BMW 7 Series (G11)

The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW G11 (short-wheelbase version) and BMW G12 (long-wheelbase version) luxury saloons. The G11/G12 generation was produced by BMW from 2015 to 2022, and is often collectively referred to as the G11.

The G11 was unveiled on 10 June 2015 at BMW's headquarters in Munich.[4] An official public reveal took place at the 2015 International Motor Show Germany. This generation of the 7 Series is the first car lineup of BMW to be based on the CLAR platform.[5] The CLAR platform adopts technology first introduced in BMW i models, namely the introduction of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer as structural chassis components. Long-wheelbase cars have the letter "L" in their model name.[6]

As part of BMW's strategy of introducing plug-in hybrid variants for all future car models,[7] the short and long-wheelbase models were available with hybrid powertrains as 740e and 740Le in 2016.[8]

Development and launch

The international launch of the new BMW 7 Series was at the 2015 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Held in September 2015. The lead exterior designer is Nader Faghihzadeh[9] and Alexey Kezha (facelift).[10]

Production commenced in July 2015 at the Dingolfing manufacturing plant in Germany,[11] with global vehicle sales starting in October 2015.[12][13][14]

Design

The G11 and G12, which are the respective codenames for the short and long wheelbase models, are the first passenger BMW vehicles to be based on the modular BMW CLAR (cluster architecture) platform.[15]

The passenger cell of the 7 Series is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), tensile steel and aluminium, resulting in a lower curb weight, lower centre of gravity and maintaining a 50/50 axle load distribution. The usage of CFRP allows for weight reduction due to being lighter than steel and aluminium. CFRP also increases structural strength in areas exposed to high steering forces, as it is capable of diverting impact forces to prevent deformations of the material, resulting in higher torsional rigidity.[16] Aluminium has been applied to the doors, boot lid, brake system, wheel hubs and rear suspension arms, further reducing weight and unsprung masses. The G11's body weighs overall 40 kg less than that of its predecessor.[17]

The front features a large signature kidney grille incorporating grille shutters that will only open when an increase of air flow to the engine bay is required, decreasing aerodynamic drag in the process. Along with air openings behind the front wheel arches that reduce turbulence in the wheel housings, the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.24cd.[18]

The standard self-levelling air suspension of the previous model has been reworked, featuring air springs at both axles with electronically controlled shock absorbers that can automatically adjust damping according to the environment. The active anti-roll system is optionally available with an electro-hydraulic actuator that improves damper reaction times. For the first time, four-wheel steering, marketed as Integral Active Steering, has also become available for all-wheel drive models.[19]

Equipment

The iDrive operating system 6.0 for secondary car controls now receives user input from a conventional control wheel, touchscreen, voice commands[20] and is capable of recognizing gestures through a 3D scanner, known as the Gesture Control. It is also possible to save a gesture movement with an individual function.

A number of advanced driver assistance systems for the BMW 7 Series have been reworked to work autonomously or partly so—the parking system utilises a number of radar sensors and a stereo camera at the rear, allowing it to execute parking manoeuvres independently and can be operated with a digital key fob. The cruise control driver assist is able to recognize speed limits and will adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly. The lane driving assist warns the driver of possible side or rear collisions. In addition, it is able to detect lane markings and traffic, as well as alter the steering responsiveness to improve driving comfort.[21]

All models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. The parts are a black grille, carbon fibre mirrors, side skirts and sport brakes for facelift models.

Engines

The powertrain line-up consists of a 4.4 litre V8 engine and three engines from BMW's modular B-series engine architecture—two 3.0 litre inline-six engines in petrol and diesel form, as well a 2.0 litre inline-four engine including the hybrid model designated as 740e/740Le, 730i/730Li for the petrol version and 725d/725Ld for diesel version.[22][23] Initially, each model can be equipped with all-wheel drive and is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic ZF automatic transmission. The 750i/750Li, 740i/740Li, 740d/740Ld and 750d/750Ld models are optionally available with the all-wheel drive option xDrive. The transmission can be optionally linked with the satellite navigation system that provides the transmission with geographical data to adjust shift timing in relation to current driving conditions.

The G11/G12 is the first 7 Series generation to feature a plug-in hybrid variant, called the 740e/740Le iPerformance. This new model effectively replaces the rather undersold ActiveHybrid 7, which evolved from a 750i based mild hybrid to a 740i based full hybrid in 2014 post-LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) variant. The 740e/740Le is marketed as a BMW iPerformance car, not as a member of the BMW i sub-brand.[24][25][26]

Special editions

Facelift

The updated 7 Series models were unveiled on 16 January 2019[42] as 2020 model year cars. Production began two months later in March.[43] Notable changes of the facelift include a larger kidney grille shared with the X7 (40 percent larger than the outgoing model)[42] and sleeker headlights with optional laser headlights. The V8 models and the hybrid models were updated and a new hands-free driving system which operates under certain conditions was added to the range.

The new front is accompanied by a more prominent front fascia and a power dome on the bonnet. The rear of the car gained LED tail lamps joined by a central stripe and a new rear bumper. Other exterior changes included new optional 20 in wheels.

Updates to the interior included a new 12.3 in instrument cluster and a 10.25 in infotainment screen. A new voice assistant was also added to the infotainment system along with the BMW iDrive system 7.0 with updated graphics and menus. The main technological feature is the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant which allows the driver to leave the steering wheel at speeds up to 35 mph during urban city driving. The system manages steering, acceleration and braking of the car and cameras ensure that the driver pays attention on the road.

The turbocharged B58 inline-6 in the 740i/740Li was now rated at 290 kW and 332 lbft of torque.

The 750i/750Li now shared the same engine enhancements as the M850i which now generates a power output of 390 kW and 553 lbft of torque. The rear-wheel-drive option for the 750i/750Li was discontinued, making the 740i/740Li the only model to be available with optional rear-wheel-drive.

The 740e/740Le hybrid model was discontinued in favour of the updated 745e/745Le iPerformance. The 745e/745Le iPerformance uses a turbocharged inline-6 engine shared with the X5 xDrive45e. The new engine combined with electric motors generates a power output of 290 kW and 442 lbft of torque. A new 12 kW⋅h battery pack is employed for the electric motors to increase the electric range.

The M760Li xDrive saw a decrease in engine power to 447 kW, although the engine benefited from a torque increase to 850 Nm for the US model. The engine in the European model generates a power output of 430 kW.

The updated 7 Series models went on sale in April 2019.[44][45]

In Malaysia, the facelift 7 series 745Le is known as 740Le.[46]

In Thailand, the 730Ld, 745Le xDrive, and M760Li xDrive are offered.[47]

Production

The G11 was produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in Germany. Complete knock-down (CKD) assembly is conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia[48] and at the BMW Thailand plant in Rayong.[49] It is also produced in India at BMW Group Plant, Chennai.[50]

Reception

The 2016 7-series was named one of the top ten tech cars in 2016 by IEEE Spectrum.[51]

External links