What's the news?

BMW has given the 7 Series range a mid-life nip and tuck, made a raft of changes to the engine line-up - all in the sake of efficiency - and fitted a host of interior gadgets that mere mortals can only hope for.

Exterior

BMW's now corporate look with prominent kidney grille, new LED headlights and a reshaped front bumper have all been fitted to give the 7 Series a fresh appearance. The Bavarians appear to have deemed the rear end unworthy of similar treatment as, bar the addition of a chrome strip, it remains untouched.

Interior

Inside, the front seats are thinner and have been re-profiled for better ergonomics, and more soundproofing has been added to the cabin. A 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen stereo has been specifically designed for the 7 Series and if the Rear Seat Entertainment package is ordered the back seat passengers are treated to 9.2-inch monitors that appear to be floating from the seats in front of them. The package also includes an iDrive controller allowing the occupants to control the audio from the comfort of the rear seats.

The next generation satellite navigation system now features 3D mapping along with an advanced processor to keep things running smoothly. A dictation function that allows users to dictate memos or text messages had also been integrated. An optional 10.25-inch screen replaces the traditional instrument cluster, changing its appearance based on which driving mode you're in - from a soothing blue hue for Eco Pro to glowing red for Sport mode. The information displayed also changes depending on the mode selected.

Mechanicals

The flagship 760i retains its twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 engine, while the 750i gets a new 449hp 4.4-litre V8 capable of 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and 32.9mpg - a 25 per cent improvement over its slower predecessor.

Both the 740i and the new ActiveHybrid 7 are powered by a 320hp version of the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six. In the 740i this unit returns 35.8mpg and 184g/km of CO₂ - a 21 per cent improvement. The addition of a 55hp electric motor in the ActiveHybrid 7 results in a total maximum output of 354hp yet a fuel saving of 14 per cent when compared to the conventionally powered 740i.

The 7 Series' diesel line-up consists of the 730d and 740d variants. The 313hp 740d has 7hp more power than its predecessor, yet is 17 per cent more efficient while the 258hp 730d emits just 148g/km of CO₂.

All versions of the new 7 Series are equipped with BMW's eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, as well as stop-start, brake energy recuperation and electric power steering.

Anything else?

A range of new safety technologies have been added to the 7 Series including a new system that recognises pedestrians in the dark and highlights them with a beam of light; and enhanced Active Cruise Control that can bring the car to a dead stop if required. The boot can also be opened with a strategically placed foot under the rear bumper.

The new BMW 7 Series goes on sale in the UK on 22 September 2012, priced from £58,115 for the 730d SE to £104,050 for the 760Li M Sport.

Paul Healy - 25 May 2012