Bucket Seat: The new BMW 7 Series

Today BMW revealed to the world their all new 7 Series, let's just say they gave us a more talking points other than a big grille this time round. The design is striking, much different to what we've become accustomed to BMW over the years but more in line from what we've seen in the recently launched iX model. With most manufactures aiming to go fully electric by the end of the decade, one can understand the drastic changes in designs we're seeing of late. While being futuristic, the design has to also be practical and seeing that we still have combustion engines for the near future to deal with, its difficult to make a car that can accommodate both drive trains and still please everyone visually. It's something BMW hasn't been doing well of recent but in saying that, sales figures don't seem to show that as they are booming. 

There has been much said about this new 7 Series model so far and it hasn't even been a day since the reveal, in my opinion the design is interesting. It's ultra modern, with straight lines, but still keeping to the brands luxury standard. The kidney grilles have grown even large and now have an illuminated surround, just incase you didn't see them the first time. Interesting to see BMW have opted to have the split front headlights which are now crystal and feature an iconic glow. The rear seems more composed and neat than the front but it harks to some American styling which won't sit well with many. A high proportion of natural and recycled materials have been used to construct this new 7 series as well as the use of green energy in the production stage, making this car as green as they come. 

Stepping into the new 7 is quite easy as it features automatic opening and closing doors. It features a whole new dash design with a large infotainment screen that has exclusive modes depending what your preferences are, and it varies with an array of digital art to make the cabin bespoke to your taste. The seating is BMW individual spec with merinal leather trim and is available in bi-colour with other material variants to choose from. It all looks very posh from the pictures and must be even better in reality. 

The new 7 at launch is available in three engine variants with more to come closer to the global launch.

• 760i xDrive 
• i7 xDrive60
• M750e xDrive

 

Bucket Seat: 2018 Lexus LS500

It's the first big motor show of the year and NAIAS 2017 didn't fail to deliver. A lot of the Asian manufacturers were eager to show what they had in store and with good reason. There were some surprised and some models that people knew about and couldn't wait to see it on display, one such model was the next generation Lexus LS. It first broke cover at the 2015 Tokyo Motor show and was dubbed the LF-FC concept and wowed the crowds with it's sharp edges and radical design. Most of it comes from the recently launched LC500. While it being the luxury flagship model of the Lexus line up, it looks sleek as a sports coupe. On the inside, it's a world of luxury and technology, from the premium leather stitched seats to the large information screen which is controlled by a touch pad. Lexus are really affirming their intentions of being the number contender against the Germans and this new LS surely proves that they mean business. While it has tough competition against the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes Benz S-Class, they really are giving the consumer something else to think about. 

Bucket Seat: BMW 7 Series - First Impressions

This past Friday I was invited to the dealer launch of the new G11 and G12 models from BMW, also know as the new 7 Series at BMW Supertech. It issues a new line of luxury from the German manufacturer as this is their flagship range, competing with the best on the market. The event which took place at BMW Supertech's showroom in Durban was a glitzy affair, the theme being black tie, and a guest list of their most valuble clients and prostective buyers, everyone was dressed to impress. 

Upon arrival, guests were chauffeur driven from the parking area to the main entrance, where they were greeted by members of the dealership. Coffee and light refreshments were served in the showroom whilst we waited for everyone on to arrive, giving people the chance to see some of the stunning cars on display, most popular being the BMW i8 and the note worthy dedicated M display. Once everyone was present it was time to get formalities under way. 

Speakers for the night included BMW Supertech Brand Ambassodor, Jayaloshni Naidoo, Director Shabir Tayob and Customer relations and marketing manager, Yusuf Mooolla. Supertech has a long illustrious reputation and to date is one of the biggest BMW dealerships in South Africa and the only one that has managed to achieve a 4 star as built Greenstar rating, awarded to it by the GBCSA. It shows that they also very environmentally conscious and aiding a green future. 

