Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

BMW’s 2016 7 Series loses 286 pounds and changes settings at the wave of a hand

By

BMW’s upcoming 7 Series redesign is incredibly important for the German automaker. With attractive, technologically advanced rivals like the new Mercedes-Benz S-class, and potent performance challengers like Jaguar XJR, the 2016 7 Series needs to raise the bar in terms of style, efficiency, and driving dynamics.

Now that BMW has released its list of technical upgrades for the sixth generation flagship, we can see if Bimmer has done enough.

One of the most significant differences from the current car is the loss of 130 kilos/286 pounds thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The construction of the redesigned 7 Series was inspired by the heavy use of CFRP on BMW’s i-series models.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

Next up is the engine and transmission. While we don’t have official output specs, we do know a lightened, more efficient 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline six-cylinder will be available for 2016. The entry-level motor is rumored to be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with a hybrid option to be introduced later. And most exciting, the 760i will use the 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 from Rolls Royce.

Related

Regardless of engine choice, all new 7 Series models will be paired with an optimized version of BMW’s Steptronic eight-speed automatic that provides navigation-assisted gear changes (technology that also comes from Rolls-Royce).

In terms of driving dynamics, BMW is introducing a two-axle air suspension system that automatically self-levels and dynamically adjusts the dampers. To access the full potential of the new system, BMW has added an “adaptive” mode on its selectable driving control unit which uses driver inputs to adjust suspension behavior. Basically, the more aggressively you drive, the stiffer the ride becomes, and visa versa.

Inside, BMW has added new functionality for its iDrive infotainment system. A touch display has been integrated to control all convenience features, and a new “Gesture Control” system is on hand to allow pre-defined hand movements to control certain infotainment functions.

Finally, safety and convenience technology have been improved significantly. You can now park your 7 Series via BMW’s Display Key while outside the vehicle. And to keep you from ruining the brand new carbon-fiber lightened body, BMW has added a few new safety goodies. Standard is a rear collision prevention system and cross-traffic alerts. For an added fee, you can add steering and directional control (the steering wheel will adjust itself to stay within the lanes), lane departure warning, and active side collision prevention.

With this new information available, it stands to reason that the official reveal of the next generation 7 Series is just around the corner.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Miles Branman
Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more
Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?
Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Read more
EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says
ev drivers are not going back to gas cars global survey says screenshot

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.

Read more