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BMW 7 Series – Is It The Most Technologically Advanced Luxury Sedan?

Oct 20, 2020

BMW 7 Series is the top-of-the-line model that BMW calls “the most luxurious, most comfortable and – all around – the best car we have ever built in this class.” It is the most technologically advanced BMW crafted with luxury and dressed in elegance. So, let us find out, exactly how the 7 Series exceeds expectation in technology, luxury, and comfort.

The BMW ConnectedDrive in the 7 Series

Close to four decades in making, the BMW 7 Series have always been equipped with the latest and greatest technology gadgets that BMW formulates. In the latest generations (model years 2016 and later), the vehicle is completed with a built-in SIM card which serves up Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) with the most up-to-date traffic data.

Interactive Traffic Sign Update as Part of the BMW ConnectedDrive

A new, never been seen before “Interactive Traffic Sign Update” as part of the Intelligent connectivity is an innovative first by BMW within the entire industry. The system is a map database with roadside traffic signs along with their position data. The program stays up-to-date by collecting anonymous info from BMWs that activate the optional Speed Limit Info camera function. Traffic sign data collected are uploaded to the main server to benefit BMW ConnectedDrive users.

The Instrument Panel with Touch Display in the BMW 7 Series

The new Instrument Panel for the Navigation Professional and the latest iDrive 5.0 system features a 12.3-inch Touch Display with Gesture Control exclusive to the BMW 7 Series. The monitor located on the Instrument Panel works like any touchscreen device. While you still have the ability to make selections via the traditional buttons and voice command.

The Gesture Control in the BMW 7 Series

BMW 7 Series Gesture Control

The Gesture Control makes our list for the most wanted BMW gadget update. We call the Gesture Control the “magic touch”. It allows the driver to initiate functions with hand movements in the air. Yes, this is not a typo. The function recognizes gestures such as pointing in different directions, swirling your fingers, and even customized gestures for elective functions.

The Gesture Control system has the ability to control a number of tasks such as adjusting audio volume, accepting or rejecting incoming calls, as well as recording user specified gestures to pair with a user selected function.

The Digital Instrument Cluster in the BMW 7 Series

Traditionally, Instrument Cluster shows a full range of drive-related information such as speedometer reading, fuel level, temperature display, etc.  The new Digital Instrument Cluster pulls essential information regarding the current drive mode into the display. In addition, it interchanges different color schemes as well as graphic symbols to represent different driving modes selected.

How the Instrument Cluster Display Different Driving Modes

  • COMFORT Mode: Displays a four-dial presentation, with highlighting the current speed and showing the magnifier function
  • SPORT Mode: Enlarges and displays the current speed and the gear selection in digital readings
  • ECO PRO Mode: The rev counter turns into the EfficientDynamics gauge, which indicates how to maximize efficiency and how the journey is progressing

See the complete guide on the BMW 7 Series new performance features.

The Navigation System Professional in the BMW 7 Series

The Navigation System Professional in the BMW 7 Series facilitates the use of Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI). The built-in 10.25-inch LCD full-color touchscreen display comes with the standard split screen function, voice control, as well as 20 GB of memory for audio files. Switching from the navigation to the iDrive Touch Controller can be easily done with the touch screen function, the gesture control, or through the available seven bookmarks.

See the complete guide on how to use BMW’s navigation.

Head-Up Display in the BMW 7 Series

Head-Up Display is a display of various driving status, warnings and directional messages that are projected onto the front windshield of the car. In the BMW 7 Series, the Head-Up Display is 75% enlarged (comparing to other models) in the projected area with improved full-color graphics quality.

Specifically, the display can project the following vehicle and drive-related information:

  • Road Speed
  • Speed Limits
  • Overtaking Restrictions
  • Check Control messages
  • Vehicle Status
  • Warning Messages
  • Navigational Turn-By-Turn Directions
  • Telephone and Call Information
  • Entertainment Menu

 

Parking Assistant in the BMW 7 Series

BMW 7 Series Active Parking Assistant

Equipped with the up-to-date Parking Assistant, at a push of a button, the system takes over and parks the car into any spot. Yes, that includes those dreadful parallel parking. The car does it all, from steering, shifting, braking, to aligning itself into space. All tasks are being executed perfectly without you lifting a finger. This is just one example of the BMW 7 Series’ modern technology at its best.

