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Innovation Overhaul B Y M I C H A E L S C I V O L I BMW 7 SERIES HORSEPOWER: 320 (740i) / 445 (750i) 0-60 MPH: 5.4 seconds (740i) / 4.3 seconds (750i) TOP SPEED: 155 MPH ENGINE: Twin turbocharged inline 6-cylinder (740i) / Twin turbocharged V8 (750i) TORQUE: 330 (740i) / 480 (750i) W ith the expertise of Chief Designer, Karim Habib, BMW has completely revamped their 7 Series model for 2016. The changes don't alter the vehicle's identity but rather enhance it. The new design brings together the classic, sporty driver-oriented BMW character with a high level of finesse and elegance that the luxury car industry demands. Once you're behind the wheel of the new 7 Series, you'll notice more agile handling, almost as if the car is lighter than its predecessors— that's because it is. Nearly 200 lbs less than previous models, the new 7 Series' weight can be attributed to its carbon core. To create the core, BMW combined high-strength aluminum and steel with carbon fiber which helps to center the car's gravity and increase performance. Other exterior changes such as the Active Kidney Grille with visible air-flap control, helps to cool its engine and improve aerodynamics and acceleration. Stylistically it is the most stunning design concept we've yet seen from the 7 Series model. Inside, the new 7 Series' cabin has a few upgrades of its own. While BMW has never had trouble staying on the forefront of technology, they've taken their tech- savvy expertise and applied it to a more cushy interior. Sitting inside the new model is an experience all its own, almost as if it was manufactured to rival the interior of a Maybach. With features that include 24 massage setting seats, the 7 Series has beefed up the details on its cabin's fine details. The seat's stitching is designed for comfort, a style which Habib says is "subconsciously a bit like a Ferrari of the 60s." The new model's one-of-a-kind panoramic sky lounge LED glass roof has 15,000 engravings and six ambient light features which create a "night-sky" effect. Overall, the interior is more spacious than ever before. Its rear- seat controls feature double tablet screens and executive seating with an extendable footrest. Perhaps the most innovative of the new tech is the model's 3D censored gesture control. This allows the driver to sweep their hand in front of the center console to change audio, navigation or accept phone calls— no push button needed. While the 7 Series is the first BMW to make some of these exciting new changes, Habib and the design team say that many of these features will be coming to all models in the near future. VUE ON AUTOMOTIVE V U E N J . C O M 115

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