SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, has announced the arrival of the new BMW 7 Series, which will be available in two variants, the 730i and the long-wheelbase 745Le hybrid, both in Pure Excellence trim.
The BMW 745Le Pure Excellence translates its extra 140mm of wheelbase into limousine-like legroom for rear-seat passengers. The BMW 730i Pure Excellence (5,120 mm) and its long-wheelbase twin (5,260 mm) are both 23 millimeters longer than their respective predecessors. The new model’s width (1,902 mm) and height (1,467 mm / long-wheelbase version: 1,479 mm) remain unchanged.
The extensive design refresh at the front end – which now rises 50mm taller at its foremost point – plays a particularly prominent role in giving the new BMW 7 Series its more powerful visual presence. The new hood has more sharply cut contour lines and a larger BMW roundel. The dominant force of the reworked front end is the enlarged BMW kidney grille, with its single-piece surround, whose surface area has grown by 40%. The grille teams up with the slimmer Adaptive LED Headlights to create a stylistically appealing contrast and add a new strand to the character of BMW’s luxury-class models.
The outer air intakes in the lower section of the front apron are now overlaid with large air deflectors. These guide the onrushing air efficiently to the brake air ducts and the Air Curtains, which help to minimize turbulence around the wheel arches. These plates – painted in body color – and the newly designed decorative chrome strips lend the bumper trim sophisticated elegance, imbuing the car’s nose with additional visual impact.
The side view of the 7 Series is equally expressive. Integrated into the front fenders of the new 7 Series are redesigned Air Breathers which now extend much further upwards while their trim strips form a 90-degree angle with the side trim elements, reaching all the way to the rear apron. The 730i is equipped with 18-inch light alloy wheels in Multi-spoke style 619 while the 745Le has 19-inch wheels in Double-spoke style 630 Bicolor. Both cars feature run-flat tires.
The modified rear apron adopts the design language of the air intake trim at the front of the car. The integrated exhaust tailpipes have broader chrome surrounds, while the three-dimensional rear lights of the new BMW 7 Series are around 35mm slimmer than on its predecessor and cut a sophisticated, precise figure. Their LED light sources are positioned behind red and black surfaces arranged to emphasize their L-shaped contour. Other new features include a sharply defined and very slim light strip (it measures just 6mm in width) sited below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate and connects the rear lights.
Inside, generous levels of space, choice materials, harmoniously coordinated design details and exclusive workmanship combine to create a luxurious ambience. Exclusive Nappa leather with extended quilting is standard on the 745Le. The three-dimensional surface structure – encompassing large expanses of the front and rear seat cushions and backrests, the armrests integrated in the door trim and the center console – gives the interior an expressive feel. New to the 7 Series is a Fine-wood trim in Poplar Grain Metallic Grey high-gloss. The 745Le also benefits from active seat ventilation for the front and rear, as well as a massage function for all passengers. It also comes with Rear Seat Entertainment Experience that offers 10-inch, full HD touchscreens with a centrally located tablet, further enhanced by a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.
The 730i has also received a swath of new interior touches in the form of leather “Dakota” upholstery together with a Fine-wood trim “Fineline” high-gloss with aluminum embellisher. It also boasts electrically adjustable Comfort rear seats and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.
Ambient lighting has received further upgrades and more customization than ever before. Automatic four-zone climate control is also standard across the range, together with electric roller sunblinds and a revised leather steering wheel with new multifunction buttons.
Armed with the latest hardware and BMW Operating System 7.0 software, the new BMW 7 Series comes well-equipped to meet the convenience and connectivity needs of those who drive the world.
BMW’s ergonomic 7.0 interface allows users to take advantage of the familiar iDrive controller and touchscreen capability to make the most of BMW Live Cockpit Professional. This system comprises of a navigation and multimedia system, together with a digital, high-resolution instrument cluster that measures 12.3” and a Control Display at 10.25”. Apple CarPlay is standard across the range for enhanced smartphone connectivity, while BMW Gesture Control is added in the 745Le.
BMW’s 2-axle suspension provides new levels of comfort and handling characteristics to the new 7 Series. Comfort Access and soft-close doors allow for graceful and elegant egress and ingress. BMW’s Parking Assistant allows automatic assisted parallel and perpendicular parking. Park Distance Control uses front and rear parking sensors, paired with a rearview camera system and a surround view on the 745Le.
At launch, the new BMW 7 Series will be offered in two engine configurations. The BMW 730i Pure Excellence is equipped with a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower gasoline engine that makes 265hp and 400Nm of torque. The new 745Le Pure Excellence, meanwhile, serves as BMW’s first-ever Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in the Philippines, offering a 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower inline-6 gasoline paired with an electric motor. The 745Le is capable of up to 55 kilometers of electric range and offers combined outputs of 394hp and 600Nm of torque.
The new BMW 730i Pure Excellence is priced at P5,990,000 and comes in Arctic Grey, Black Sapphire, Imperial Blue, Mineral White, and Sophisto Grey. The new BMW 745Le Pure Excellence is priced at P9,590,000 and comes in Black Sapphire, Mineral White, and Sophisto Grey. As with all new BMWs, the new 7 Series comes with a 5-year or 200,000-kilometer manufacturer’s warranty – a new standard in the premium automotive segment in the Philippines.