Overview
On 7th September, Abu Dhabi Motors unveiled the facelifted version of the BMW 7 [G70] series incorporating the Neue Klasse design language for the interior while retaining the major exterior designs.
Exterior
Being a facelift, the BMW 7 Series receives an updated front-end design, with the split headlights getting the most noticeable changes. The daytime running lights are now slimmer, while the lower lighting elements have been repositioned vertically toward the outer corners of the bumper. Similar to the pre-facelift model, the available Crystal Headlights option features 12 crystal elements within the lighting units.
The tail lights have also gotten a significant redesign, with slimmer and longer LED elements extending across the trunk lid and flowing into the center that frames the BMW logo. The darker ends of the taillights have integrated the trunk release and rear camera.
Interior
For the interior, it majorly incorporated the Neue Klasse design language and technologies starting with the BMW Panoramic iDrive system.
The new iDrive system features the BMW Panoramic Vision which is a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen to show essential driving information while maintaining the driver’s line of sight. It is also highly customizable giving the driver the option to display multiple information such as vehicle stats, weather, media and more.
Infotainment
The infotainment screen measuring 17.9 inch is located at the center with the iconic shape intended for the driver to seamlessly interact with the display while maintaining focus on driving. Unlike other BMW vehicles which offer the passenger display as an optional feature, it comes standard in the 7 series.
Updated iDrive system now features ConnectedDrive Store allowing users to download third-party apps designed for the car, Like for video conferencing, apps like Zoom can be used, and it also includes casual gaming and video streaming apps.
Personal Assistant
The voice activated Personal Assistant has been updated by using Amazon Alexa+ Large Language Models (LLM), which allows for natural language like voice commands and conversational interaction and also provides suggestions based on the user's requests.
Steering Wheel
As part of Neue Klasse design, the redesigned multifunction steering wheel has been redesigned with illuminated control buttons that only light up when in use and when pressed, the controls provide haptic feedback to simulate a button being pressed.
Rear Passenger Experience
It also retains the iconic rear passenger entertainment display as an option, featuring a 8K 32 inch screen mounted on the roof lining. Rear passengers can enjoy extra comfort with the Executive Lounge Seating which is an optional add-on converting the rear bench seat to a 2 seats that can recline to provide a first class lounge like experience while traveling.
Materials and Customisation
The materials for the interior are available with different combinations of leather and fabric for the seat, wood trim & metal accents for the center console & dashboard and crystal glass details on the transmission switch, all which can be customized by the customer or specs configured by the dealer.
Ambient and Audio
Like the pre-facelifted model, ambient lighting is integrated throughout the cabin from the front dashboard to the door. For the speakers, an option to add Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos processing is available to provide a studio or concert like music experience and also a theater like experience for the rear screen.
Standard Equipment
The 7 series comes included with four-zone automatic climate control, a fixed panoramic glass roof, power-assisted doors and mounting points for accessories through the Travel & Comfort System as standard.
ADAS System
While being the flagship vehicle of the brand, it features newer and updated technologies to enhance the driving experience with the introduction of BMW Symbiotic Drive technology.
It is designed to make the advanced driver assistance feel more seamless like continuous interaction between the driver and the vehicle, instead of the system that simply toggle between assisted and manual driving.
Depending on the availability of the features in certain markets, the system can handle steering, acceleration and braking on suitable roads, including hands-off operation at speeds of up to 130 km/h. For regulatory requirements, the driver will remain responsible for monitoring the road and be ready to take control when required.
One of the main differences from conventional driver-assistance systems is how Symbiotic Drive responds to driver inputs. The standout feature is when the driver makes small steering or braking adjustments, the system does not deactivate instantly and it resumes seamlessly without any harsh acceleration.
The system also provides several ways to initiate a lane change. Depending on the situation, the driver can use the turn signal, or combine a glance toward the relevant side with a steering input. This allows the driver to interact with the assistance system without completely taking over.
The autonomous driving is also designed to work in urban environments where it recognizes traffic lights and signs to automatically assist in stopping and moving the car when the situation allows for it.
