Buzz
The new 7 Series starts its luxury journey with an increased standard wheelbase reaching 3,215 mm (compared to the old 3,070 mm), promising enhanced space and comfort for occupants. The newfound luxury on the 7 Series is further highlighted by numerous decorative details featuring multifaceted crystal elements, the feature control display system on the second-row seatbacks, and a range of premium options such as the Sky Lounge panoramic sunroof, a 31-inch entertainment screen, and the finest Merino leather seats.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the 7 Series (G70) stands out significantly from BMW's traditional design language. It's not about oversized grilles; instead, it boasts sharp angular lines, notably the distinct two-tiered headlight design. It exudes a bold aesthetic reminiscent of Italian conceptual designs. Some may find it challenging to label, as it doesn't immediately convey the premium and modern essence expected of a BMW 7 Series.
The dual-tiered headlights feature LED daytime running lights on top, embellished with intricately carved patterns resembling crystal when observed closely or deeply. Below are the main headlights with a pair of dynamic light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, utilizing entirely new LED Matrix technology replacing Laser Light technology.
The new LED Matrix technology promises enhanced lighting intensity for both low and especially high beam modes. While the previous Laser technology boasted a long-range of 600m, its narrow beam didn't provide effective illumination for drivers. Having a high beam system and wide illumination range like that of LED Matrix is more practical and efficient in reality.
The grille on the 7 Series now appears more harmonious and proportionate compared to the newer generations of BMWs such as the iX or 3-4 Series. BMW retains its affinity for using shiny chrome accents, a design choice that may seem dated but remains timeless.
The dimensions of the BMW 7 Series G70 are as follows: Length x Width x Height are 5.391 x 1.950 x 1.544 mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 3.215 mm, an improvement of 145mm over the previous G11 generation. It still features a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link (5-point) rear suspension. The 7 Series offers a variety of suspension options ranging from adaptive air suspension to adaptive coil spring suspension. Advanced suspension technologies such as Dynamic Damper Control and Active Roll Stabilisation are still optional equipment on the G70 7 Series.
The rear design of the 7 Series G70 harkens back to the E65 generation with its thick bumper and large curved lines, a departure from the sleek and sturdy appearance of the predecessor, the G11.
The signal warning system has also been revamped, now featuring an L-shaped LED strip instead of the previous continuous strip on both sides. There's another distinction in the detailing, with BMW incorporating symmetrical triangular patterns, a design motif first seen on typical electric BMW models like the iX SUV.
The new-generation alloy wheels significantly influence the aerodynamic design, adorned with additional plastic inserts to enhance aerodynamics. They no longer represent sheer metal toughness like the previous generation but offer various pattern options for customers to choose from.Automatic Door Opening & Closing Feature
More specifically, on the control panel on the left or right side of the front seats, there will be buttons for opening and closing the doors with an A-shaped icon. Each time the door is opened or closed using the interior electronic mechanism, users will need to press once for the door to automatically open or close. For the driver's door, when you enter from outside to inside the car, simply sit in the driver's seat, press the brake pedal (indicating you are preparing to start the car), and the door will automatically close without the need for pressing any button.
On the exterior along the sides of the car, there are 8 sensors evenly distributed on both sides to detect if there are any people or obstacles outside the car before the door is opened. These sensors can also estimate the distance (similar to the front and rear collision warning sensors of the car) to decide whether to open the door at a narrow distance instead of fully opening. If there is an obstacle, the interior lights will flash red as a warning. If it's just ordinary grass or shrubs, you still have the option to manually open the door like a regular door.
When outside, you have the option to manually open the door by inserting your hand into the recess, where there is a button inside to unlock, or open it with the electronic opening mechanism by pressing the area of the round button (with a small LED light). In the case where one or all four doors are not properly closed when leaving the car, you only need to press and hold the lock button on the key fob, and all the doors will be closed.
If you wish to actively open or close the car doors for other passengers, you can also perform this action on the entertainment screen.Interior
There will be many differences compared to the exterior as the interior of the BMW 7 Series features modern design lines, premium craftsmanship, showcasing the luxury expected of a flagship full-size sedan.
