BMW 7 Series (G11)
The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW G11 and BMW G12 luxury saloons. The G11/G12 generation was produced by BMW from 2015 to 2022, and is often collectively referred to as the G11.
The G11 was unveiled on 10 June 2015 at BMW's headquarters in Munich. An official public reveal took place at the 2015 International Motor Show Germany. This generation of the 7 Series is the first car lineup of BMW to be based on the CLAR platform. The CLAR platform adopts technology first introduced in BMW i models, namely the introduction of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer as structural chassis components. Long-wheelbase cars have the letter "L" in their model name.
As part of BMW's strategy of introducing plug-in hybrid variants for all future car models, the short and long-wheelbase models were available with hybrid powertrains as 740e and 740Le in 2016.
Development and launch
The international launch of the new BMW 7 Series was at the 2015 Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Held in September 2015. The lead exterior designer is Nader Faghihzadeh and Alexey Kezha.Production commenced in July 2015 at the Dingolfing manufacturing plant in Germany, with global vehicle sales starting in October 2015.
Design
The G11 and G12, which are the respective codenames for the short and long wheelbase models, are the first passenger BMW vehicles to be based on the modular BMW CLAR platform.The passenger cell of the 7 Series is made of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer, tensile steel and aluminium, resulting in a lower curb weight, lower centre of gravity and maintaining a 50/50 axle load distribution. The usage of CFRP allows for weight reduction due to being lighter than steel and aluminium. CFRP also increases structural strength in areas exposed to high steering forces, as it is capable of diverting impact forces to prevent deformations of the material, resulting in higher torsional rigidity. Aluminium has been applied to the doors, boot lid, brake system, wheel hubs and rear suspension arms, further reducing weight and unsprung masses. The G11's body weighs overall less than that of its predecessor.
The front features a large signature kidney grille incorporating grille shutters that will only open when an increase of air flow to the engine bay is required, decreasing aerodynamic drag in the process. Along with air openings behind the front wheel arches that reduce turbulence in the wheel housings, the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.24cd.
The standard self-levelling air suspension of the previous model has been reworked, featuring air springs at both axles with electronically controlled shock absorbers that can automatically adjust damping according to the environment. The active anti-roll system is optionally available with an electro-hydraulic actuator that improves damper reaction times. For the first time, four-wheel steering, marketed as Integral Active Steering, has also become available for all-wheel drive models.
Equipment
The iDrive operating system 6.0 for secondary car controls now receives user input from a conventional control wheel, touchscreen, voice commands and is capable of recognizing gestures through a 3D scanner, known as the Gesture Control. It is also possible to save a gesture movement with an individual function.A number of advanced driver assistance systems for the BMW 7 Series have been reworked to work autonomously or partly so—the parking system utilises a number of radar sensors and a stereo camera at the rear, allowing it to execute parking manoeuvres independently and can be operated with a digital key fob. The cruise control driver assist is able to recognize speed limits and will adjust the vehicle's speed accordingly. The lane driving assist warns the driver of possible side or rear collisions. In addition, it is able to detect lane markings and traffic, as well as alter the steering responsiveness to improve driving comfort.
All models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. The parts are a black grille, carbon fibre mirrors, side skirts and sport brakes for facelift models.
Engines
The powertrain line-up consists of a 4.4 litre V8 engine and three engines from BMW's modular B-series engine architecture—two 3.0 litre inline-six engines in petrol and diesel form, as well a 2.0 litre inline-four engine including the hybrid model designated as 740e/740Le, 730i/730Li for the petrol version and 725d/725Ld for diesel version. Initially, each model can be equipped with all-wheel drive and is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic ZF automatic transmission. The 750i/750Li, 740i/740Li, 740d/740Ld and 750d/750Ld models are optionally available with the all-wheel drive option xDrive. The transmission can be optionally linked with the satellite navigation system that provides the transmission with geographical data to adjust shift timing in relation to current driving conditions.The G11/G12 is the first 7 Series generation to feature a plug-in hybrid variant, called the 740e/740Le iPerformance. This new model effectively replaces the rather undersold ActiveHybrid 7, which evolved from a 750i based mild hybrid to a 740i based full hybrid in 2014 post-LCI variant. The 740e/740Le is marketed as a BMW iPerformance car, not as a member of the BMW i sub-brand.
