BMW 7 Series

Electrifying the Malaysian market with its latest offering, BMW presents the 2023 BMW 7 Series, designation G70.

A seventh-generation line-up, it consists of two locally-assembled (CKD) variants, BMW 750e xDrive Pure Excellence and BMW 750e xDrive M Sport.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEV), the former is luxury-oriented and limited to only 48 units locally, while the latter presents a range of new sporty design elements.

Both of the sedans underpin the latest generation BMW eDrive technology, and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.

The on-the-road and uninsured prices are MYR 649,800 (750e xDrive Pure Excellence) and MYR 700,000 (750e xDrive M Sport).

Included is a five-year extended warranty and service package, BMW Roadside Assistance, BMW Service Online and BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card.

Five exterior colours. Oxide Grey Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic (750e xDrive Pure Excellence) and M Brooklyn Grey Metallic (750e xDrive M Sport).

Cockpit of the 2023 7 Series is ergonomically designed, and is uber premium with high levels of hand-craftsmanship.

The 750e xDrive Pure Excellence gets a dash draped in fine-wood trim oak mirror finish with grey metallic highlights, while the 750e xDrive M Sport gets the M signature high gloss fine-wood trim in fine-line black with metal effect highlights.

Main focus is the BMW Curved Display, which is paired to a new backlit BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control). The latter, horizontally striking across the entire dash with crystal jewellery-like finish, serves as the centrepiece.

Complementing the layout is the exclusive ‘CraftedClarity’ crystal glass trim, outfitted to the fore-and-aft seat adjustment switch, the BMW Controller, the volume control, the Start/Stop button, and the gear selector switch.

Overall, the cockpit’s arrangement is both driver- and passenger-oriented, innovatively-designed with most accessibilities having very easy reachability.

One half of the BMW Curved Display, both variants see a fully digital 12.3-Inch LCD high-resolution instrument cluster with a Heads-Up Display (HUD). 

Featuring the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, it runs on the latest BMW Operating System 8 (BMW OS 8), supporting the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Luxuriously upholstered, the interior comes with a choice of either BMW ‘Merino’ leather in Black or BMW ‘Merino’ leather in Tartufo.

Fitted in the front and rear are M Multifunction seats with electronic adjustments, active cooling, and massage (rear seats) functions.

Then, a 750e xDrive M Sport exclusive is the rear Executive Lounge Seating with individually adjustable seat and backrest angles, lumbar support and memory function.

A fully-automated setup, all seating configurations for both variants can be controlled via electronic switches, or the infotainment system.

Alternatively, courtesy of the BMW Theatre Screen setup (750e xDrive M Sport), it can be done via the BMW Touch Command (rear door-integrated touchscreens).

Completing the luxurious ambience is the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof with UV-protected laminated glass structure. 

Unique, it is accentuated by light graphics that illuminate a silk-screened pattern (side-integrated LED modules).

Courtesy of its extended-wheelbase cabin, it offers very generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front and rear occupants have no issues with space. 

Notably, the rear offers ample movements with its lounge setting (750e xDrive M Sport) that features a fully relaxed seating arrangement.

Entirely, the cabin’s spaciousness is majorly due to its presidential size (large dimensions), an elongated and widened build.

Equipped is a flat-bottomed two-spoke steering wheel (750e xDrive Pure Excellence), and a flat-bottomed three-spoke M Leather steering wheel (750e xDrive M Sport).

They come with multi-switches (media, vehicle settings), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

It has numerous storage areas including side door pockets, compartmentalised and caverned spaces in the centre console, armrest pockets and a decent-sized glove box.

There are four cup holders, two in the front centre console and two in the rear seating’s centre armrest. The latter is hidden until revealed (power-operated). 

Bottle holders are also present. There are four in total with each located at the side door pockets.

Strategically placed around the cabin, both variants feature several charging outlets, such as USB ports, 12-V power sockets, and wireless charging trays. 

The boot of both variants features a remote-control activation with contactless opening function, and has 575-Litres of cargo space.

Besides this, also equipped are automatic doors, enabling auto open/close of all four doors via the vehicle key, Control Display, voice command, or the door itself.

Weighing in at 2,455 KG, the 2023 7 Series is 5,391 MM long, 1,950 MM wide, 1,544 MM tall, and has a wheelbase spanning 3,215 MM.

Imposingly commanding, it radiates a muscularly luxurious and elegant demeanour, with its long front overhang and dynamically stretched cabin.

Tall and upright, its front-end is angularly-flowed with seamless lines emphasising on the BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille (LED illuminated frame).

The 750e xDrive M Sport adds on its own features with a sportily-styled M front apron, exclusive horizontal M high-gloss Shadowline, and M high-gloss black side sills.

Portraying an equally commanding appeal, the rear-end is toned and expensive-looking, with horizontal lines highlighting its width.

Minimalistic with clean surfaces, it features the BMW insignia top and centre, which has the reverse camera washer nozzle integrated for a seamless look.

Just like the front, the 750e xDrive M Sport adds on an M rear apron. Sportily-styled, it sees chrome and black elements to the lower bumper.

Contributing to its focused looking outlook is a pair of inward-tilted, ultra-slim and slit-like split headlamps.