Upon stepping inside, the most prominent feature is the interior lighting system, presented through a strip of trim resembling cut-cornered crystal facets. It's the first time I've seen an interior lighting system like this, not only are they visibly striking, but they also come with decorative patterns and various touch-sensitive control areas.
The interior lighting strip extends from the Dashboard to both sides of the door panels, and its color can be customized according to preference. BMW has also designed some themes for you to choose from, which are essentially blends of multiple colors. Through this interior lighting system, BMW aims to express emotional movement, especially as the future iDrive 8 system of this vehicle gets updated to 8.5. It's highly likely that the interior lighting system will be even more emotionally responsive.
Throughout the length of the interior lighting strip on both sides, there are multiple areas allocated for controlling the vehicle's features, each equipped with responsive touch-sensitive buttons.
The entertainment information system utilizes BMW's latest iDrive 8 platform. With vibrant multi-colored graphics accompanied by high-quality display content, the standout features of the iDrive 8 platform are the 14.9-inch touchscreen with a pixel density of 200 ppi. All necessary information for quick access is displayed on the exterior interface. For example, you can quickly check the vehicle's status such as tire pressure, maintenance schedule, or service reminders, all customizable to appear directly on the main screen.
The iDrive 8 in the 7 Series is developed on a Linux-based open platform. BMW has customized and developed it since 2013 to finally become the most up-to-date version with a range of features such as wireless software updates, integration of the new-generation voice assistant (BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant) capable of communicating with the driver more extensively and understanding complex commands accurately. The synchronized development of iDrive 8 with the vehicle's hardware makes voice control smarter. For instance, if you're seated in a particular position and say 'My feet are hot,' the system can identify your position and adjust the ventilation to cool your feet area without any hindrance. Of course, iDrive 8 supports standard wireless connections like Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and some entertainment apps specific to certain markets, such as Alibaba and Tencent in China.
The new central control area is emphasized by transparent crystal-like buttons, replacing the traditional gear lever. Gone are the days of traditional shifters or crystal knobs like in some SUV models, replaced instead by a toggle switch.
The crystal-like buttons can also be seen on the seat adjustment controls, which not only look beautiful from the outside but also feel and function securely.
This is not a photo I took of the car in the article because the version I encountered is the 735i, equipped with standard features and without the 31-inch rear entertainment screen option. I want to help you imagine the new interior space of the 7 Series, which now includes more room. Instead of equipping two headrest entertainment screens for the second row, BMW has opted for a large 31-inch screen to cater to entertainment needs in the second row. The rear interior space of the 7 Series showcases a blend of digital design and classic elegance, with clean angular lines and practical amenities tailored to each version, ensuring spaciousness at all times.
Near each door handle, there is a touchscreen panel for controlling various features. BMW has integrated nearly all control operations into this screen, including seat adjustment and features like massage, adjusting the sunshade system on both sides including the sunroof, interior theme adjustments, air conditioning control, entertainment system control, and more. Initially, it feels modern and convenient, but in reality, some features should still be a physical button, for example, raising or lowering the sunshade.Engine
The BMW 7 Series G70 no longer offers the 730i variant with the 2.0L engine as in the previous generation. Instead, it comes with the 735i variant featuring the B58 3.0L engine, tuned to produce 272 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and rear-wheel drive for the 735i and 740i. For the current 750i variant, BMW offers it as a Plug-in Hybrid version, named 750e, based on the B58 3.0L engine instead of the previous V8 engine, delivering a total output of 482 horsepower. The 7 Series G70 will also have the 760i variant equipped with a 4.0L V8 engine, replacing the 750i, with power output after refinement at 536 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque.
The BMW 7 Series G70 represents BMW's global transition to electrification technology. The current V12 engine versions have not been introduced or will be replaced by the M760e Plug-in Hybrid version, as evidenced by the above-mentioned 750e variant. However, with the entry-level 735i currently equipped with the B58 6-cylinder inline engine, this model will also significantly increase the smoothness of the engine during actual operation. While the BMW 7 Series may appear more appealing in photos, the overall exterior design of this model does not quite match the modern and luxurious interior. BMW emphasizes the 'digital' aspect of this model, but perhaps newer models like the iX achieve a more balanced exterior design. In contrast, the 7 Series Sedan's design falls short, especially in the front end.
