Review: BMW G11/G12 7-Series (2015-on)

Review: BMW G11/G12 7-Series (2015-18)

Overview

Released in Australia in November 2015, the BMW G11 and G12 7-Series were standard and long wheelbase sedans, respectively. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the BMW G11/G12 7-Series range for Australia consisted of:

• The 730d, powered by BMW’s new 3.0-litre B57D30 turbo-diesel engine;
• The 740i and 740Li, powered by BMW’s new 3.0-litre B58B30 turbocharged petrol engine; and,
• From the first quarter of 2016, the 750i and 750Li which continued to be powered by BMW’s 4.4-litre N63B44 twin turbo V8 engine.

Eight-speed automatic transmissions were fitted as standard across the range.

The BMW G11/G12 7-Series range was subsequently expanded with the release of the 740e iPerformance and M760Li xDrive in August 2016 and December 2016, respectively.

EfficientDynamics and aerodynamics

To reduce fuel consumption, all G11/G12 7-Series models were fitted with BMW’s ‘EfficientDynamics’ technologies which included:

• Auto Start Stop: enabled the engine to down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic;
• Brake Energy Regeneration: could vary alternator output to increase battery recharging when the vehicle was braking or coasting;
• Eco Pro: a drive mode which improved fuel efficiency by reducing throttle response and adjusting transmission shift behaviour:
• Active air flap: the air flap in the grille would only open when air cooling requirements required it;
• Air Curtains: vertical apertures which guided inflowing air around the wheel arches to create a curtain of air over the wheels; and,
• Air Breathers: once air was deflected around the wheel arches, it would be channeled through the Air Breathers (positioned behind the front wheels).

According to BMW, aerodynamic measures for the G11/G12 7-Series reduced air drag by over 15 per cent compared to the BMW F01/F02 7-Series models; drag coefficients for the G11/G12 7-Series ranged from 0.24 Cd for the G11 740i to 0.27 Cd for the G11 750i.

xDrive all-wheel drive system

The all-wheel drive system for the BMW G11/G12 7-Series had an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. When all-wheel drive was not required, all of the engine’s torque was directed to the rear wheels to reduce fuel consumption. If additional traction was required, however, the clutch would engage to direct the engine’s torque to the front axle. Since BMW describes the system as having a ‘rear-wheel bias’, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that no more than 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front wheels.

Body and dimensions

BMW referred to the passenger cell for the G11/G12 7-Series as its ‘Carbon Core’ since it combined industrially manufactured carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with steel and aluminium. Combined with an aluminium bootlid, the combination of these materials contributed to mass reduction of up to 130 kg relative to BMW F01/F02 7-Series models. Like its predecessor, the bonnet and doors of the G11/G12 7-Series were made from aluminium.

Compared to the BMW F01 7-Series , the G11 7-Series was 26 mm longer (at 5098 mm), the same width (1902 mm) and 1 mm lower (1478 mm), while wheelbase length was unchanged (3070 mm). Relative to the standard wheelbase G11, the G12 7-Series had a 140 mm longer wheelbase (3210 mm) and overall length (5238 mm); its roofline was also 8 mm higher at 1485 mm. Boot capacity for the G11/G12 7-Series was 515 litres.

Suspension

The BMW G11/G12 7-Series had a double track control arm front axle with separate lower track arm level and a five link rear axle. According to BMW, lightweight design measures for the suspension, brakes and wheels reduced unsprung masses by up to 15 per cent. As standard, the G11/G12 7-Series had:

• Self-levelling air suspension (front and rear) which enabled the driver to increase ride height by 20 mm for rough roads or ramps; and,
• BMW’s ‘Dynamic Damper Control’ which could adjust damping resistance according to the selected drive mode (Comfort, Comfort+, Sport or Adaptive), driving style and road surface.

For Australia, the BMW G11 750i and G12 750Li were fitted with BMW’s ‘Executive Drive Pro’ system which used electromechanical anti-roll bars to reduce body roll in ‘dynamic cornering’ situations and used the vehicle’s forward-facing camera to scan the road surface ahead and prepare the suspension accordingly.

Steering

The BMW G11/G12 7-Series had electric power-assisted steering. As an option, the G11/G12 7-Series was available with Integral Active Steering which provided a variable steering rack ratio and rear-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels would turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels to reduce the vehicle’s turning circle; at higher speeds, the rear wheels would turn in the same direction as the front wheels for greater stability.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW G11/G12 7-Series included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

As standard, the G11/G12 7-Series was fitted with:

• An ‘Active Protection System’ which, in the event that a collision was anticipated, would retract the seatbelts and close the windows and sunroof; and,
• An ‘active bonnet’ that would automatically rise by 60 mm in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist to reduce the risk of injury from contact with hard structures in the engine compartment.