Fitted are BMW Iconic Glow Crystal headlamps, featuring full adaptive LED units with Swarovski crystal-embedded LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Slim, sharp and wrapped around, the L-shaped tail lamps with a top-chrome-lining on the housing hold a very striking presence. Fitted are LED units.

Variant 750e xDrive Pure Excellence cruises on a set of 19-Inch Style 903 sport double-spoke light alloy rims. 

Whereas, variant 750e xDrive M Sport rides on a set of 20-Inch Style 907 bicolour M aerodynamic light alloy rims.

The 2023 7 Series features the following suits of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

Variant 750e xDrive Pure Excellence is equipped with the Driving Assistant Professional set. Grouped are Lane Change Warning, Rear Crossing-Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention, Exit Warning, Active Cruise Control with Stop/Go function, Speed Limit Info, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Front/Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, and Evasion Assistant.

Variant 750e xDrive M Sport upgrades to the Driving Assistant Plus set. Adding on Collision Warning Feature, Lane Keeping Assistant, BMW Night Vision with Person/Object Recognition, and Traffic Jam Feature.

Mutually installed in both variants is the Parking Assistant Plus set. Consisting of Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, Parking: Start-Up Monitoring, and Surround View System.

Accompanying these are other standard systems. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and Hill-Start Assist (HSA).

Passive safety includes airbags (driver and passenger, front side, front and rear curtain), seat belts (anchor, pretensioner, reminder), ISOFIX, blind-spot info system, parking sensors (front, rear), parking camera, door ajar warning, auto-speed-sensing door locks, Tyre pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and security alarm.

Seven drive modes selectable via the My Modes feature. Expressive Mode, Digital Art Mode, Efficient Mode, Relax Mode, Sport Mode, Theatre Mode and Personal Mode. 

Altering the interior ambience and the driving dynamics, it comes with the BMW Iconic Sounds Electric, featuring driving sounds composed by Hans Zimmer for every mode.

The other half of the BMW Curved Display, both variants see a 14.9-Inch central touchscreen, paired to a new backlit BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control).

Featuring the BMW Live Cockpit Professional (BMW OS 8), it supports BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and My Mode selections.

Variant 750e xDrive M Sport upgrades its setup with the BMW Theatre Screen. A rear ceiling-mounted 31.3-Inch panoramic screen with 8K resolution and HDMI interface.

Plus, it also gets the BMW Touch Command. Two rear door-integrated 5.5-Inch touchscreens, controlling the infotainment system, lighting and seating functions.

The suites of ADAS installed will make cruising through the city or speeding through the highway a more relaxing, and safer experience. 

Embedded in the 2023 7 Series is a plug-in hybrid setup. 

Fused is a 3.0-Litre inline-six-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology petrol engine that makes 308 HP/230-KW and 450 NM of torque, and an electric motor that makes 194 HP/145-KW and 280 NM of torque.

Mutually, they generate a total system output of 483 HP and 700 NM of torque.

Fitted is an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

Power is sent to all four wheels (4WD), via BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 4.9 seconds, and top speed is 250 KM/H. Surging purely on electricity, the top speed is capped at 140 KM/H.

The fuel tank capacity is 65-Litres and it is capable of delivering a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.2- to 1.0-Litre for every 100 KM.

Whereas, the electric motor is powered by a 22.1-KWH Lithium-Ion battery, offering a total driving distance between 80 to 89 KM (WLTP).

A full charge takes less than three hours via a 7.4-KW AC charger (Type 2). Also included is a public charging cable.

The 2023 7 Series gets Comfort Access system with engine start/stop button, automatic doors, powered boot operation, four-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents (dedicated controls), welcome carpet lights, ambient lighting, steering wheel (multi-switches, tilt, telescopic), multi-function seats (power adjustable, active ventilation, massage and memory functions), BMW Executive Lounge Seating and BMW Theatre Screen with BMW Touch Command (750e xDrive M Sport), BMW Interaction Bar (multi-function control), panorama glass roof, roller sun blinds, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW My Modes (‘Relax Mode’ - blacked-out windows), wireless charging trays, parking cameras, parking sensors, auto high-beam and rain sensing wipers.

Air-conditioning vents are present in the rear cabin with its own set of controls.

The Executive Drive Pro suspension control system installed, provides an engaging driving dynamic without compromising any comfort. 

Meanwhile, the Integral Active Steering offers more manoeuvrability, agility and stability at any given situation.

Overall, it is solid, spacious and extremely comfortable. The ride quality is luxuriously excellent, thanks to the dual-natured powertrain.

Good sound insulation, with all the NVH aspects of the build accounted for. The cabin is able to suppress wind, road and tyre noises extremely well, making them barely noticeable at all speeds and even when cruising through bumpy asphalts.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series is in a class of its own. Radiating an uber luxurious appeal that commands a presence like no other. 

Paired to a formidable dynamic powertrain, it offers a dual-natured driving experience only a BMW is able to.

Its elegant exterior is very well designed with clean surfaces and powerful contours, emphasising on its elongated and wide body scale. 

Quality of the equipment installed inside and outside, really impresses with the upscale, mature design and restrained detailing.

Overall, the 2023 BMW 7 Series is just a strong line-up with two outstanding vehicles, bargaining elegance, performance and practicality all in one.