Active Park Distance Control as Part of the BMW Parking Assistant

Active Park Distance Control, as part of the Parking Assistant function, provides automatic braking as an emergency precaution. The system takes over and applies braking when a possible collision in the rear is detected during reverse operations carried out by the driver.

Driver Assistance Plus and Driver Assistance Plus II

Driver Assistance Plus and Driver Assistance Plus II are only available with the Navigation System Business or Professional. Both packages are offered exclusively with the Steptronic transmission, as equipped for the 7 Series. Both systems include a range of functions that ensure added road safety for drivers and passengers.

Driver Assistance Plus (a $1,900 Package)

  • Surround View with 3D View
  • Speed Limit Info
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
  • Daytime Pedestrian Protection
  • Blind Spot Detection
  • Parking Assistant with Active Park Distance Control
  • Driver Assistance Plus II is required when Driver Assistance Plus package is selected

Driver Assistance Plus II (a $1,700 Package)

  • Driver Assistance Plus is required when Driver Assistance Plus II package is selected
  • Traffic Jam Assistant
  • Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance
  • Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go

 

Additional Safety Options in the BMW 7 Series

BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection

BMW Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection (a $2,300 Safety Option) sends images with projected heat-radiating objects such as pedestrians and animals onto the Center Console display for added night-driving safety.

BMW Surround View with 3D View

Surround View with 3D View ($750 Safety Option) is a newly added mode in addition to the Top View and Panorama View in the BMW 7 Series. It takes in a 360-degree complete view of the vehicle’s surroundings. For a rather large car, this is a convenient feature to reduce blind spots and increase driving safety.

BMW Space-Saver Spare

The Space-Saver Spare ($150 Safety Option) maximizes storage space. The spare tire is tucked away neatly underneath the luggage compartment floor in the trunk and out of sight. No cargo capacity is wasted with this convenient spare storage method.

BMW 7 Series’ Comfortable and Luxurious Interior Space

The BMW 7 Series is crafted with luxury amenities and comfort in mind. Inside the cockpit, superior quality materials such as the chrome, fine wood finishes, and exclusive Nappa Leather complement each other to create a harmonious high-end atmosphere.

BMW 7 Series’ High Standard in Amenities

A high standard of the production process is carried out to ensure the best construction and aesthetics in the BMW 7 Series. For example, wood decorative trims and electroplated strips are individually matched during the production process for a seamless finish.

For more personalized styling, BMW Individual series (launched during the spring of 2016) offers a range of exclusive colors and fine leather upholstery. They come with handcrafted details and woven stitching to satisfy luxury driving demands.

The BMW 7 Series Executive Package 2

If you are looking for a full line of luxury add-ons for the 7 Series driver’s space, throw in the Executive Package 2 (a $2,700 Package)

Here is what the Executive Package 2 includes:

  • Front Ventilated Seats (available as a $500 stand-alone Convenience Option)
  • Instrument panel with Nappa Leather finish and contrast stitching
  • Power Side Window Shades with Ambiance Light Pillar
  • Front Massaging Seats

 

BMW 7 Series Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather

It does not stop there. The Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather ($3,900 Package) offers both the driver and passenger with the outermost travel comfort. You can relax in the back seats and turn on the massage function. Who needs the spa when your car does the trick?

Here is the full list of the amenities in the Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather:

  • Heated Steering Wheel with Front and Rear Heated Seats and Armrests (available as a $400 stand-alone option, without heated Armrests)
  • Rear Comfort Seats
  • Rear Massaging Seats
  • Rear Ventilated Seats

 

The Performance Oriented M Sports Package in the BMW 7 Series

The M Sports Package (a $3,000 Equipment Package) brings the sportiness of M power in combination with the luxury in the BMW 7 Series. If you are not the type to compromise, this is a perfect choice.

