BMW 7 Series Update 2013: Launch Review

BMW 7 Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse)

What we liked:
>> Handling disguises bulk
>> New front-end polishes flagship look
>> Significant performance in all conventional variants

Not so much:
>> Prices increased
>> Some key facelift features are options
>> Will it stand out from the crowd?

OVERVIEW
-- Impulse by name, logical by nature
BMW has launched the updated 7 Series Down Under. And though the new range boasts fuel economy improvements across its range, and equipment changes to boot, all of the models have gone up in price – as much as $4900 in the case of the $281,100 petrol bi-turbo V8-engined 750i.

The changes comprise the 7 Series' midlife facelift. Called LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) in BMW parlance, the overhaul follows other Bavarian models in adopting more powerful and fuel efficient engines, new eight-speed transmissions and other detailed changes including a new front-end with corona lamps and an upgrade of the interiors across the range.

Ironically, the exception to this LCI 'formula' is the flagship of flagships, the V12-engined 760Li. The powertrain of the $391,500 400kW uber-limo is unchanged for 2013, though the car does get the interior upgrades as well as the new front and rear end styling tweaks that define the new range.

BMW will offer no less than eight 7 Series variants Down Under – a big number given sales volumes are best measured in dozens not hundreds. Two of these variants, the ActiveHybrid 7 and long-wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L are yet to arrive in Australia and are not detailed in this review.

Our international drive of the hybrid 7 Series was published earlier this month. BMW announced pricing for the petrol-electric 7s ahead of the late November debut of the conventional petrol and turbo-diesel 7s.

Though the ActiveHybrid 7s will not go on sale until early-2013, all other non-hybrid 7 Series LCI models are now officially on the market.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

Inside there are tweaks to decor and surfacing. But the main distinguishing feature is the new wide-screen sat nav and infotainment system with faster computer processor and high resolution 3D-style graphics.

It's an impressive display, even if it does stop short of the almost panoramic presentation of the latest Lexus models.

Much ado was also made at the local unveil of new LCD 'soft' instrument panel gauges. Three themes can be cycled through in concert with BMW's 'Driving Experience Control'. Sport and Sport+ get a simple digital speedo and large tacho. Comfort and Comfort+ use a conventional speedo and tacho layout with a somewhat disconcerting 'Zoom' function that enlarges the numerals at the current road and engine speed. Finally, the ECO PRO mode (new as part of the LCI upgrade on all but 760Li ) delivers a cool blue layout with an abbreviated speedo and power/economy meter. [Ed: Those old enough to remember the original VB Commodore will have seriously troubling flashbacks to the Holden's Economy gauge when confronted with this one, I'm sure.]

Alas, for the time being at least, the high-tech panel remains an option on all non-hybrid 7 Series models. BMW says this is due to production constraints but given there's an all-new and very tech-heavy Benz S-Class due in 2013, we can't help but wonder whether the Bavarians have chosen to keep some powder dry in preparation.

Very much the BMW sedan range's flagship, there is a significant complement of standard equipment in every 7. Basic kit on all variants include Driving Dynamics Control chassis and powertrain mode control, Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering, metallic paint (on a Euro at last!), keyless access and starting, heads-up display with full navigation integration, parking sensors, rear camera, glass sunroof, multi-memory functions for driving position, climate et al, high-spec leather upholstery and automatic, adaptive LED headlamps.

Befitting its role and pricetag, BMW also equips all 7s with heated and cooled, multi-adjustable front Comfort seats, auto soft-close on doors and boot, multiple phone and audio-player Bluetooth streaming (though not full iOs integration -- see below), digital television tuner and six-disc DVD stacker.

BMW also fits a clever front-side view camera system on all 7s. On Australia's big, wide suburban streets it's probably not much use but edging out of a Paris or London laneway it'd be easy to appreciate the value.

Options offered across the range include an aggressively styled M Sport Package that incorporates 19- or 20-inch wheels and an aero body-kit as well as interior upgrades. Prices for the package range from $10,000 on the 730d to its status as a NCO (No Cost Option) on the range-topping 760Li. Buyers of V8-engined 7 Series will pay $4000.

The entry-level 7 remains the 730d. Now powered by a 190kW/560nm (up 10kW/20Nm) six-cylinder turbo-diesel, the standard wheelbase model is priced from $204,600, an increase of $2000 from the pre-facelift edition.

