| New model | 2008 Paris Motor Show | 2009 BMW 7 Series |

BMW has revealed technical highlights of the new 7 Series, including a range of turbocharged engines, adaptive damping and optional four-wheel steering.

Three engines will be offered at launch. The 730d has a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine delivering 245bhp and 398lb.ft, while the entry level petrol engine is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six delivering 326bhp and 332lb.ft; the latter is fitted to the 740i and long wheelbase 740iL. The most powerful unit will be a 4.4-litre, twin turbo V8. First seen in the X6, it produces 407bhp and 442lb.ft and powers the 750i and 750iL.

The new 7 Series has double wishbone front suspension while a five-link set-up controls the rear end, along with four-mode variable damping that lets the driver choose between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. Dynamic Stability Control + is standard on the new 7 Series: this includes brake drying and brake fade compensation among its features. Optional Integral Active Steering allows up to three degrees of rear-wheel steering and is claimed to improve low speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

BMW is claiming a world first for the 7 Series by placing side-facing cameras in the front bumper. The optional cameras display an image on the new larger iDrive screen and offer a view round obstacles. Other innovations include an improved night vision system that can recognise pedestrians. There are also lane departure and blind spot warning systems, while cars with head-up display and lane departure warning are able to read speed limit signs and display the current speed limit in the head up display.

The new Seven benefits from BMW's EfficientDynamics program. The results are modest fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions figures. Even the 750i can return 24.9mpg on the combined cycle.

Following a Paris Motor Show debut, the BMW 7 Series goes on sale in the UK on 15 November, 2008. Prices will be announced nearer that date.

John Lambert - 7 Jul 2008