BMW launches the latest generation of G70 7 . series In Australia, the flagship limousine line-up includes the launch of an all-electric 7er called the i7, along with a multitude of other cutting-edge technologies – as they have been since 1977 – that will soon bring the top category to life. invest in more affordable models.
However, with SUVs now a priority for the majority of auto companies worldwide, the question is whether large sedans like the 7 Series can maintain their leadership of innovation. How long is a big question.
BMW has shown a move to pioneering technologies elsewhere, in models like the recently launched iX. Such changes in pushing new ideas and technologies to market raise important questions around the validity of the 7 Series program – especially when it comes to sacrosanct change. for sport utility vehicles.
Speaking to GoAuto at the local 7 Series launch, BMW Australia head of product planning Brendan Michesaid said with confidence he was sure the 7 Series would remain the pinnacle of development. technology for the brand and act as its showcase. grow up technology.
“Looking back, and even though we have the 8 Series and iX on the market, I think the communication is still very strong about how the 7 Series will remain our flagship car and the car that stands out. all the latest technology and safety features. we will bring to market,” he explained.
“The 7 Series has always been a car that introduces new technologies, and then those technologies tend to filter out through the rest of the lineup, which is great for our customers. In that way, the 7 Series plays an important role in making new technologies more ‘mainstream’.
“And I understand that the 7 Series will continue to be our mainstream in this way, even as there has been a huge shift towards SUVs in the last six or seven years. For example, locally about 60% of our sales are from the X family (SUV), but that doesn’t take away from the view that the 7 Series is still a very important car.”
Mr. Michel said that BMW is still “very heavily invested” in portraying the 7 Series as a technical ancestor for other models in the range and that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, even went so far as to switch resources from elsewhere to speed up the production process. Program 7 Series.
“The level of engineering that has been incorporated into the new 7 Series – especially the first all-electric i7 limousine – perhaps highlights our commitment in this area. That’s what BMW has been very focused on,” Michel told GoAuto.
“Globally, we still have a lot of people coming into our showrooms and buying a new 7 Series… and I think part of that is because for seven generations now, it has been a new 7 Series. halo for the brand.
“And the 7 Series is still a technology performer – and 7 Series buyers appreciate it – even if there is more choice now (with SUVs), and we are proving that there are also a strong market for that.
He continued: “But internally, the focus on the 7 Series remains a priority.
“Even if there are storm clouds on the horizon regarding semiconductor and conductor constraints, etc., the team in Munich prioritizes the program and does everything to ensure that the development of 7 Series is not affected.
“We don’t want to affect the delivery process for our customers, and even if that means sacrificing other product lines to make this product line right.”
While that may seem a bit short-sighted, Michel was quick to point out the strategic importance of such a decision for the rest of the BMW portfolio.
“It’s a very important move, because we’re going to see these technologies quickly move to the rest of the range, somewhere over the next 18 to 36 months, and even more. more coming up in the near future, but we can’t talk about it yet,” he grins.
Timeline of the BMW 7 Series:
1977 (E23): The first 7 Series was launched and introduced an anti-lock braking system to the BMW lineup. About 285,000 were produced between 1977 and 1986 with engine capacities ranging from 127kW to 188kW.
1986 (E32): The second generation BMW 7 Series introduces Xenon headlights to the world and Germany’s first V12 engine. Approximately 311,000 models were produced with capacities ranging from 140kW to 224kW.
1994 (E38): The technology offerings in the third-generation 7 Series were groundbreaking at the time and included the first satellite navigation system with motion mapping. Approximately 328,000 examples were produced between 1994 and 2001 with output powers ranging from 107kW to 243kW.
2001 (E65/E66): It’s hard to believe that the first generation of iDrive was introduced in the 7 Series 22 years ago. BMW produced about 344,000 fourth-generation limousines between 2001 and 2008, with capacities ranging from 163 kW to 274 kW.
2008 (F01/F02): The styling of the 7 Series ‘Bracelet Era’ has been controversial, but it remains BMW’s most popular model – and the first to feature a windshield display. Between 2008 and 2015, about 374,000 examples were produced. Output power ranges from an amazing 183kW to 406kW – more than three times that of the original E23.
2015 (G11/G12): Remote-controlled parking technology and plug-in hybrid are just two of the technologies debuting on the sixth-generation 7 Series. Running from 2015 to 2022, total production reaches 350,000 units, while capacity ranges from 198 kW to 455 kW.
2022 (G70): With a hybrid and all-electric petrol engine, a larger Rolls-Royce-inspired body, and technologies that seemed unfathomable in 1977, the seventh-generation 7 Series is now ready. Locally, the range will deliver power outputs from 280kW to 400kW, the latter having a 0-100km/h time of just 4.7 seconds.
