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BMW is celebrating its centenary in 2016 and it has already started the party with the wild Vision Next 100 Concept. The Germans will introduce Vision show cars for the Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad brands, but the anniversary year will also bring a few limited-edition production models in dealerships. The first to arrive is the 7 Series Centennial Edition, a special-edition lineup consisting of three models crafted by the company’s Individual division.
Only last month we featured news of two other 7 Series modification jobs by BMW Individual. Indeed, the 7 Series Master Class and Solitaire are more exclusive still, with only one and six of them being produced, respectively. Nonetheless, the 7 Series The Next 100 Years will be offered with its own flourishes and a choice of three different engines.
At the tamer end of the scale is the hybrid 740Le iPerformance, which kicks out out 240 kW (326 hp). This can be upgraded with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, as can the V8 750Li model. That has a 4.4-l engine that produces 330 kW (450 hp) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds.
The daddy of the three models is the M760Li, with which xDrive is standard. It boasts a 6.6-l V12 engine along with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. All that adds up to 448 kW (610 hp) of output and 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration of 3.7 seconds.
As you’d expect, the 7 Series The Next 100 Years features BMW’s iDrive infotainment system. Along with a touch function for the control display, the driver’s hand movements are detected by a 3D sensor so that gestures can be used to control the system for the first time in a BMW.
The body is finished is a special “Centennial Blue metallic” color, which BMW says is only attainable by way of an elaborate painting process. Inside, meanwhile, occupants enjoy a panoramic glass roof and fine grain Merino full leather trim in “Smoke White.”
Various optional extras include a head-up display, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, rear collision prevention and front and rear crossing traffic warning. It’s also possible to upgrade the standard LED light to anti-dazzle BMW Laserlight for improved illumination of the road ahead.
The BMW 7 Series The Next 100 Years was launched at an event last night. No pricing or availability details have been released as yet.
Agencies/Canadajournal