The M Sports Package Default Equipment

  • M Sport Exhaust System: The performance exhaust system is made from Inconel, an extremely heat-resistant and lightweight chrome-nickel alloy. The system reduces exhaust backpressure and weight in addition to producing more prominent exhaust sound.
  • Aerodynamic Kit: This kit adds body-colored front and rear apron (bumper) as well as aerodynamic components with chrome accents.

In addition, you can make a choice from each of the following categories:

Headliner

  • Anthracite Headliner
  • Anthracite Alcantara Headliner (additional $1,050)

Exterior Trim

  • Shadowline Exterior Trim
  • Chrome Line Exterior

Interior Trims

  • Fineline Black Wood Trim
  • American Oak Wood Trim with Metal Inlay
  • Chestnut Wood Trim with Wooden Inlay
  • Gray Poplar Wood Trim
  • Light Poplar Wood Trim

Wheels

  • 19″ M Light Alloy Double-Spoke Bi-Color Wheels with All-Season Run-Flat Tires
  • 20″ M Light Alloy Double-Spoke Bi-Color Wheels with Performance Run-Flat Tires (an additional $1,300)

 

The Luxury Focused Interior Design Package

The Interior Design Package (a $1,800 Equipment Package) is the alternative to the performance-oriented M Sports Package in the BMW 7 Series. The Interior Design Package is composed of aesthetically enhanced plush interior elements for the most comfortable, stylish, and luxury ride.

The Interior Design Package, with more options available to customize the headliners and the overall interior trims, includes the following five default upgrades.

Interior Design Package Default Amenities

  • Grab Handle in Wood Trim
  • Luxury Rear Floor Mats
  • Rear Center Armrest with Wood Trim
  • Rear Seat Belt Cover in Wood Trim
  • Wood Inlay Leather Steering Wheel (available as a $690 stand-alone option)

In addition, you can make a choice from each of the following categories:

Headliner

  • Alcantara Headliner in Coordinated Upholstery Color
  • Anthracite Alcantara Headliner

Interior Trim

  • Fine Line High Gloss Wood Trim
  • Chestnut Wood Trim with Wooden Inlay
  • Fineline Black Wood Trim
  • Gray Poplar Wood Trim

 

The Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package in the BMW 7 Series

We call the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package (a $5,750 Package) the “Boss” back seat. It comes with its own four-zone automatic climate control, touchscreen rear console, electrically adjustable comfort seats, and an airplane style pull out a table from the Nappa Leather-wrapped center console. This package delivers the ultimate relaxation and enjoyment when you have a chauffeur doing the driving.

In the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package, the backrest can be flattened down to 42.5 degrees, offering more legroom. The front passenger seat can be slid forward by an extra 3.5 inches and its backrest can tilt all the way forward with the ability to fold down the head restraint. This also allows an unobstructed front view from the backseat. An electrically operated fold-out footrest provides extra comfort while the rear passenger can enjoy eight different massage functions with three intensity level settings.

The Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package includes the following amenities:

  • Electric Reclining Seat and Footrest
  • Rear-Seat Entertainment with 7″ Touch Command Tablet (available as $2,700 stand-alone option)
  • Executive Lounge Rear Center Console
  • Executive Package
  • Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather (available as a $3,900 stand-alone option)
  • Rear Massaging Seats
  • Rear Comfort Seats
  • Rear Ventilated Seats

 

The Rear-Seat 7-Inch Touch Command Tablet in the BMW 7 Series

BMW 7 Series Technology Tablet

In the backseat, the removable BMW 7-inch Touch Command Tablet (an Entertainment Option $2,700) integrates with the center armrest. The tablet serves as a remote control for comfort, communication, entertainment, and operational functions. The operational functions include navigation, seat adjustment, interior lighting, air conditioning, audio, and web surfing. A Wi-Fi hotspot built into the vehicle provides internet connectivity. The Touch Command Tablet charges conveniently from the snap-in adapter.

