source: http://www.canadiandriver.com/thenews/2008...ew-7-series.htm


Whitby, Ontario - BMW has revealed its fifth generation 7 Series flagship sedan which will make its Canadian premiere at the Montreal International Autoshow in January 2009, and arrive at Canadian BMW dealers in Spring 2009.

In Canada, the new 7 Series will be available in 750i and 750Li versions ? the Li version has its wheelbase extended by 140 mm.

Both models will be powered by an all-new twin-turbo V8 engine also making its debut in the X6 Sports Activity Coupe. The 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 offers 400 hp and 450 lb-ft. of torque over a broad range of 1750-4500 rpm. BMW says its fuel efficiency will be class-leading, though official ratings are not yet available. A six-speed automatic transmission will be standard.

The new 7 Series has an aluminum roof, doors, hood and front fenders; aluminum front spring towers; aluminum-block engine, and aluminum differential housing. The new 7 is BMW?s first passenger car with multi-link double-wishbone front suspension, and on the 750Li, a self-levelling air suspension is standard. Rack-and-pinion steering with variable ratio and hydraulic power assist continues, but with a new-type hydraulic pump that delivers assist only when called for, thereby saving fuel. Also new, and a world premiere: optional Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW?s proven front Active Steering system.

The interior of the new 7 Series features new Black Panel technology and a console-mounted electronic shift (E-Shift) control. A new generation of iDrive debuts with a larger 25.9 cm (10.2-in.), high-resolution colour display, more intuitive optimized menu structure and a new controller enabling function selection and activation via turn, push and tilt motions. The GPS Navigation system is newly enhanced with topography and improved functionality; and the audio system gains a hard drive.

An array of innovative driver-assistance options that?s unique in the luxury segment (asterisk indicates new, or new to 7 Series) includes Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability; Lane Departure Warning*, Active Blind Spot Detection*, Head-up Display*, High Beam Assistant*, BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View* and Back-up Cameras.*

A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment features includes new hard-drive music storage, multi-channel amplification and speaker outputs, auxiliary audio input; available six-disc DVD changer and iPod/USB ports. Further optional or standard luxuries include four-zone climate control with ?draft-free? vents, Active Seat Ventilation, Active Comfort massaging seats, newly enhanced telematics, an innovative new moonroof concept, and a first-ever Integrated Owner?s Manual.