The BMW G11 750i and G12 750Li were also fitted with BMW’s ‘Night Vision’ which used an infra-red camera and displayed its feed on the Control Display. Detected objects would also be ‘spotlighted’ by the headlights.

BMW Driving Assistant

For Australia, the BMW G11/G12 7-Series was fitted with BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant’ and ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ active safety technologies. BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant’ included:

• Approach control and Person Warning with light city braking function;
• Rear Collision prevention;
• Lane Change and Lane Departure Warning; and,
• Rear crossing traffic warning function.

Beyond this, BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ used a stereo camera and radar sensors (front and side) to detect lane markings, preceding vehicles or approaching traffic. As a result, Driving Assist Plus included:

• Steering and lane control assistant;
• Lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection;
• Traffic jam assistant for semi-automatic driving;
• Front and rear crossing traffic warning; and,
• Active Cruise Control with stop & go.

Features: BMW G11 730d, 740i and G12 740Li

Significant features for the BMW G11 730d and 740i included 19-inch alloy wheels, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system with sixteen (16) speakers, BMW’s ‘Professional’ Navigation with ‘Gesture Control’ (which used a 3D sensor for interaction with the infotainment system via pre-defined hand movements), ventilated front seats, extended Nappa leather upholstery (which included the instrument panel), adaptive LED headlights with BMW ‘Selective Beam’ (which can effectively mask part of the illumination area), a head-up display and internet connectivity.

As part of the multimedia system, BMW’s ‘Touch Command’ consisted of a seven-inch removable tablet that could be used by any occupant or from outside the vehicle for functions such as air conditioning, seat position, interior lighting, infotainment, navigation and communication. The Touch Command unit could also be used to play external media files or for internet access.

Other standard features for the BMW G11 730d included a digital radio tuner (DAB+), Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, BMW’s ‘Comfort’ front seats with power adjustment, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, remote central locking with proximity key (BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’), power adjustable and heated door mirrors with folding function, power windows, power adjustable steering column (tilt and telescopic), power-operated side and rear blinds, soft-close doors, a glass sunroof, an alarm and immobiliser. The G11/G12 7-Series was also fitted with a ‘heat comfort package’ which consisted of heated front seats, heated centre console armrests, heated front passenger doors and a heated steering wheel.

The G11/G12 7-Series was fitted with BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant” which, at speeds below 35 km/h, could identify parallel parking spaces using ultrasound sensors. When the driver pressed a button to begin parking, the Parking Assistant would automatically steer the vehicle into the park such that the driver only needed to control the speed of the vehicle. The G11/G12 7-Series also introduced a new Surround View system which had the following modes:

• Top View;
• 3D View with selectable perspectives; and,
• Panorama Side View (to display traffic to the sides of the vehicle).

Compared to the BMW G11 730d and 740i, the G12 740Li was further equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof.

Features: BMW G11 750i and G12 750Li

Compared to the BMW 730d and 740i, the BMW G11 750i was further equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Executive Drive Pro’ (see ‘Suspension’, above) and a TV tuner.

The range-topping BMW G12 750Li was distinguished by its ventilated seats with massage function (front and rear), power adjustable rear seats, rear seat entertainment package and BMW’s ‘Sky Lounge’ panoramic glass roof. In dark conditions, the Sky Lounge roof used side-mounted LED modules to project light onto the glass surface where its reflection on an imprinted graphic mimicked a starry sky.

M Sport Package

Available as a no-cost option, the G11/G12 7-Series could be specified with an M Sport Package which included an M Aerodynamics package, 20-inch double-spoke bi-colour wheels, M leather steering wheel and BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite. For the BMW 750i and 750Li, the M Sport package also included an M Sports Exhaust.

2017 BMW 7-Series 40 Jahre Edition

The BMW 7-Series 40 Jahre Edition models were released in Australia in late 2017. While worldwide production of 7-Series 40 Jahre Edition models were limited to 200 vehicles, four vehicles were allocated to Australia:

• Two 740i models;
• One 750i model; and,
• One M760Li xDrive model.

