New BMW 7 Series Launched, Gets Plug-in Hybrid Variant And More Luxury

• It gets the option of a 6.6-litre V12 petrol, 3.0-litre inline-six petrol, 3.0-litre diesel as well as a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol plug-in hybrid.
• Gets revamped interiors with an all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and Nappa leather upholstery among others.
• Available in 6 variants at a prices starting from Rs 1.22 crore (ex-showroom India)

The long-awaited 2019 iteration of BMW’s flagship sedan, the 7 Series, has been finally launched in the Indian market. Along with the 7 Series, BMW has launched its flagship SUV called the X7 in India The new sedan that made its international debut in April 2019 sports a host of updates inside and out. The flagship sedan comes in a total of six variants, which include three diesel, two petrol and one plug-in hybrid variant.  

On the outside, the 2019 7 Series gets various cosmetic updates starting with the humongous kidney grille, slimmer LED headlamps with BMW’s laser lighting tech, to a revised front bumper with chrome edges. The rear of the sedan gets thinner connected LED taillamps with a full-width light strip. Other than that, the 7 Series also gets a wider exhaust tip design and new 18, 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels to complete the exterior changes.

Opulence is what the flagship sedan has been known for and the latest iteration will take that to next level. Inside, the 7 Series gets features like a new all-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster from the new 8 Series and X5, along with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, which hogs most of the space on the dash.

It also scores on Nappa leather upholstery and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10-inch touchscreens. Other features include subtle dashboard revisions, acoustic glass, wireless charging and an optional Bowers and Wilkins Diamond 3D surround sound system.

Under the hood, the top-spec M760Li XDrive variant will retain the 6.6-litre V12 petrol motor that makes 609PS of power and 850Nm of torque. It propels the sedan from 0-100kmph in 3.8 seconds.

The other petrol variant, the 740Li DPE Signature is powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder motor that makes 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. This powers the 740Li from a standstill to 100kmph in 5.6 seconds.

The 730Ld diesel variant comes in three trims- 730Ld DPE, 730Ld DPE Signature and 730Ld M Sport. All three variants are powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six motor, delivering power output of 265PS and 620Nm of torque. These figures give the diesel powered 730Ld a 0-100kmph time of 6.2 seconds.

The 745Le xDrive plug-in hybrid variant is powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol motor alongside an electric motor that makes a combined power output of 384PS and 600Nm, with a pure electric range of 58km. It gets the petrol-hybrid sedan from 0-100kmph in 5.3 seconds. All engine options are Euro 6 compliant and will come mated to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

The 7 Series facelift will take on other luxury sedans like the Jaguar XJ and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.