Making a bold statement: The BMW 740i M Sport

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Whew! Where do I start to tell you about this vehicle? When it pulled into my driveway, I immediately got that ‘Richie Rich’ feeling. It was distinctly BMW but one could not help comparing it to a Rolls Royce or even a Bentley. And the two-tone exterior colour of blue and silver was just apt for a top end luxury vehicle of this kind. It’s not every day that one gets to test drive a car of this magnitude. So, let me tell you more.

Large and in charge

BMW leads the luxury segment into a new era that will be shaped by innovations in the fields of sustainability and digitalisation. With the new BMW 7 Series, the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles creates forward-looking ways to enjoy driving pleasure, unsurpassed long-distance comfort and a top-end digital experience. It’s a new definition of luxury that focuses on the individual and their personal attitudes, needs and emotions. In addition to presence, elegance and exclusive premium quality, there is a progressive approach characterised by innovations that directly enhance the user experience, wide-ranging connectivity and standard-setting sustainability of the car.

Modern and innovative style

The new BMW 7 Series incorporates a modern style that focuses on the essentials in its exterior and interior design. The front-end design for BMW vehicles in the luxury segment is dominated by features that are typical of the brand, but a clear distinction is maintained between these models and the others in the BMW range. Innovative features such as the BMW Theatre Screen, the multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8, plus the BMW Curved Display and the Manoeuvre Assistant for automated parking and manoeuvring, highlight the progressive character of the luxury sedan. In addition to the enhanced level of comfort and the unique in-car entertainment system, the Executive Lounge option for the rear with optimised reclining seat position and new BMW Individual Merino leather interior trim takes a pioneering route to maximising wellbeing inside the car.

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Imposing presence

The visually powerful and exclusive appearance of the new BMW 7 Series signals the presence of a standout driving experience and progressive luxury, combined with the exceptional spaciousness and innovative digital experience of the rear compartment. The upright front end and new interpretation of the twin circular headlights and BMW kidney grille – both signature BMW design elements – bring a powerful distinctive presence to the car's visuals.

The new BMW 7 Series comes as standard with Adaptive LED Headlights. The optional BMW crystal headlights Iconic Glow create a light effect unmatched by any other car. Here, crystals from Swarovski - arrange in L-shapes and each backlit by LED units - perform the role of sidelights and daytime driving lights The impressive presence of the front end is also enhanced by the BMW kidney grille's contour lighting.

Blissful travelling comfort

Luxury at its most progressive awaits the driver and passengers inside the new BMW 7 Series. The interior reflects the balance between driving dynamics and travelling comfort that marks out the new-generation model. To the driver, the new 7 Series is an alluringly dynamic sedan, while the rear-seat passengers can luxuriate in a feel-good ambience from another dimension.

The cockpit of the new BMW 7 Series has a significantly lower number of buttons, switches and controls than the predecessor. The key, here, is the commitment to digitalisation embodied by the BMW Curved Display. This fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches.

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Unique: the BMW Theatre Screen and Amazon Fire TV.

The BMW Theatre Screen - extending down from the headline - with Amazon Fire TV built-in brings a unique entertainment offering for the rear-seat passengers. With its 31.3-inch touchscreen and 8K resolution, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with optional exciters in the seats, the 5.5-inch touch-controlled function operation displays in the rear doors (BMW Touch Command), it transforms the rear compartment of the BMW 7 Series into a private cinema lounge on wheels. Here, passengers can stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information, and watch downloaded programme - all while on the road.

Verdict

It’s a head turner of note. It has such a commanding presence that nearly everyone wanted to get a glimpse of this stunner. Everything about the interior is ultimate luxury, including the Swarovski crystals used in the right place. The ride was blissful and quiet, yet packed with power if needed. Yes, the world is moving towards SUV’s but the BMW M740i is a super sedan that gets more than a five-star rating in my books. It takes luxury to superior level. NOw, I just need a chaffeur.

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