The BMW 7-Series 40 Jahre Edition models could be identified by their Frozen Silver metallic paint finishes and bi-colour 20-inch V-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the 7-Series 40 Jahre Edition models had ‘Comfort’ seats (front and rear), full leather Merino upholstery with Smoke White and Black colours for the seats, ‘7 40 Jahre’ headrest stitching, an Alcantara headliner in Smoke White, Piano Black interior trim and a ‘7 40 Jahre’ signets (for the interior trim, door sill finishers and exterior B-pillar). Furthermore, the 740i and 750i 40 Jahre Edition models were fitted with BMW’s ‘M Sport Package’ as standard; the 750i was also fitted with a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

Specifications

• Specifications: BMW G11/G12 7-Series (November 2015)
• Specifications: BMW G11/G12 7-Series (January 2018)

Related links

• BMW Press: The new BMW 7 Series

Review: BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series (2019-on)

Overview

Production of the BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series commenced in January 2019 and it was released in Australia in June 2019. The G11/G12 LCI 7-Series range introduced plug-in hybrid 745e and 745Le models (the latter not offered in Australia) that had a synchronous electric motor integrated into the automatic transmission. The motor could act as a generator – with a recuperation output of 20 kW – so that energy could be stored in the 12 kWh lithium-ion battery beneath the rear seats. For the 745e and 745Le models, the electric-only range varied between 50 and 58 kilometres, while the speed threshold for electric-only operation was 110 km/h.

For the G11/G12 LCI 7-Series,

• To reduce emissions, petrol particulate filters have been introduced for models with V8 and V12 petrol engines; and,
• The eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions featured new control electronics, wider ratio spreads, optimised hydraulic control for sportier gearshifts and new torsion dampers to limit rotational irregularities in the powertrain.

Styling changes

Visually, the BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series could be identified by its revised front mask which was 50 mm taller at its foremost point, larger kidney grille that was framed by a single-piece surround, slimmer headlight units, outer air intakes that were overlaid with large air deflectors, new bonnet contours and larger BMW badge (95 mm diameter, previously 82 mm). In profile, the G11/G12 LCI 7-Series had new front quarter panels with upright ‘Air Breathers’ and horizontal trim strips that extended into the rear apron. At the rear, there were slimmer tail-lights, a 6 mm tall light strip which connected the rear lights, and wider chrome surrounds for the exhaust tailpipes that were integrated flush into the lower section of the rear apron.

Interior changes and noise reduction measures

Inside, the G11/G12 LCI 7-Series had a new steering wheel with a modified layout for the multi-function buttons. Furthermore, new drive motors and control units were introduced for the power windows. To reduce interior noise, changes for the G11/G12 LCI 7-Series included:

• Optimised shielding of the rear wheel arches to reduce tyre noise;
• Optimised sound insulation elements in the B-pillars;
• For the 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive and M760Li xDrive, 5.1 mm thick laminated glass for the side windows and rear window (previously limited to the windscreen only); and,
• For diesel-fuelled models, optimised engine mounts to reduce vibrations on start-up and acceleration.

Suspension and steering

The BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series introduced ‘optimised’ spring/damper tuning for greater compensation of body roll when cornering. Furthermore, the electric power steering was revised to improve agility and handling precision.

Safety equipment

For the G11/G12 LCI 7-Series, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the functionality of the ‘Collision and Pedestrian Warning’ system was extended so that it could detect cyclists. Furthermore, the G11/G12 LCI 7-Series gained the following safety technologies:

• Crossing traffic warning front (also known as Cross Traffic Alert): uses radar sensors to check for approaching traffic at junctions with poor or impeded visibility. If a collision is anticipated, the brakes are applied to reduce vehicle speed;
• Evasion aid: operating at speeds up to 160 km/h, the evasion aid helps avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians that suddenly appear in the driver’s path by providing steering inputs that assist the driver to direct the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane;
• Priority warning: provides visual and audible warnings if the driver has failed to notice that vehicles in another road have priority. In such situations, the brake system would be primed to reduce stopping distances;
• Wrong-way warning: can detect if the driver is driving the wrong way onto a motorway or onto a roundabout, or heading the wrong way down a one-way street; and,
• Speed Limit Info: incorporates speed restrictions into the driver-selectable Speed Limiter function or Active Cruise Control.

Features: BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series

The BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series was equipped with BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ as standard – this included a 10.25-inch central ‘Control Display’ and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

All G11/G12 LCI 7-Series models except the M760Li were equipped with BMW’s ‘Design Pure Excellence Interior’ package which included brushed aluminium finishes, decorative stitching and wood trim.

As a no-cost option, all G11/G12 LCI 7-Series models except the M760Li could be specified with an ‘M Sport Package’ which consisted of 20-inch ‘M’ alloy wheels, unique front and rear aprons, an ‘M Aerodynamics’ package, ‘M’ kidney grille with black and satinised aluminium trims, ‘M’ tailpipe finishers, illuminated ‘BMW M’ door sill finishers, ‘M’ exterior badging, an ‘M’ vehicle key and ‘Dark Shadow’ metallic rear bumper trim.

For a complete list of features for the BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series, please refer to the specifications document, below.

Specifications

• Specifications: BMW G11/G12 LCI 7-Series (March 2019)