BMW has used Auto Expo 2016 as a platform to not just showcase its products, but to also launch the new 7-series in India. With prices starting at Rs 1.11 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), the 7-series is available in two trim levels – Design Pure Excellence (DPE) and M-Sport – in both petrol and diesel guise.
A rival to luxury limousines such as the Mercedes S-class and Audi A8, the new 7-series is available in long-wheelbase guise only and comes loaded with features and a high degree of customisability for certain variants through BMW Individual.
In terms of engines, the diesel 7-series badged the 730Ld is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel motor developing 261.5bhp and 63.22kgm of torque. The petrol 7-series, the 750Li, is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that pumps out 442.5bhp and 66.28kgm of torque. Both engines come paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
The 730Ld is available as a locally assembled model in both trim levels, with the DPE trim additionally available as a CBU import as well. In the 750Li guise, both trim levels are CBU imports only.
In terms of features, the new 7-series gets the company’s latest touchscreen iDrive system with navigation and gesture control, a rear seat entertainment package with individual displays, air suspension, rear seats with massage function, four-zone climate control, 360 degree camera and a 20- speaker Harman Kardon audio system amongst others. The M-Sport trim, furthermore, gets a more aggressive body kit along with larger alloy wheels.
The CBU import models comes with BMW’s Adaptive Laser headlamps as standard along with a host of customisable options provided by BMW Individual such as, customised paint schemes, interior details, choice of 20-inch alloy wheels along with a host of add-on options including BMW Night Vision, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system and massage seats for the front occupants among others.
The locally assembled 7-series on the other hand gets BMW’s Laser Light adaptive headlamps only in the M-Sport variant.