The 2016 BMW 7-series has hardly changed in appearance from last year’s model. It is just about an inch longer overall, but the width and height of the body remain the same as do the distinctive LED headlights and kidney grilles. US models will not have the short wheelbase version any longer, but it will be available in Europe. The air suspension is unchanged and offers the same, smooth ride which can be enhanced by engaging the optional four-wheel steering mode.

Structurally, though, there has been a leap forward in terms of both safety and weight. The impact resistant cage has been reinforced with what BMW calls ‘Carbon Core’, a combination of carbon-reinforced plastic, high-strength steel and aluminum. This combination make the 7-series’s body both lighter and stronger. BMW has overlooked hydraulics in favor of electro-mechanical actuation for the roll bars.

When it comes to performance, the 7-series is no slouch. The 740i with its six-cylinder 3.0 liter turbo races from zero to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The twin turbo 4.4 liter V-8 makes light of its smaller brother by doing it in 4.3 seconds. Both these come in eight-speed automatics. For the environmentally-conscious, the 740e xDrive hybrid with its lithium-ion battery backed up by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbo will also feature the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The interior has received far more attention from the innovation and development team at BMW than the exterior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzmHdV1pDgk

iDrive, BMW’s patented in-car electronics and entertainment control system has gotten even better. It now incorporates a touch screen that allows you to scroll lists, navigate on maps and incorporates the pinch-and-zoom feature we have all become used to on our phones. A ‘Touch Command Tablet’ is situated in the center armrest for rear seat passengers. This also features a touch screen and allows the user to access the entertainment system, surf the net, adjust the seats and adjust the climate controls.

The new 7-series also features Gesture Control which is sensed via a camera incorporated into the rear-view mirror. The system is designed to be able to recognize four pre-programmed gestures for audio volume control, call-accept and call-reject. It can also recognize one more user-programmable gesture.

BMW has introduced a host of luxury feature options with the latest 7-series, including rear massage seats, heated armrests and fold-out table in the rear center console which also boasts wireless charging. 16 speakers supported by the 1400-watt Bowers & Wilkins sound system complete the entertainment package.

Overall, the body of the BMW 7-series has evolved only slightly, but the host of changes to the interior which make it an excellent improvement over its predecessor.

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