|
Ever the technology showcase, the latest 7-series shouldn't disappoint electronics lovers. BMW has released preliminary information and images of the revamped and restyled 7 ahead of its official debut at this year's Paris show.
The fifth-generation 7-series will
come to the U.S. first as the V-8-powered 750i and its long-wheelbase
counterpart, the 750Li. Though the model designations remain the same
as before, the V-8 underhood does not. As we expected, the 750 models
will get the 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that first appeared in
BMW's X6. A smaller engine with a big dose of technology goes a long
way, as the direct-injected turbo engine makes more power than the
outgoing 750's 4.8-liter normally aspirated V-8, and more torque than
the V-12 currently found in the 760Li. The 7 will continue to use a
six-speed automatic transmission.
When it comes time to put the 7 in
Drive, drivers will now make use of BMW's console-mounted joystick gear
selector which replaces the electronic column-mounted shifter of the
previous-generation car. We see also that the odd
steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons (with two for upshifts on the
rim's front, and two for downshifts on the rear) have gone away. Manual
shifting can be accomplished once the joystick-style selector is tilted
to the left.
BMW's improved iDrive controller
is located next to the gear selector, and with it comes a revised
interface that is more intuitive than that on the outgoing model and
which we expect to be more in line with BMW's other iDrive-equipped
offerings. Menus are now displayed on a larger (10.2 inches vs. 8.8
inches), higher-definition central display. GPS navigation software is
now stored on a hard drive, which can also be used to store about 13
gigabytes of music (auxiliary, USB, and iPod interfaces will also be
included). The 7-series will also adopt the programmable memory keys
seen on other BMWs that allow for one touch access to user-defined
vehicle functions. BMW also notes that the steering controls can access
more functions than before.
Not to be outdone by the central
display, the 7's new instruments make use of what BMW calls Black Panel
technology. We gather that this is similar to the instrument layout in
the Mercedes-Benz S-class, though the 7-series has four permanent
chrome rings bounding its virtual instruments.
On the dynamic side of things, the
750s receive a new suspension, as well as the normal raft of 7-series
technologies like roll stabilization, stability control, and traction
control. New for 2009 is BMW's Integral Active Steering, which adds
speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering and is included with the Sport
package. The new Driving Dynamics Control selector is located on the
center console and allows drivers to select between Comfort, Normal,
Sport and Sport Plus modes. Each setting has its own characteristics
for suspension damping, throttle response, transmission shift points,
power-steering assist level, and Dynamic Stability Control mode.
The safety technology ante has
been upped with active cruise control that can now bring the car to a
complete standstill, allowing it to be used in stop-and-go traffic.
Other safety features include a lane departure warning, blind spot
detection, a head-up display, automatic high beams, night vision (now
with pedestrian detection), as well as side view and backup cameras.
Side view cameras are mounted at the front corners and show the images
in the control display when traveling at low speeds.
Always searching for the most
advanced solution to a problem, BMW has solved a dilemma caused by the
abundance of technology in the 7-series by including an electronic
owner's manual accessible via, you guessed it, the iDrive interface.
The included digital information includes animations and slide shows to
explain vehicle functions, which could be much easier to understand
than traditional printed pages. BMW's Integrated Owner's Manual is also
vehicle-specific and therefore tailored to the exact options of the
7-series it is housed within. For quick reference, specific subjects
can also be stored on the programmable memory keys, provided you can
figure out how to store them.
[SOURCE: www.automobilemag.com READ THE FULL ARTICLE]
|
Email
