The facelifted BMW 7-Series was recently handed over
to journalists from around the world in Faro, Portugal. The most controversial element of
the latest BMW 7-Series is obviously that huge kidney grille. At least one
journalist from the event tells us that the grille looks much better in person,
but we’re not convinced and still think it is way too big.
If you’re able to pry your eyes away from the grille,
you will notice a number of new styling elements which are a lot easier on the
eye. For example, the slim and aggressive headlights are a nice upgrade over
the pre-facelifted 7-Series. Additionally, we’re big fans of the updated rear
end which includes new taillights and a horizontal light bar stretching the
width of the rear. There’s also a set of large tailpipes with chrome surrounds
which suit the character of the sedan nicely.
When compared with the current Mercedes-Benz
S-Class, we think the revamped 7-Series has greater road presence and when
driven in public, will probably turn more heads. Whether they’ll like the new
face or not, though, is debatable – but they’ll certainly look.
BMW will sell the new 7-Series in two wheelbase
versions, with the LWB adding 14 cm of length, making it
particularly useful for owners who prefer riding in the rear than actually
driving – and the Chinese, who have a thing for long-wheelbase models.
In terms of engines, the facelifted sedan receives
the latest 4.4-liter V8 from the 8-Series with 523 hp and 750 Nm of
torque in the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive respectively. Another model offered
in the new 7-Series family is the plug-in hybrid 745e, complete with an inline
six delivering 388 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The range is topped out
by the M760Li xDrive, whose twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 pumps out 601 hp and 850 Nm of torque.