BMW says the new 730d is 1.1sec faster 0-100km/h than the car it replaces at 6.1sec and 18 per cent more fuel efficient. Combined cycle economy is an impressive 5.6L/100km (was 6.8L/100km).

The six-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol 740i is offered in standard and long-wheelbase versions priced at $211,500 and $226,500. This represents $4600 and $4200 increases respectively.

The 740s actually have a power deficit to the cars they replace (235kW/450Nm versus 240kW/450Nm) but nonetheless deliver both acceleration and fuel economy benefits. The 740i accelerates 0-100km/h in 5.7sec (was 5.9) and returns 7.9L/100km combined cycle. Compared to the old car's 9.9L/100km, that is a 21 per cent improvement, says BMW.

Save for differing alloy wheel designs (18 x 8.0-inch), the 730d, 740i and 740Li are all but identical in terms of equipment.

The step up to the V8 $281,100 750i and $297,800 750Li comes at a substantial premium (price increases are similar to the 740i), though it's not without its performance benefits. The new 4.4-litre bi-turbo petrol eight is rated at 330kW and 650Nm (increases of 30Kw and 50Nm respectively) and powers both the standard and long-wheelbase models to a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8sec!

Fuel economy has been trimmed to 8.6L/100km – down from 11.4L/100km. This is an improvement of 25 per cent.

There are some key equipment upgrades with the V8 models, in particular the long wheelbase variant. The 750i adds 19-inch wheels, Dynamic Drive (active body-roll stabilisation), Surround View camera system (740Li also), Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot (see below), upgraded audio and a rear seat DVD/entertainment system with twin 9.2-inch flat screens.

The 750Li adds an extra 140mm to the wheelbase (same for 740Li and 760Li) and gifts individual adjustable heated and cooled rear Comfort seats.

As noted, performance and fuel economy for the $391,500 760Li (+$3300) is essentially unchanged.

The 400kW and 750Nm 6.0-litre V12 wafts the long-wheelbase car 0-100km/h in 4.6sec. But it uses plenty of fuel in the process – the combined figure of 12.9L/100km is unlikely to be approached in the real world without the benefits of idle stop-start and other smart technologies.

A large portion of the 760's up-spec’ing is subtle trim changes – for example it gets hand-stitched leather detailing above the doors, a leather dash, more chrome and model-specific ceramic trim flourishes. Laminated side glass, camera-based adaptive cruise control, Blind Spot detection, 20-inch wheels and massage rear seats are also standard.

BMW's option list for the 7 Series range is extensive – it wouldn't be hard to add a 1 Series in terms of the value of extras. That's the way of the world at the top end of town. That said a couple that grate with the writer, especially on a vehicle of this cost and line-up positioning, are: iPhone integration ($220), tyre pressure monitor ($700) and the abovementioned adaptive instrument panel ($600).

And when Lexus and even Toyota can include leather stitched dashtops in sub-$100,000 cars at no extra cost, methinks it's also steep to ask an extra $3000 on all 7s excluding the 760Li. 

MECHANICAL

EfficientDynamics should need little introduction to BMW-philes. It's the term BMW uses to umbrella a host of engine, transmission and ancillary tweaks that help the manufacturer trim fuel economy without sacrificing performance or refinement.

Like other BMW model families, 7 Series now benefits from idle stop-start, the latest eight-speed automatic transmission, even more frugal engines, plus engine management systems that can play tricks such as 'disconnecting' the engine and gearbox on the over-run to allow the car to coast at highway speeds.

The key mechanicals of the 7 Series range are largely unchanged since the launch of the F01/02 family in 2008. The 7 features a double wishbone front suspension design (uncommon given the popularity of strut front suspensions) and multi-link independent rear end. With the LCI, all 7's get self-levelling pneumatic rear dampers. All-wheel disc brakes are unchanged.

The respective outputs of the updated engine line-up are detailed in PRICE and EQUIPMENT, above.

The arrival of EfficientDynamics to the 7 Series also sees all but the 760Li adopt electromechanical power steering. However, the 760Li is unique in the range in featuring Integral Active Steer four-wheel steering as standard.

The system counter steers the rear wheels at speeds up to 60km/h to improved manoeuvrability and decrease the turning circle. At higher speeds the front and rear wheels steer analogously to improve stability.

