Inspired by its X7 bigger brother, the 2019 BMW 7 Series midlife facelift has been revealed before a mid-2019 Australian release. Using bolder styling to appeal to a wider audience than the previous model, the new 7 Series is certainly more noticeable than competitors Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, largely thanks to its huge grille.
But under the skin and on the inside are also some noticeable improvements, including upgraded interior trims, new interior colour options, more sound deadening and updated drivetrains.
According to the brand, “BMW is sharpening the profile of its flagship models in the luxury segment. The new edition of the BMW 7 Series makes a clear statement of intent with its confident presence, sophisticated elegance and strikingly innovative control/operation, driver assistance and connectivity technology.”
“The new exterior design of the luxury sedan showcases its prestige and status more vividly than ever. And on the inside, sumptuous leather trim with extended quilting and optimised acoustic comfort, not to mention the digital display grouping of instrument cluster and Control Display.”
Most noticeable with the 2019 BMW 7 Series is the updated exterior styling, namely the grille and sharp new headlights. According to BMW, the new grille is 40 percent larger than the previous model’s, with more chrome detailing and more angular headlights accompanying it. To incorporate the grille into the new face, the front end has been made 50mm taller, and at the rear end, the tailights have been made 35mm-smaller for a sleeker look. They are now joined by a thin LED light bar, like the new Audi A8.
The changes to the inside of the 2019 BMW 7 Series aren’t as drastic as the exterior. The latest BMW infotainment system has been adapted to the interior, and includes the full range of new voice commands for owners. BMW’s digital driving display has also been added in front of the driver and measures 12.3-inches. More sound deadening has been added to the rear wheel arches, B-pillar seat material for an even quieter driving experience. Rear seat passengers now benefit from optional 10-inch displays with Blu-ray players.
Under the bonnet are two new drivetrains, while the existing units have been refined for more efficiency. New to the range is the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that debuted in the 8 Series, and in the 7er it produces 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque. Also new is the 745e’s turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and electric motor/battery pack combination, which makes 290kW/600Nm, yet is able to travel up to 58km on electric-only power.
Other drivetrains in the 2019 BMW 7 Series include a 430kW/850Nm 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12, as well as a range of 3.0-litre turbo diesel engines in single turbo 195kW/620Nm 730d, twin-turbo 235kW/680Nm 740d and 298kW/760Nm quad-turbo 750d forms. Air suspension is standard across the range, and gives owners the ability to raise or lower the ride quality by 20mm as they see fit.
The 2019 BMW 7 Series is due to go on sale locally half way through 2019, with local pricing and specifications due to be announced before then. The current BMW 7 Series stars at $195,500 plus on-road costs for the 730d, ranging to $374,900 for the V12-powered M760Li and we don’t expect pricing for the updated model to vary significantly from the previous model.
Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more BMW news and reviews.
