New BMW 7-Series revealed with really impressive tech, imposing looks

BY MIKE OCHOMMA

With its two-tier headlight layout featuring ‘gremlin’ lower lamps that remind car freaks of the pre-facelift Jeep Cherokee, it is quite possible that, this will be the most controversial BMW 7 Series since the E65 fourth-generation model of 2001.

But with styling being very much a subjective thing, auto buffs are at liberty to stew on its looks because the rest of the car is technologically very impressive and very assertive indeed.

But perhaps the biggest departure is that, for the first time ever, BMW’s flagship sedan will be offered with a choice of internal combustion and all-electric drivetrains and these options will differ depending on the market. Niherian buyers, for instance, will initially only be able to opt for the 740i petrol model or the battery-powered i7 xDrive60.

The new BMW 740i is powered by a six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid technology and outputs of 280kW and 520Nm.

Those seeking more power will have to go all-electric, with the i7 xDrive60 twin-motor all-wheel drive model offering 400kW and 745Nm for a 4.7-second 0-100km/h sprint time. BMW reckons the i7 is good for a range of between 590 and 625km, as per the WLTP test cycle.