BMW

BMW SERIES 7: the history of more than 40 years of the successful series of the brand from Bavarian

Since the first generation made its debut in 1977, the BMW 7 Series has embodied the definition of highly exclusive individual mobility in its very own BMW way. A design that distills prestigious elegance hand in hand with supreme interior comfort and the driving pleasure for which the Bavarian brand is known.

From the start, this combination provided a level of dynamic handling unmatched in the luxury sedan segment. And with each new model generation, the 7 Series has taken its extraordinary driving qualities and the levels of comfort and well-being that are especially enjoyed in the rear seats to new levels.

Another characteristic feature of the BMW 7 Series is its status as a leader in innovation and a pioneer in avant-garde technological solutions. This has a positive impact not only on the vehicle's driving characteristics, but also on its efficiency and sustainability, on the selection and elaboration of the materials used in its construction, and on its operation and connectivity.

The BMW 7 Series pioneers exterior and interior design, sets new standards for digitization and paves the way for innovative production processes that combine uncompromising superior quality with resource conservation and the continuous reduction of your carbon footprint.

1977: The first generation of the BMW 7 Series - the sportiest in the luxury sedan segment...The first generation of the BMW 7 Series set a clear benchmark in terms of balance, safety and driving dynamics. With its elongated lines, its driver-centric cockpit, its powerful engines and its sophisticated suspension technology, the BMW 7 Series lived up to its reputation as a luxury sports sedan from the start. Among its innovations are the world's first electronic speedometer, speed-sensitive power steering and electrically adjustable outside mirrors. In 1980, the world's first on-board computer with outside temperature display was incorporated.

In 1979, BMW replaced the carburetor engines with fuel-efficient gasoline-injected versions. The BMW 728i was introduced in place of the BMW 728 and BMW 730 models, while the BMW 732 was succeeded by the BMW 733i which came with a digital engine electronics unique in the world. The previous year, the BMW 735i had been added to the range with its 3.5-liter engine capacity and 218 hp. The top of the line for 1980 was the BMW 745i, with a 252 hp 6-cylinder engine with turbocharger and intercooler.

1986: The second generation of the BMW 7 Series, with the first post-war German 12-cylinder engine...With its harmonious lines, its sporty performance and its innovative suspension control systems, the second generation of the BMW 7 Series did a brilliant debut in 1986. At the front, the BMW's wide kidney grille conveyed a powerful presence, while at the rear, the L-shaped taillights became a new signature for the BMW brand.

This was also the first BMW 7 Series that was offered in a long-chassis version. Key technical innovations included ASC (Automatic Stability Control), along with electronic throttle and torque control.

The BMW 750i, launched in 1987, was the first 12-cylinder sedan made in Germany since the late 1930s. The 5.0-liter V12 light-alloy engine featured independent fuel injection, ignition and catalytic converter systems for each seat. cylinders.

Despite an impressive power output of 300 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm, it was content with normal fuel. BMW's adaptive transmission control technology, known as AGS, also debuted on the 12-cylinder model. Two 6-cylinder and two V8 models completed the range.

1994: The third generation of the BMW 7 Series, with pioneering innovations and the first diesel engine...With virtually unchanged exterior dimensions, a significant evolution in design and new advances in terms of comfort and driving dynamics, the third generation of the BMW Series 7 resumed the path of its successful predecessor. Initially there were two 8-cylinder engines and a new edition 12-cylinder model. The displacement of the V12 increased to 5.4 liters and its power to 326 hp. At the same time, the average consumption of the BMW 750i has been reduced by approximately 11%.

The new driving stability systems also made the third generation BMW 7 Series a pioneer in terms of active safety: together with ABS brakes, the V8 models were optionally available with ASC (Automatic Stability Control), while the BMW 750i came with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard.

The 7 Series' comfort features also reached new levels, highlighting an integrated navigation system with a color monitor that doubled as a screen for other functions. And to increase safety, BMW equipped the luxury sedan with up to eight airbags and a tire pressure control system called RDC.

