Brash new BMW 7 Series limo weighs in from Shanghai

By dpa | 17 January 2019


SHANGHAI: Bigger, brasher and with a huge SUV-style front grille — BMW chose Shanghai on Wednesday to unveil its mid-life, facelifted 7 Series flagship.

China is one of the key markets for the signature heavyweight sedan favoured by senior managers and in 2018, 44 per cent of 7 Series models were sold there (around 24,500 units).

The new front headlights have got slimmer, while the latest 7 Series comes with a kidney-shaped grille which seems to have been inspired by the X7 off-roader. BMW said it is 40-per-cent larger than on the previous car, although the aggressive nose may not be to everyone's taste

Style-wise the updated car also gets some more chrome trim and wrap-round rear LED lights like the rival Audi A8 and Porsche Panamera.

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BMW said new upholstery and widespread use of high-tech sound-deadening material make the limo more comfortable and quieter to ride in.

Inside, there is a riot of high-tech with digital instruments and a 10.25-inch touchscreen along with cutting-edge driver assistance systems.

The entry-level version gets a 265-horsepower engine and options spread to the range-topping V12 760Li long wheelbase version with 585hp.

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Chief rivals for the executive 7 Series are the equally opulent Mercedes-Benz S Class and the Audi A8. BMW said the new 7 Series will go on sale in March priced from €88,400 euros (RM414,000).

BMW said China has been the group's biggest single sales market since 2013, and the country is also home to the company’s most extensive research and development and production operations anywhere outside Germany.

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