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- The latest 7 Series is available as an all-electric model or a plug-in hybrid.
- Two versions will be arriving in SA by December 2022 - one EV, one petrol-powered.
- If you're going to spend more time in the rear, you can have it fitted with a cinema screen.
- For motoring news, go to Wheels24
Almost half a century since the debut of the BMW 7 Series, the seventh model generation has broken cover as the German carmaker's most advanced and innovative vehicle in the luxury segment. At the same time, they say, the new car captures the imagination with an overall design coherence unmatched by any rival.
You'll be able to judge for yourself if you have the means to purchase one, as the new i7 (the all-electric version) and BMW 7 Series 740i will be landing in South Africa later this year. BMW SA says it's too early to tell what the exact local specification will look like, and of course, they won't tell us what the pricing will look like either.
READ: SEE | Taycan, e-tron, iX - These are the 3 most costly EV line-ups in South Africa
The new BMW 7 Series range was designed from the ground up for particularly demanding target groups in a globalised marketplace. The new generation of luxury sedans from BMW opens up a new dimension in spaciousness. Unlike its predecessors, the new BMW 7 Series will be available worldwide exclusively as a long-wheelbase model that maximises space in the rear. Different facets of its character are defined by specific design features and drive system variants.
Beastly M Performance variants
While we are pretty excited that the entry-level all-electric BMW i7 will be coming to South Africa, we are disappointed that the new M760e xDrive won't be unleashed on local soil. BMW is rationalising the number of derivatives it's bringing in, which is why we're only getting the M50 version of the i4 sports coupe.
The M760e xDrive sports a twin-turbo V8 engine and an electric motor and battery pack that bestows it with 420kW of power and 800Nm of torque. According to BMW, it will sip unleaded at 1.2 litres per 100km in a combined cycle. Of course, don't expect that kind of excellent fuel consumption if you plan on exploring its performance reaches. Its electric motor generates a temporary boost worth an extra 30kW when particularly invigorating acceleration is the order of the day, they say.
An M-specific design for the exterior and interior, including an exhaust system featuring the distinctive twin tailpipes with unique geometry, highlights the performance characteristics of the BMW M model, which also supports plug-in hybrid technology so you can keep its battery topped up at home.
READ: WATCH | Proof that Tony Stark has a minivan - Audi's Urbansphere concept car
If you prefer all-electric propulsion BMW's i7 M70 xDrive will tickle your fancy. This forthcoming flagship model can use as little as 21.2kWh per 100km in a combined cycle. It sports dual electric motors – on the front and rear axle – and will be available later in 2023, but it's not planned for SA. Its drive system generates 447kW and maximum torque of more than 1000Nm. This car can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in less than four seconds. The driving range should be around 400km in the real world.
More luxurious than most homes
Like the Audi Urbansphere concept car shown recently, BMW has laden the new 7 Series with incredible new technologies and luxuries. Innovative features such as the BMW Theatre Screen, the latest iDrive with the newest generation of BMW Operating System 8, the BMW Curved Display and the Manoeuvre Assistant for automated parking highlight the progressive character and intelligence of the luxury sedan.
In addition to the enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system, the Executive Lounge option for the rear with optimised reclining seat position and new BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool interior trim takes a pioneering route to maximise wellbeing inside the car.
We'll bring you the exact information on the BMW 740i and the BMW i7 coming to South Africa later this year.
Here's the pricing for the outgoing BMW 7 Series in South Africa
- BMW 740Li - R2 032 903
- BMW 730Ld - R2 063 501
- BMW 740Li M Sport - R2 115 903
- BMW 745Le xDrive - R2 142 000
- BMW 730Ld M Sport - R2 146 501
- BMW 745Le xDrive M Sport - R2 225 000
- BMW 740Li Individual - R2 268 403
- BMW 730Ld Individual - R2 299 001
- BMW 745Le xDrive Individual - R2 377 500
- BMW 750Li xDrive - R2 666 948
- BMW 750Li xDrive M Sport - R2 730 948
- BMW 750Li xDrive Individual - R2 883 548
- BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Excellence - R3 530 664
- BMW M760Li xDrive - R3 530 664
- BMW M760Li xDrive V12 Individual - R3 693 064
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