Much was said about the new 7 series during the speeches, the thing that gets your attention the most about this car is the technology that BMW have managed to put into the car. The key for example, has an LCD screen which displays vital information about the car, like it's fuel range, tyre pressure, preconditioning controls and can also control the car! Yes, you can start and move the car with the remote, this feature was introduced mostly for tight parking spots, where the driver could get out of the car and still manage to park it just by using the remote. I know, it might be worrying for some as you fear you might hit something but with the cars park distance sensors, it would be able to stop the car if there were any obstacles that you cannot see. 

After enjoying our delicious starters it was finally time to see the new 7 Series in the metal, well carbon fiber. Yes the body of the car is made up of light weight, extra strength special weave of carbon fiber. This aiding the car to be more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. A grand entrance of laser lights and smoke greeted the 7 Series as it made its way to the center of the room for the audience to get a first glimpse at this magnificent vehicle. Having seen it in pictures before, did no justice to the car, it is simply stunning in every angle you look at. Yes, whilst I must admit the design isn't that much different from it's predecessor, it's the subtle changes to the design that make it stand out. 

Moving onto the inside, it's almost like being in a car of the future, with a large touch screen display, digital instrument cluster and handcrafted leather steering wheel, it certainly does give a new meaning to quality and comfort. The new i Drive and Connected drive interface now also makes use of hand gestures so one does not have to manually operate the dial, simple hand movements can change the radio station, increase the fan speed on the airconditioning or answer a telephone call. The 7 Series aircon also includes an air ionizer, which purifies the air eleminates any nasty odour that may enter the cabin. 

Moving to the back, perspective buyers of the car can opt for the limo set up with entertainment package for the back passengers, this includes a removable tablet that controls their climate control aircon as well as two large LCD screens that are mounted onto the front seats. There are options for seat heating and cooling as well as massaging for when you've had a long day. 

Overall first impressions of this car is nothing short of amazing, I'm blown away by the technology that BMW have included in this car and the things that come standard in most models is such a bonus. I've yet to drive it but from what I've seen so far I am seriously impressed, it's certainly a car that exudes class, sophistication and luxury into one. Certainly one to make their competitors ponder on.

For more informtation on BMW Supertech, visit their website or social media streams:

Website: www.bmw-supertech.co.za

Twitter: @SupertechDurban

Facebook: SupertechDurban

Or visit them at 8 Cliff Cresent (Off Edwinswales), Rossburgh.

Bucket Seat: The new BMW 7 Series

Couple weeks back BMW lifted the covers on the much anticipated new 7 series, being the flagship model from the German manufacturer, a lot of what the car has to offer now will be filtered into future models. The car has changed a lot from concept stages which is sad as I quite liked the look of the Vision, it was bold and different where as the new 7 doesn't look that much different from its predecessor, okay it is slightly bigger and bolder but not striking like the concept. Guess I'm just upset about that part. 

But its good to see BMW didn't drop most of the gadgets and cool stuff, hand gestures are a real thing, touch control aircon, laser lights, remote control park which is damn cool! The body structure is made from a new carbon fibre re-inforced plastic compound that has reduced weight of the car significantly, almost by 130kgs! An all new engine line up which includes a 740e plug in hybrid.

Being bigger, the cars comforts levels have been improved with increased space for passengers. Staying on the inside, as always there will be a host of interior trims, colours and textures to chose from. There is an executive lounge option for the car that comes with automatic 4 zone air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats with massage functionality with a foot rest. Other features include a fold out table, extra cup holders and a removable 7" tablet that fits onto the center console and controls all the functions stated.

Anyway as cool as the back may sound, its up front is where the action is. Gesture control as mentioned before is a big one, for now it's limited to things such as audio control and phone calls. The infotainment screen is now touch sensitive so you can control it like an iPad. Standard iDrive toggles will still be available if you chose to still do things the old school way.

There's still loads to this car that I haven't even begun to talk about and I'm sure there's more we will learn about it as we wait for local launch which could be early next year. As much as I am disappointed with the cars exterior design, there's no denying that they have made up for it in abundance every where else. Like I said, most of what we seeing here will be phased into the BMW's of the future as BMW Group's Senior Vice President, Adiran van Hooydonk said "At BMW we believe the future can be predicted most effectively if we're helping to shape it. The primary objective in the development of the new car was to create a vision of modern luxury and to exceed our customers expectations."