Monday, 4 January 2016

BMW 7-Series (G11/G12)

Introduction
CFRP construction
So the new Mercedes S-Class has been here for a year or two now. And naturally BMW had something cooking to compete with it. The constant battle of trying to be better, may it be performance oriented entry level luxury sedan/coupe (M3 vs C-Class AMG) or high end luxury sedans (7-Series vs S-Class). At the end it doesn't really matter, as from a customer's point of view, the better car is the one that suits his/her style better, irrespective of how they perform or deliver their uber-luxury features. Because someone who can fancy a 6 digit+ car isn't really bothered to compare them.
Back to the point, the 7er, a question might pop into the reader's mind is that why does the car has two chassis codes, G11 and G12, well G11 is designated for the normal car, and the G12 is the code for the long-wheelbase version. Keeping the environmentalists happy, the cars are also available as all electric plug-in Hybrid.
The car is constructed using carbon-fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP) stuff which is usually found in super-cars. This allegedly makes the car lighter, as much as 130 kgs of weight is shaved off from it's predecessor.

Interior
Being inside the latest 7-Series is sensational, all class, quality just as one would expect from BMW. You have endless control of your car with the help of the iDrive system, which might be a bit too complicated for some people. Every surface in the interior feels premium to touch, materials used include Alcantara, leather and wood. In addition, one gets two touch screens, voice recognition and even gesture control(first time ever in a production car). Heads up Display is standard. As we select the driving mode, the gauges change accordingly, blue for Eco mode, red for sports mode. The rear seats have a lot of legroom, especially in the Long WheelBase version !


Exterior
With a length of 5.1 meters(G11) and 5.24 meters(G12), the new 7-Series is a car with presence. It features the famous kidney grill with headlights extending backwards, which boasts the priceless LaserLight technology. To add a little bling, BMW have added a chrome trim that runs along the base of the doors, in addition the window peripherals are also chrome plated. Moving to the rear, the quad exhaust pipes peeping out of chrome frames in the bumper.


Performance
All the engines available are turbocharged for improved performance and efficiency, it can be ordered with engines ranging from Inline-4 to V-8. The 7-Series isn't really a sports model or anything but expect nothing less than sub 5 second 0-100kmph (0-62mph) times. With that performance it can easily beat most roadsters with FR layout for example the Mazda Miata. For more details, visit BMW.

Features


The transmission can be linked to a satellite system so the car adjusts the shift timing, depending on the situations coming up on the live satellite system. The front grill is electronically controlled, it can be opened or closed as required by the engine, this reduces drag, increasing fuel economy. The car is even fitted with a very intelligent suspension system. It literally rides on a cushions of air ("bags" of pressurized air instead of coil-overs), when weight is added onto the car, the on board computer does some math and alters the pressure in each of the "bags" keeping the ride height constant. Not surprisingly, the car inherited the soft closing doors from its predecessor. BMW has also added Integral Active Steering (a fancy phrase for Four Wheel Drive Steering) into all four wheel drive models !
The car is riddled with radars and cameras to alert and help the driver, The drivers is also made aware of blind spots via a special warning system. In addition, while reversing, full 360 degree view of the car from the top is shown on the display screen to give an easier understanding of the surroundings while parking or moving about in tight spaces - it can also park itself. The cameras can read the speed limits off traffic signs and adjust the speed accordingly.
The car can also be ordered with a smart key, which allows a bunch of stuff to be controlled via the key-fob itself, including remote control parking (self parking) and auxiliary heating. It can also display the amount of fuel left in the car (along with the range), status of the doors & windows and even service notifications.




PhotoCredit : http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/7series/sedan/2015/showroom/gallery.html