Convenient Wireless Charging for Mobile Phones in the BMW 7 Series

There are two mobile phone charging options available in the new BMW 7 Series:

  • Standard USB charging via any of the two available two-amp USB ports
  • Wireless Charging via the cell phone charging dock

The new Wireless Charging function is located in the center console compartment via the smartphone holder. The utility is fitted with a secondary a microphone and an integrated warning system to alert passengers if the phone is left behind in the car. Two cell phones can be simultaneously connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth.

Additional Office4 functions are available through the Wireless Telephone Package in the BMW 7 Series, which supports access to SMS, emails, and calendars through the car. Message Dictation is also available with the optional 3rd-party subscription.

The even quality of mobile calls in the BMW is taken into consideration during the design and engineering. The roof aerial of the 7 Series ensures minimal interruption in reception and the call quality should be as good inside the car as it is outside.

The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System in the BMW 7 Series

The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (a $3,400 Entertainment Option) in the BMW 7 Series features stainless-steel speaker trim with exclusive Fibonacci cutout design and pure synthetic diamonds for the diamond tweeters. It is composed of 16 speakers producing high-frequency signals with a total output of 1,400 watts delivering exceptional sound quality.

In addition, optimal audio experience derives from the unison of Kevlar technology featuring two mid-range speakers and Rohacell technology with two central subwoofers. On the other hand, NautilusTM technology deflects undesirable sound radiation from the back of the dome allowing a true three-dimensional acoustic enjoyment.

Ambiance Light and Highlight Options in the BMW 7 Series
BMW 7 Series Luxury Ambient Interior Lighting

Ambiance Lighting in BMW has been around for a while. What sets the Ambiance Lighting elements apart in the BMW 7 Series is the exclusive design and creativity. The new standard Ambiance Lighting in six color variations is made up of more than 15,000 light elements which include the usual illuminations on the instrument panel, door beltlines, front-seat map pockets, glove compartment, armrest storage, the footwells, trims, mirrors and door sills.

Welcome Light Carpet lights up the walkway immediately around the car door areas during entering and exiting. It is a clever new design that comes in six dimmable light designs in white, blue, orange, bronze, lilac and green. Quite a show, wouldn’t you say?

The Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof in the BMW 7 Series

BMW redefined luxury to a whole new perspective with its Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof (a $900 option). The lighting concept of the panoramic glass roof Sky Lounge takes in plenty of natural lighting. It syndicates with the brilliant Ambiance Lighting to create a perfectly relaxing atmosphere.

The panoramic glass roof Sky Lounge in the BMW 7 Series is a two-sectioned panoramic moonroof. The moonroof comes standard, while the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof will cost you an additional $900. What you get for the is the serene clear view of the sky during the daytime, and the starry lights in six color schemes sparkling throughout the glass at night. Very fancy.

The Ambient Air Package in the BMW 7 Series

BMW 7 Series Luxury Ambient Air Package

Eight customized fragrances divided into four scent suites are available exclusively through the BMW 7 Series Ambient Air Package. Activation is at a touch of a button through the air conditioning control unit or through the iDrive Controller and menu option.

The subtle aroma that the Ambient Air Package (a $350 Convenience Option) in the 7 Series gives off makes traveling refreshing, and it is a nice upgrade from the traditional air freshener. Two scents can be used alternately in the car at a time, and three intensity levels of the fragrance can be adjusted to suit the need. While the fragrance is being released, air from the exterior is filtered and purified. Air quality is also significantly improved through the oxygen ionization.

All fragrances in the Ambient Air Package should last for roughly six months with average use and they can be ordered through BMW as Original BMW Accessories.

The eight exclusive fragrances in the Ambient Air Package are paired and designated for four scent themes:

  • “Blue Suite” with fresh water fragrance
  • “Green Suite” with fresh plant fragrance
  • “Golden Suite” with warm, rich fragrance
  • “Authentic Suite” with natural fragrance

Get complete list of the top-rated BMW accessories from carbon fiber plate frames to BMW M stripe stickers.