The sixth-generation model uses multiple materials in the construction of the body, including carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the Carbon Core – as used on the i3 and i8 – making it up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor.

Like its predecessor it’s available in standard and long wheelbase versions. The standard wheelbase model is 5098mm in length, 1902mm in width and 1478mm in height, making it 19mm longer and 7mm higher than its predecessor. The long wheelbase model is 139mm longer at 5238mm; 18mm longer than the car it replaces.

Depending on market, the engine line-up includes a heavily revised V8 powerplant married up with the latest version of the intelligent all-wheel-drive system in the BMW 750i xDrive and BMW 750Li xDrive models.

The line-up of six-cylinder in-line units includes the 326hp 3.0-litre petrol in the 740i and 740Li long wheelbase models which brings 7hp more than the engine it replaces and improved performance and efficiency.

There is also a 265hp diesel unit in the BMW 730d and BMW 730Ld models, which also boasts a 7hp increase in output whilst fuel consumption and emissions are considerably lower as well thanks to a reduction in weight, improved thermodynamics for the turbocharging system with VNT technology and a new common-rail direct injection system with piezo injectors. All versions come with rear-wheel drive as standard and diesel models are available with xDrive as an option. 
An eight-speed Steptronic transmission also comes as standard.

There are also three new plug-in hybrid models – the BMW 740e, and the BMW 740Le and 740Le xDrive – which arrive next year. The 740e combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and 95hp electric motor, which share an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 326hp, which enables the car to reach 100kph in 5.5 seconds from rest with official fuel economy of 2.1l/100km and CO emissions of 49g/km, based on the test cycle for plug-in hybrids.

BMW will also offer a long-wheelbase 740Le model and an xDrive version with four-wheel drive. Official fuel economy for the xDrive model drops to 2.3l/100km with CO2 emissions of 53g/km.

The 7 Series also brings a 2-axle self-levelling air suspension system as standard along with Variable Damper Control and an enhanced Drive Experience Control function, offering Comfort, Sport, Eco-Pro and a new adaptive mode. And optional Integral Active Steering now also available in combination with BMW xDrive.

Another new feature is the Executive Drive Pro active chassis control system, which is available for all models with the exception of the BMW 740e, BMW 740Le and BMW 740Le xDrive, and works in unison with the 2-axle air suspension and the Variable Damper Control to offer active roll stabilisation and anticipatory damper control. And an updated version of the Integral Active Steering system is available as another optional extra.

The 7 Series also debuts new technology including a gesture-controlled contact-free infotainment system and remote control parking that can drive into tight spaces without the driver present.

Standard equipment includes two-zone automatic air conditioning and a hands-free phone system complete with Bluetooth audio streaming and USB port.

The BMW 750Li xDrive, BMW 740Li, BMW 730Ld and BMW 730Ld xDrive models can also be specified with the optional Executive Lounge, which includes Automatic air conditioning with 4-zone control, electrically adjustable comfort seats with massage function in the rear and active seat ventilation for all seats, plus the optional Executive Lounge Seating, Executive Lounge rear console and Rear-seat entertainment Experience with BMW Touch Command.