The current generation of BMW’s flagship model, the 7-Series, has been around for quite some time now and is beginning to show it’s age. It has also lost a fair bit of ground to it’s rivals, with the new S-Class setting benchmarks in the luxury car segment. BMW is out to set things right with the 2016 BMW 7-Series. The forthcoming 7-Series will be way more advanced and tech laden than the current generation and will feature newer and lighter materials for construction.
Design
In terms of design the 2016 BMW 7-Series will borrow heavily form BMW Vision Future Luxury concept showcased at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show. The car will be carry a more aggressive, leaner look than the current 7–Series with slightly lower set headlamps and the trademark BMW kidney grille. Some of the exterior details revealed in the spy shots include the exhaust tip design as well as the latest take on BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. The interiors seen in the spy shots look familiar but will most likely carry a very different look on the final production version. Also being planned is a extended wheelbase version with all bells and whistles.
Future Tech
With the upcoming 2016 BMW 7-Series, the company’s primary area of focus is not the exterior but what lies beneath the sheet metal. The chassis is based on a new Modular Platform, previewed in the Vision Future Luxury car concept, which will also form the basis of BMW’s future generation of models from the 3-Series up. The new platform makes extensive use of new technologies and materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic, aluminium, magnesium and high strength steel to keep the weight in check. The 2016 BMW 7-Series is expected to be lighter than the current car by around 200 kg thanks to lightweight carbon fiber panels used for the roof, hood, and trunk lid as well as some internal structures. The subsequent weight savings would result in better driving dynamics and improved fuel efficiency. The cabin is expected to get a whole host of new gizmos and gadgets based on the latest technology in the form of traffic warning systems and convenience features such as automatic parking and even some autonomous driving capability. BMW recently announced a partnership with supplier Continental to further develop its autonomous car technology, which should debut on this 2016 7-Series. The new 7-Series should offer full WiFi capability, downloadable apps, 3D maps with real-time traffic and weather updates, and increased voice activation which has been developed by BMW in partnership with Harman. The headlamps and tail lamps will make extensive use of LEDs and laser headlights could also be offered as an optional extra.
Engine
Under the hood we expect to see a variety of familiar 6-, 8- and 12-cylinder engines but reports have suggested there could be a new 4.0-liter V8 and an entry-level variant with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine along with a plug-in hybrid variant. The most interesting rumour though is the planned M version of the sedan which would see a twin-turbo 4.4 litre V8 putting out close to 600 BHP and will battle the Audi S8 and the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG.
Launch
Launch dates haven’t been confirmed yet but expect the 2016 BMW 7-Series to available in showrooms by late 2015 or early 2016 with an estimated starting price of $80,000 or Rs. 60 lakh (excluding import duties).
Pictures Courtesy- Motorauthority.com
