BMW Unveils New 7 Series with Extensive ADAS

Source: BMW announcement

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. – BMW unveiled the seventh generation of its range-topping 7 Series with three versions – including the first all-electric i7 – filled with the most advanced technology including advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).

The 2023 BMW 740i is powered by an upgraded version of the B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

The 760i xDrive combines the power of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and 48V mild hybrid technology. With the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission delivers the twin benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration, and greater efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation.

And for the very first time in its history, the 7 Series is now available fully electric. Featuring two highly efficient current-excited electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 pounds-feet of torque, the i7 xDrive60 will sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 300 miles.

Driver assistance systems

The new 7 Series also marks the cutting edge of technological development at BMW when it comes to driving and parking assistance systems. Its innovative technology suite featuring the latest generation of cameras and ultrasonic and radar sensors, a new software stack, a powerful computing platform and a 5G connection to the BMW Cloud lays the foundation for both the outstanding functionality of all current systems and the implementation of future driving assistance functions.

BMW runs one of Europe’s most sophisticated computing centers to help with the development of driver assistance functions. Highly advanced software algorithms are employed for analyzing data and creating an environment model, as well as for visualization and control functions.

Eight-megapixel automotive cameras with leading-edge technology from Mobileye are being fitted for the first time anywhere in the world, making it possible to reduce the number of front cameras while still doubling the amount of measurement points.

Existing functions can be improved or expanded through Remote Software Upgrades, which also let customers add new functions at a later stage in vehicles suitably equipped. Consequently, the new BMW 7 Series will be kept right up to date with the latest software.

Assistance systems designed to optimize collaboration between driver and car

The driver assistance functions available in the all-new 7 Series adhere to the BMW philosophy of providing the driver with the best possible support in all traffic situations. Their harmonious integration with the powertrain and chassis technology helps to ensure a safe and assured driving experience under all circumstances.

All functions are collaborative in nature and can be overridden by the driver at any time. Drivers also have the option of customizing the steering and braking functions by adjusting their comfort- and safety-enhancing settings. In this way, the vehicle is able to replicate the customer’s personal driving style more closely, always acting and reacting just how the driver would intuitively expect and providing optimum assistance in every situation.

Interaction between driver and vehicle is further supported by the intuitive operation of the assistance functions and the way they are depicted clearly in the vehicle. This is done using advanced forms of visualization, such as the Augmented View function, which appears in the information display – i.e., directly in the driver’s line of sight – for the first time in the new BMW 7 Series.

A single button on the steering wheel’s left-hand spoke allows both Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the Steering and Lane Control Assistant to be activated with ease.

Front-collision warning for improved safety

The standard front-collision warning system in the new BMW 7 Series comes with numerous additional functions and serves to improve safety in urban traffic and many other driving situations. Comprising features such as City Collision Mitigation with braking function, the system now reacts to oncoming traffic. And it can also warn the driver of pedestrians and cyclists who are parallel to the road and approaching the vehicle from the front or rear when turning right, reducing the risk of a collision.

The front-collision warning system also helps to increase safety when turning left. If a vehicle is approaching on the side of the road the driver needs to cross, visible and acoustic warnings are triggered, and the brakes are applied to prevent the driver from continuing with their maneuver. Speed Limit Info with manual Speed Limit Assist and the Evasion Assistant are likewise all fitted as standard, as is Lane Departure Warning.

Customized level of automated driving for added comfort and safety

Another new feature is the Safe Exit function, which provides additional safety when the vehicle is stationary. If a vehicle or cyclist is approaching the new 7 Series at speed resulting in a risk of collision on either side of the car if a door were to be opened, the occupants are alerted to the danger by an acoustic signal and either flashing LEDs in the mirror or the ambient lighting and BMW Interaction Bar. The doors are also prevented from opening automatically.

Driving Assistance Professional with Highway Assistant and Augmented View

The new Highway Assistant, part of the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package ushers in a new dimension of assisted driving, bringing with it new levels of convenience and stress-free travel over long distances. It allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel when driving on highways or other roads with structurally separated roadways at speeds up to 80 mph – double what was previously possible. They must, however, always maintain focus on the road ahead and be prepared to assume responsibility for steering.

Assisted View in the instrument cluster gives the driver an overview of the activated systems and their functionality. The central area of the information display is reserved for a three-dimensional mock-up of the vehicle and its surroundings. Here, the driver can see an image of the cars, trucks and motorcycles detected by the cameras and sensors in the driver’s current lane, along with those in any adjacent lanes

The new Augmented View function included as part of the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional forms a perfect complement to the navigation system’s instructions in crucial situations, enabling exceptionally accurate guidance while driving. For this purpose, a live video stream from the driver’s perspective is shown on the information display behind the steering wheel in the new BMW 7 Series and augmented by supplementary information that matches the context. When dealing with confusing intersections, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route. In addition to this, information on applicable local parking regulations also appears in the live video stream in augmented reality form.

To view the announcement, click HERE.