BMW has revealed the first images and technical specifications of its fifth-generation 7 Series flagship ahead of its expected public debut at the Paris motor show in October.

It is due to arrive in Australia in around the second quarter of 2009.

The new 7 Series will introduce a number of new technologies and features, widespread use of lighter materials to keep weight down and a storming twin-turbocharged V8 engine with direct fuel-injection that will debut in the X6 SUV.

The styling has been toned down and is more conservative. The high end boot, a criticism of the previous Chris Bangle styled car, has disappeared.

The range will come in standard sedan and long wheelbase verions with a choice of two engines initially, followed by diesel and V12 petrol versions.

A six cylinder engine returns to the 7, the popular and widely awarded twin-turbo 3.0-litre.

There’s also a twin-turbo V8 with direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) producing 300kW and 600Nm of torque.

This engine accelerates the 750i from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds and uses 11.4 litres/100km on the European combined cycle.

The direct injected 3.0-litre twin turbo six delivers 240kW and 450Nm of torque. This engine accelerates the 740i from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and uses 9.9 litres/100km on the European combined cycle.

All models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with the lever being relocated from near the steering wheel to the centre console.

The front of the car sports enlarged trademark kidney grilles to allow for better cooling.

The low and stretched side view, sculptured surfaces and the horizontally accentuated lines at the rear give the car a sporty look. The interior has gently curving surfaces covered in high-quality materials.

The driver-oriented cockpit with its innovative Black Panel technology display is complemented by the electronic selector for the automatic transmission located on the centre console, next to the Dynamic Driving Control unit and BMW iDrive control.

The new 7 Series has an updated version of BMW’s iDrive. The more simple version has a new, larger 10.2-in display, better high-resolution graphics and menu structure.

The new iDrive controller is complemented by direct selection buttons and, for the first time, freely programmable favourite buttons.

The roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium, while aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with an aluminium housing, work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible.

The 7 Series is the first BMW sedan with a double-arm front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle. The front and rear axles are made largely of aluminium, while air suspension at the rear is standard on the 750Li and 740Li.

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering (available as an option).

Extending the performance envelope are new driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control featured as standard.

The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map are varied by the Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console.

This offers the choice of comfort, normal and sports  settings.

A special traction mode and Sports+ setting with reduced or deactivated DSC control is available.

Options include cruise control with Stop and Go, Lane Keep Assist including speed limit indicator, Lane Change Warning, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision (available for the first time with detection of individual persons), side view and reversing cameras.

Standard safety items include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, side airbags and side head airbags, crash activated headrests at the front, run flat tyres and a tyre defect indicator. Bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime lights function, fog lamps and two-stage brake lights, Adaptive Headlights and Variable Light Technology are available as standard.

A wide range of comfort functions and innovative entertainment options include an audio system with a hard disc memory, while an AUX-in sleeve is featured as standard.

A USB port, multi-channel audio system, a rear DVD system, a rear-seat iDrive Controller for operating entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions from the rear seats, four-zone automatic airconditioning, active seat ventilation, massage seats, and an innovative, contoured sliding roof optimised for noise control and design, are optionally available, while an integrated owner’s manual is featured as standard.

Further pricing, specification and range information for Australia will follow closer to the vehicle’s launch.

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