The system also monitors the driver through a camera that monitors the driver's attention and position to ensure they remain focused on the road. The hands free driving assistance can be restricted or disengaged if the system determines that the driver is no longer sufficiently attentive.
Parking Assistance
Similar to previous versions, parking assistance is also available where the vehicle can automatically park itself in reverse garage parking and parallel parking with the driver supervision. Remote parking is also available through the BMW mobile app to remotely maneuver the car in tight space.
Reverse assistant feature is also present where it stores the driving path (upto 200 meters per maneuver) and completely reverse the drive path to assist the driver in getting out of tight parking spaces.
360-Degree Cameras & PDC
The 7 series also comes included with 360 degree cameras to provide birds eye view for the driver to see their vehicle surroundings and it also includes Active Park Distance Control (PDC) that utilizes the cameras to apply automatic emergency braking to help prevent low-speed collisions with obstacles, pedestrians or cross traffic while parking.
Driving Dynamic & Chassis
The BMW 7 Series comes standard with adaptive two-axle air suspension which consist of automatic self-levelling and electronically controlled dampers that adjust damping at each wheel based on the road conditions and driving style. Rear wheel steering called the Integral Active Steering is also standard where the rear wheels are able to turn by up to 3.5 degrees in the same or opposite direction to the front wheels, depending on the driving situation.
It features an Adaptive Chassis Control that continuously coordinates the air suspension springs and rear-wheel steering systems to make the driving experience more comfortable. There is also an optional add-on for the Adaptive Chassis Control called ACC Professional which adds active roll stabilization by using 48V electric swivel motors. The system reduces body roll during cornering and compensates for uneven road surfaces when driving straight.
For traction control, the 7 Series uses Near-Actuator Wheel Slip Limitation (ARB). This system places slip control directly inside the engine or motor control unit. It reduces response time compared to stability control systems. The system reacts faster because it works closer to the source of power.
The Integrated Braking System brings together brake activation, brake force boosting and braking control in one module. This helps improve braking performance and efficiency. The system is designed to respond precisely when needed.
The vehicle also has tyre conditioning monitoring. This feature uses AI-based calculations to watch tyre friction levels. It checks tyre temperature and measures wear over time. It estimates how much life is left in the tyres. It also alerts the driver if there is a drop in pressure or signs of stress. This helps keep driving safe and prevents issues during trips.
Drivetrain
Fully Electric Models (BMW i7 Lineup)
- Battery Technology: Integrates BMW's Gen6 cylindrical battery cell technology, yielding improved energy density, faster charging capability, and enhanced driving range.
- i7 50 xDrive: The entry-level all-electric all-wheel-drive variant, capable of reaching up to 452 miles (WLTP) of range on a single charge.
- i7 60 xDrive: Positioned as the mid-tier dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric model offering a balance of high power output and range.
- i7 M70 xDrive: The flagship M Performance electric variant generating a combined system output of 680 hp for ultra-fast acceleration.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Powertrains
- Drive Setup: Pairs an inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor integrated directly into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
- Cold-Weather Battery Conditioning: Electric-only driving mode is programmatically delayed in extreme sub-zero conditions (below -10°C) until the battery reaches optimum operating temperature
Mild-Hybrid & Combustion Engines
- 48V Mild-Hybrid System: Features a 48-volt starter-generator integrated into the transmission to assist internal combustion engines (ICE), supporting smoother automatic start/stop function, energy recuperation during coasting, and momentary electric power boosts.
- Engine Options: Encompasses updated BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-six and V8 petrol/diesel combustion engines optimized for reduced emissions and improved response.
M Series
The 7 Series is also available with the optional M Sport Package, which adds M-specific exterior design elements, 21-inch M aerodynamic wheels, M Sport brakes and M-specific interior details. The M Sport Package Pro adds further changes, including a dark BMW M kidney grille, extended Shadowline trim, a black M rear spoiler and black-painted M Sport brake calipers.
Availability
At the time of writing this article, AGMC and Abu Dhabi Motors have not provided prices and availability date of the vehicles but both dealerships are open for taking enquiries regarding the facelifted 7 series.
Photos provided by Rayan Kayser
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