PACKAGING

Traditional sedans, all 7s are five-seaters. A substantial rear centre armrest folds down to reveal a host of controls, including (in some variants) a second iDrive controller to allow rear seat occupants to tailor climate, entertainment and phone functions.

Top-spec models get rear seat adjustability, though there is no 'ottoman' style footrest function as is the case in some opposition cars (Lexus for example).

If we have an immediate criticism of the 7 Series, it's the lack of oddment storage. If the front centre console cupholders are filled (with small drink bottles, or, God forbid, cups!), there's not only nowhere to store your phone, but there's also no easily accessed, secure location for your keys!

Door pockets are also hard to access – they lack the hinged flip out function of the Audi A8 or Porsche Panamera for example. This may seem like a petty complaint, but at this end of the spectrum, your every whim should be catered to...

Styling changes applied across the 7 Series range are aimed at giving the car a more dynamic presence, says BMW. Above all, they emphasise the width of the big sedan.

At the front there is a new nine-slat iteration of BMW's double-kidney grille, a new bumper and more horizontally orientated under bumper intake with trapezoidal fog/auxiliary lamps. Indicator repeaters have been integrated into the exterior mirror housings.

BMW says the new front design uses 'Air Curtain' technology to decrease aerodynamic drag.

The most obvious change to the front end, however, is the now trademark 'hooded' corona-ring headlights. Introduced to the BMW design language via the i8 concept car and the new 3 Series in production terms, in the 7 Series, the lamps boast a number of dynamic features. Some of these combine with night vision and pedestrian warning systems to not only provide anti-dazzle functions, but to spotlight pedestrian and or animals in the car's path. The so-called BMW Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot is a $4700 option on all six-cylinder models (including the ActiveHybrid 7s).

BMW has added three new metallic paint colours with the LCI update – Havanna, Glacier Silver and Midnight Blue. The trio take the choice of exterior colours on non-hybrid 7s to 13.

Other key updates include (as detailed above) a new design for the heated, ventilated and electrically adjustable Comfort front seats that are now standard across the range.

An electrically operated rear sunblind is now also standard on all models. All long-wheelbase 7s and the standard wheelbase 750i also get electrically operated side rear blinds for those special VIP moments.

SAFETY

That said there are some missing items that opposition flagships can claim over the 7. Among these are side bags for rear passengers (curtains only are fitted) and front knee bags. Some manufacturers in this space offer (or are soon to offer) centre bags which protect occupants from head clash in a side-on collision.

Lane departure warning is standard in only the 760Li. It is a $1400 option on all other models. Active Cruise is also only standard on the flagship model.

Expect the all-new S-Class to move the safety equipment 'standard' on in 2013. At this time BMW is likely to tweak the 7's standard equipment to counter.

COMPETITORS

But it's not only the Porsche and segment-leading Benz that seek to steal sales from BMW. Lexus' refreshed LS range is desperately seeking suitors in this segment (the new LS F-Sport models add some much needed pizzazz), Audi has the A8 in various guises and Jaguar's XJ range attracts around 12 per cent of this marketplace Down Under.

Bentley, Maserati and especially Range Rover are also contenders for the dollars at this end of the market.

ON THE ROAD

Anyone buying a limo-sized car for driving enjoyment has a somewhat affected view of how cars should work. That said, all of the 7 Series variants we sampled during a badly traffic and weather affected launch drive proved themselves capable and remarkably wieldy.

There's not a lot of direct feedback to the driver but good basic chassis dynamics mean that these large cars are easier to place on the road than they might be. Though not as fleet of foot as, say, Porsche's Panamera, the 7s are still enjoyable to drive in a spirited manner.

In Europe the cars' high-speed stability and their ability to munch through miles at speeds around 200km/h are much praised. Here that behaviour will land you in gaol. Thus it is cosseting of driver and passengers that are the main measures of a luxury car's ability locally. Our above packaging criticisms aside, the 7 Series range ticks all of the boxes the majority of purchasers will require.

The cars are quiet, smooth (730d turbo-diesel included) and in every version remarkably quick in a straight line. The V8 750i is a serious piece of work in terms of its acceleration – both from a standing start and from highway speeds.

Like Audi with its A8, the 7 Series is, more than ever, derivative in its styling. Like the new 3 Series and 5 Series look alike, so (in isolation) the 7 Series sometimes presents as a smaller, less imposing vehicle. That will suits some buyers, but equally for a few captains of industry this will count against the BMW.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site