The full-size luxury sedan segment is one which doesn’t allow for a lot of newcomers unless they meet some strict prerequisites. Chief amongst this is unobstructed comfort, effortless power, uncompromised safety, innovative technologies, and of course, a really steep price tag. For a long time, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the sole choice of the ultra wealthy. But, all that changed when BMW launched the 7-Series flagship in 1977. The technologically-advanced BMW 7-Series went on to pioneer the use of curtain airbags and GPS-aided navigation system.
Starting with the E23 over four decades ago, the 2019 BMW 7-Series represents the Bavarian automaker’s fifth generation of their flagship model. The new 7-Series is the best it has ever been, and thanks to the use of carbon composites in its construction, it is also over 100 kilograms lighter than its previous iteration. Although the BMW 7-Series is one of the most sought after luxury cars in the world, competition within this segment is steadfast, with stalwarts like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS all joshing for the top spot.
Exterior
The outer styling of the 2019 BMW 7-Series is all about a commanding, sophisticated presence yet with enough restraint. The charismatic front fascia of the new Seven proudly flaunts the brand’s distinctive double-kidney grille which is flanked by sleek and graceful LED headlamps. The sweeping hood gets the BMW logo at the front, while the aerodynamic bumper is adorned with subtle touches of chrome.
The side profile of the 2019 7-Series looks dignified and athletic, illustrating its dynamic yet poised composure. The arched fenders display just enough muscularity without any overdone vulgarity, while the exquisite 20-inch alloy wheels look smart and sporty. The rear gets a pair of really premium LED taillights with a clean and modern look with a thin chrome strip that connects the two. The substantial bumper looks posh and neatly integrates the dual exhaust pipes, too. The 2019 BMW 7-Series (LWB) is 5.238 meters in length, 1.902 meters in width, 1.479 meters in height, and boasts a wheelbase measuring 3.210 meters. The Seven’s total boot capacity is 515 liters.
Interior
The interior of the 2019 BMW 7-Series is exquisite and luxurious. From the quality of the leather to the grain of wood, from the fortress-like build to its impeccable fit and finish, this interior and the materials used in it are truly second to none. This cabin offers supremely comfortable and supportive perforated leather seats, along with fantastic NVH isolation.
Features in the BMW include adaptive laser LED headlights, radar cruise control, dual electric sunroofs, adaptive dampers, power-operated, heated, cooled, and massaging seats, ambient lighting, rear-seat entertainment system, quad-zone automatic climate control, electric sunshade, head-up display, 4G internet connectivity, night-vision display, surround parking sensors and camera system, intelligent touchscreen key fob, and a digital driver display among several others. Standard safety gadgets include multiple airbags and pretty much every electronic safety measures under the sky.
Engine and performance
The 2019 BMW 730Li gets a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger with 258 HP and 400 Nm of torque, whilst the unhinged M760Li is powered by a 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 that generates 610 HP and 800 Nm of torque. The latter can reach the ton in a scarcely believable 3.7 seconds, though top whack is limited to 250 km/h. An 8-speed automatic is the standard transmission, while all-wheel drive is an option.
Verdict
The 2019 BMW 7-Series range kicks off at AED 390,000 for the 730Li, whilst the M760Li xDrive starts at AED 800,000. Insurance premiums cost start at AED 8,775 to AED 18,000 for the base and top variants, respectively.
