NEWS ARTICLE
BMW Unveils Flagship Seven Series
This is the first official set of pictures of the BMW 760Li – the German maker claims that this car will be the pinnacle of the BMW portfolio.
BMW’s new flagship model will launch in September and feature two world debuts.
The premium giant has confirmed that the car will be powered by an all new 5,972cc twin-turbocharged V12 engine and be the first BMW production car to feature the marque’s new eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to the maker, this gearbox offers outstanding levels of performance and refinement in the premium segment. At its heart, the new all-aluminium V12 engine produces 544hp at 5,250rpm and 750Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm through to 5,000rpm, delivering over 100hp and 150Nm of torque more than the previous model. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 4.6 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph – a performance which eclipses many sports cars, yet is delivered with effortless tranquillity.
BMW claims the unique eight speed configuration is achieved without gaining in size or weight over the former traditional six-speed transmission. This innovative arrangement, incorporating four simple gearsets and five gear change elements, ensures that only two clutches are open in each gear at any one time, significantly reducing frictional losses.
Like every new BMW currently on sale, the new BMW 760Li features elements of BMW’s award-winning EfficientDynamics programme fitted as standard. Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand delivery of the air-conditioning and the volume flow control of the hydraulic fluid in the steering all serve to improve fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures. The new BMW 760Li records a combined consumption figure of 21.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 303g/km.
The latest BMW 760Li boasts an array of technologies aimed at balancing supreme ride comfort with a dynamic driving experience. Drive Dynamic Control, featuring Variable Damping Control, comes as standard allowing the driver to customise the driving characteristics of the car. At the touch of a button the driver can alter the gear change, throttle response, degree of power steering assistance, damper settings and the Dynamic Stability Control+ programme. Enhancing this is self-levelling air suspension, on the rear axle, which ensures a cosseting ride for the rear passengers.
The new BMW 760Li will go on sale in September 2009. Prices will be announced at a later date.
Simon McBride