BMW 7 Series

BMW’s flagship car now has a stronger street presence and lots more.

- Bob Rupani

The BMW 7 Series has just received a midlife facelift and apart from the cosmetic changes, there are revisions under the skin and on the inside too. The 7 Series has always showcased BMW’s best technology and comes with even more high-tech features. It’s a longtime traditional rival of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and is back in the battle carrying more in its armory.

Styling

The biggest market in the world for the 7 Series in China and BMW is quite candid that all changes have been made keeping the Chinese in mind. Apparently, they like it to be known they are driving a BMW, so it’s been given more attention-drawing looks.

Like the new BMW X7, the 7 Series has a larger grille, one that is 47 percent bigger than the one on its predecessor! To accommodate it, the bonnet has been raised and the front end is 50mm taller, giving the new BMW 7 Series some additional brawn. The diameter of the badge on it has grown from 82mm to 95mm too. The grille is flanked by thinner headlights, which further help amplify its size. The standard 7 Series (5,120mm) and its long-wheelbase twin (5,260mm) are both 23mm longer than their respective predecessors. The bumpers have been redesigned and the front one has larger trims and chrome edging. The air vents placed just behind the front wheels are more vertical (almost 90-degree angle) and extend much further upwards, to augment the upright stance. The tail lights are 35mm slimmer and more deeply sculpted to provide a three-dimensional-like effect. They are now connected by a thin (6mm) full-width light strip that is linked to the DRLs. With this restyling treatment, the earlier sleek styling of the BMW 7 Series has become noticeably sinewy. I am told the Chinese response is most positive, and I think it will get a favorable reaction in India too.