for selected Android mobile devices to provide ease of accessibility to the luxury sedan.
The mark of luxury displayed on the exterior is echoed inside the New BMW 7 Series as well. Featuring a modified cockpit with redesigned displays and controls, the interior design language is truly remarkable for its class.
The electrically adjustable comfort seats also feature a massage function for passengers in the rear. For added enjoyment, a Panoramic glass roof “Sky Lounge” gives passengers a peek above the vehicle. Automatic four-zone control air-conditioning is also available, along with roller sunblinds and the rear-seat “Entertainment Experience”. Music can be enjoyed via the 16-Speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system.
As a vehicle expert, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant delivers information about the functions and status of the BMW and provide support for navigation and entertainment. It can also be used to control the new “Caring Car” functions, which includes the “Vitalize” and “Relax” programmes to automatically activate vehicle functions such as air conditioning, lighting, seat massage and music, designed to revitalise or relax the driver. Two “Experience Modes” are also available to adapt the interior ambience to the driver’s mood, namely the Executive and the Expressive modes.
The New BMW 7 Series is available in four elegant colour offerings – Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Bernina Grey and Imperial Blue.
The locally-assembled BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence retails at RM594,800 while the price tag for the X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence is RM888,800.
Who says art is only for display?
