BMW has revealed the first details of the all new BMW 7 Series which will come to Australia in 2009.

The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series delivers a new interpretation of style, luxury and driving enjoyment. It will feature two new engines that are relativebly frugal, clean, powerful and satisfying in their performance.

These new EU5 compliant, engines will power the new 740i and 750i and will be joined at launch by long-wheelbase versions in the 740Li and 750Li, which have a wheelbase extension of 140 mm, and are even more cosseting in the rear.

Technically, the adoption of the latest BMW EfficientDynamics systems ensure the new BMW 7 Series makes the lowest possible impact on the environment, while remaining true to its dynamic 'persona'.

Lightweight engineering and innovative suspension technology provide dynamic driving qualities. Driver assistance systems and comfort functions exclusive to BMW set the foundation for a memorable driving experience.

The new BMW 7 Series boasts a prominent, sporty frontal aspect, comprising enlarged trade-mark kidney grilles to allow for the cooling needs of the new engines. The low and stretched side view, sculptured surfaces, and the horizontally accentuated lines at the rear emphasise the sheer power and presence of the car.

The interior offers the latest rendition of typical BMW luxury, enhanced further with a new arrangement of functions that brings controls close to hand and driver and passenger shared function controls to the centre of the dashboard area.

The interior ambience is exclusive and sophisticated, with gently curving surfaces covered in high-quality materials that leave a luxurious impression.

The driver-oriented cockpit with its innovative Black Panel technology display is complemented by the electronic selector for the automatic transmission located close at hand on the centre console, next to the Dynamic Driving Control unit and BMW iDrive control.

The concept of the multi-function steering wheel was pioneered by the BMW 7 Series more than 14 years ago, and is further updated for the new generation 7 Series. An extended range of functions can be controlled through the buttons, giving the driver intuitive control over their environment.

Another technology previously introduced with a new 7 Series is BMW iDrive. For the new 7 Series, the trendsetting iDrive control system is coupled to a new, larger 10.2-inch display boasting high-resolution graphics, and a new optimised menu structure.

The new iDrive Controller is complemented by direct selection buttons and, for the first time, freely programmable favourite buttons for even more intuitive control and operation.

For many BMW 7 Series customers the performance of the straight-six or V8 engines is a prime attraction. For the new BMW 7 Series, BMW introduces a pair of new engines starting with a V8 petrol engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) producing 300 kW and 600 Nm of torque.

This engine accelerates the 750i from 0-100 km/h in an extremely rapid, yet unfussed manner, taking 5.2 seconds and uses 11.4 litres of petrol per 100 kms on the European combined cycle. Importantly, this engine, with the technological advances of the BMW EfficientDynamics programme, emits some 266 grammes per kilometre of CO2, which is a low figure for an engine of this capacity fitted to a car of this class.

For the many buyers of the BMW straight-six petrol engines, the power-optimised Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection 3.0 litre now delivers 240 kW and 450 Nm of torque. This engine accelerates the 740i from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and uses 9.9l/100km on the European combined cycle, while emitting 232 g/km of CO2.

All models are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics for faster gear shifting, improved shift comfort, reduced fuel consumption, and are controlled via the electronic gear selector.

In order to contribute fully to the concept of BMW Efficient Dynamics, the new BMW 7 Series has been weight optimised by the use of multi-phase steel and heat-formed steel profiles in the body structure.

The roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium, while aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with an aluminium housing, work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible. Of course, the two engines are made from aluminium, too.

The BMW 7 Series is renowned for its dynamic on-road performance, and the new car will offer even greater enjoyment behind the wheel for the sporting driver.

The all-new suspension optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort. The new BMW 7 Series is the first BMW Sedan with a double-arm front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle. The front and rear axles are made largely of aluminium, while air suspension at the rear is standard on the BMW 750Li and BMW 740Li.

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering (available as an option).

Extending the performance envelope are new driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control featured as standard. The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map are varied by the Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console. This offers the choice of COMFORT, NORMAL, and SPORTS settings.

A special traction mode and SPORTS+ setting with reduced or deactivated DSC control is available for drivers wishing to experience a particularly sporting style of motoring. Dynamic Drive, anti-sway control is also available as an option.

A unique combination of innovative driver assistance systems for the luxury class is optionally available to BMW 7 Series customers. These include cruise control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist including speed limit indicator, Lane Change Warning, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision (available for the first time with detection of individual persons), Side View and reversing cameras.

Maximum occupant protection is ensured by the optimised body structure working in conjunction with comprehensive, interacting and electronically controlled passive safety systems, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, side airbags and side head airbags, crash activated headrestraints at the front, runflat tyres, and a tyre defect indicator. Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime lights function, fog lamps and two-stage brake lights, Adaptive Headlights and Variable Light Technology are available as standard.

A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment options include an audio system with a hard disc memory, while an AUX-in sleeve is featured as standard.

A USB port, multi-channel audio system, a rear DVD system, a rear-seat iDrive Controller for operating entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions from the rear seats, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation, massage seats, and an innovative, contoured sliding roof optimised for noise control and design, are optionally available, while an Integrated Owner’s Manual is featured as standard.

The new BMW 7 Series will make its international debut later in 2008 with its arrival in Australia is due during 2009. Further pricing, specification and range information for Australia will follow closer to launch.

2009 BMW 7 Series Performance highlights

BMW 750i:
V8 petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection)
Capacity: 4,395 cc
Max output: 300 kW from 5,500 to 6,400 rpm
Max torque: 600 Nm from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 5.2 s (BMW 750Li: 5.3 s)
Top speed: 250 km/h
Average fuel consumption (EU Comb. Cycle): 11.4 l/100 km (BMW 750Li: 11.4 l/100 km)
CO2 emissions to EU standard: 266 g/km (BMW 750Li: 266 g/km)