BMW Korea unveiled the 'The New BMW 7 Series,' a luxury flagship (top-tier) sedan that has undergone changes on par with a full model change, in the domestic market. This model marks the first application of BMW's next-generation mobility vision, 'Neue Klasse' technology, to its existing large vehicle lineup. It is characterized by enhanced overall product appeal, ranging from design to digital experience and driving performance.
Neue Klasse is BMW's next-generation automotive development strategy centered on electrification, digitization, and sustainability. As a concept encompassing new electric vehicle platforms, electronic and software architectures, and user experience, BMW is expanding the technology secured through this initiative to its existing internal combustion engine and electric vehicle lineups.
In this regard, BMW Korea held a launch event for 'The New BMW 7 Series' on the 4th at the Walkerhill Hotel in Gwangjin District, Seoul. The BMW 7 Series is a model that has recorded the No. 1 sales position for three consecutive years in the domestic imported large luxury flagship sedan market. This new 7 Series is a partial change model of the seventh-generation model launched in 2022. It also holds significance as the starting point for the full-scale expansion and application of BMW's next-generation mobility technology to its existing lineup.
The most significant change is the in-cabin digital experience. 'BMW Panoramic iDrive,' based on BMW Operating System X, has been newly installed. By combining 'BMW Panoramic Vision,' which projects driving information across the entire width of the lower windshield, with a 3D head-up display, it allows drivers to check information while maintaining their forward field of view.
The 14.6-inch 'Passenger Display,' introduced for the first time in the BMW brand, is standard on all models. Passengers can enjoy video streaming and games while driving. If driver distraction is detected, video playback is temporarily paused.
In particular, the appeal of the rear seats has been enhanced. The 31.3-inch 8K resolution 'BMW Theater Screen' descending from the ceiling has been equipped with a 5-megapixel camera, enabling video conferencing inside the vehicle. When connected to a laptop, it can also be utilized as an extended monitor. Higher trims feature Executive Lounge seats equipped with reclining backrests that tilt up to 43 degrees and massage functions.
Driving performance is also notable. The gasoline model '740 xDrive' combines an inline six-cylinder engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, delivering peak output of 400 horsepower. Output has increased by 19 horsepower compared to the previous model, and combined fuel efficiency improves from 10.3 km per liter (L) to 11.0 km per L.
The pure electric vehicle 'The New BMW i7' features sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology and cylindrical battery cells with energy density improved by up to 20% compared to the previous model. Based on domestic certification standards, the driving range on a single charge is 508 km for the i7 50 xDrive, an increase of 53 km from before, and 508 km for the i7 60 xDrive, an increase of 70 km. The high-performance model i7 M70 xDrive offers a range of 492 km, an increase of 101 km.
BMW Korea will sell a total of four models and eight trims, including one gasoline model and three pure electric vehicles. It plans to add diesel and plug-in hybrid models in the future. Domestic sales prices are as follows: 740 xDrive at 161.9 million to 179.2 million won, i7 50 xDrive at 169.9 million to 172.9 million won, i7 60 xDrive at 214.9 million to 217.9 million won, and i7 M70 xDrive at 235 million won.
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