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
| 730i/730Li | 2016–2022 | 2.0 L B48 I4 turbo | 192 kW | |
| 740i/740Li | 2016–2019 2019-2022 | 3.0 L B58 I6 turbo | 242 kW 294 kW | |
| 740e/740Le | 2016–2019 | 2.0 L B48 I4 turbo + electric motor | 242 kW | |
| 745e/745Le | 2019–2022 | 3.0 L B58 I6 turbo + electric motor | 294 kW | |
| 750i/750Li | 2016–2019 | 4.4 L N63 V8 twin-turbo | 335 kW | |
| 750i/750Li | 2019–2022 | 4.4 L N63 V8 twin-turbo | 390 kW | |
| M760Li | 2017–2019 | 6.6 L N74 V12 twin-turbo | 457 kW | |
| M760Li | 2019–2022 | 6.6 L N74 V12 twin-turbo | 448 kW 436 kW | |
| Alpina B7 | 2017–2022 | 4.4 L N63 V8 twin-turbo | 448 kW |
| Model | Years | Engine | Power | Torque |
| 725d/725Ld | 2016-2019 | 2.0 L B47 I4 turbo | ||
| 730d/730Ld | 2016–2022 | 3.0 L B57 I6 turbo | ||
| 740d/740Ld | 2016–2022 | 3.0 L B57 I6 turbo | ||
| 750d/750Ld | 2017–2020 | 3.0 L B57 I6 quad turbo |
Special editions
740e/740Le iPerformance
In February 2016, BMW announced the introduction of the "iPerformance" model designation, which was to be given to all BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles from July 2016. The aim is to provide a visible indicator of the transfer of technology from BMW i to the BMW core brand. The new designation will be used first on the plug-in hybrid variants of the latest BMW 7 Series, the BMW 740e/740Le iPerformance being the first of such plug-in hybrids.The 740e iPerformance was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, together with the new BMW M760Li xDrive and the BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition special-edition model. Sales of the 740e/740Le iPerformance began in Germany in July 2016.
The 740e/740Le iPerformance features the same drivetrain as the BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid, and has an all-electric range is, dropping to in the xDrive version, both under the New European Driving Cycle. Under the EPA test cycle, the all-electric range was rated at. According to EPA, the 740e/740Le burns some petrol during the first, so the actual all-electric range varies between.
The 740e/740Le iPerformance mates a turbocharged 192 kW 2.0-litre, inline four petrol engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined power output of 242 kW and 500 N⋅m of torque. BMW's Auto eDrive function allows drivers to choose how the car operates and features modes for pure electric driving and performance. Drivers can also select from the usual Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport modes too. The 740e/740Le can be charged in less than four hours from a domestic socket, or in under three hours from a wall box charger. All models get an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The 740e can sprint to in 5.6 s—the 740Le version is 0.1 s slower while the xDrive variant is 0.2 s faster.
Official fuel economy figures under the NEDC test are, with emissions of. The 740e is available in both standard and long-wheelbase forms, and also as an all-wheel drive xDrive variant. In all-wheel drive variation, the 740e returns and emits of. Under the EPA test cycle, the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance has a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of, corresponding to an energy consumption of. When running only on gasoline, the EPA-rated fuel economy is.
Alpina B7
The Alpina B7 xDrive was announced by BMW North America in February 2016 with sales starting in September. With an electronically limited top speed of and a acceleration time of 3.7 seconds along with a sportier setup, it is the sportiest 7 Series but is sold by BMW only in the United States and Canada. The B7 is sold in other countries by Alpina as the B7 Bi-Turbo, with a delimited top speed of.The Alpina B7 features a 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering of torque and a more luxurious interior. It was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The facelift model was unveiled on 11 February 2019. The power band of the engine is improved, with the maximum of torque now being available from 2,000 rpm, and the output of between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0– is achieved in 3.6 seconds while the top speed is now unlimited worldwide. Public introduction took place at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and deliveries began during July.