In 1995, a new in-line 6-cylinder engine was added to the range, while just 12 months later BMW launched a new generation V8. The BMW 725tds, which was added to the range in 1996, offered an especially economical alternative. Its 2.5-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine developed 143 hp, while offering impressive economy and exemplary smoothness.

In 1998, the BMW 730d followed, with a 3.0-liter common-rail 6-cylinder engine and 184 hp. In 1999, the BMW 740d raised the bar even further by being the first sedan in the world to incorporate a V8 diesel with common-rail fuel injection and an output of 245 hp.

2001: The fourth generation of the BMW 7 Series, driving progress...With a new design from the ground up, the fourth generation of the BMW 7 Series offers an avant-garde reinterpretation of the classic luxury sedan model. With its latest model, BMW has upped the ante in many ways, bringing new ideas to the automotive sector as a whole.

For example, the innovative BMW iDrive control concept and the modern BMW design language. Further innovations followed in 2005 with the BMW Night Vision and the first high beam assistant.

The BMW 735i and BMW 745i incorporated newly developed 8-cylinder engines with continuous valve timing (double VANOS) and valve lift adjustment (VALVETRONIC). The engines' power was channeled through the world's first standard 6-speed automatic transmission.

The flagship model of this generation of the 7 Series was the BMW 760i, launched in January 2003 with a 6.0-liter, 12-cylinder engine that developed 445 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm.

In autumn 2005, two diesel models were added to the range, the BMW 730d and the BMW 745d, also with greater power. In autumn 2006, BMW became the world's first automaker to introduce a hydrogen-powered luxury sedan based on the BMW 760Li.

The BMW Hydrogen 7 with a dual-fuel 12-cylinder combustion engine was the world's first hydrogen vehicle to go through the full series development process. It was manufactured in a small series of 100 cars and was delivered to a selected group of customers for use in everyday conditions.

To achieve unparalleled dynamism and driving comfort, the BMW 7 Series has been equipped not only with a largely aluminum chassis and EDC (Electronic Damper Control) system, but also with active Dynamic Drive balance stabilization. In 2004, BMW's flagship model topped the world's luxury sedan sales lists, making the BMW 7 Series the best-selling car in its segment.

2008: The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series, redefining driving quality and style...The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series arrived on the scene with an entirely new interpretation of style, luxury and driving quality. The combination of an all-new chassis, the world premiere of Integral Active Steering and a unique mix of driver assistance systems paved the way for an exceptional driving experience.

Innovative infotainment functions, such as unrestricted in-flight internet, completed the picture. Customers could choose from a range of 6- and 8-cylinder models from launch.

The high-end BMW 760i and BMW 760Li soon followed. The new 6.0-litre, 12-cylinder engine, with TwinPower Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection, was coupled to an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission and delivered 544 hp with a maximum torque of 750 Nm.

In 2009, the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive appeared for the first time in the prestigious luxury sedan segment. Another novelty was the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, with a sophisticated powertrain that combined a V8 combustion engine with an electric motor.

2015: The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series, the first to offer a plug-in hybrid version...The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series introduced a wealth of visionary technologies. The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic in the body structure, the plug-in hybrid propulsion system in the BMW 740e, the BMW Gesture Control, the Executive Drive Pro active suspension control system, the Driving Experience Control switch with ADAPTIVE and BMW Laserlight were tasked with considerably increasing dynamic performance, efficiency, comfort and safety.

The feeling of well-being in the rear seats was reinforced, among other things, by the Executive Lounge package with a massage function and the Vitality programme. The innovative character of the BMW 7 Series was reinforced by the expansion of the range of driver assistance systems, such as the steering assistant and lane control, in addition to the remote parking control.

At the time of launch, the engine range included a vastly improved V8 and the latest generation of in-line 6-cylinder units from the BMW Group. The following year a new V12 engine arrived that developed 610 hp in the BMW M760Li xDrive.

No less than three plug-in hybrid versions of the latest 7 Series demonstrated the luxury sedan's commitment to expanding electrification. The combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor was available in the standard and long-chassis models, as well as in combination with the intelligent all-wheel drive BMW xDrive.

Autonews