2013 BMW 7 Series Ups the Ante with Improved Efficiency, Comfort

BALTIMORE, MD. (06/12/2012)(readMedia)-- The BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class have been in a decades-long chess match for full-size luxury sedan supremacy, but BMW's latest move could leave its rival with some catching up to do. Expected to reach BMW dealerships late this summer, the 2013 BMW 7 Series will feature a series of drivetrain and technology upgrades designed to improve fuel efficiency, responsiveness and comfort.

While EPA estimates have yet to be released, the new BMW 7 Series receives a new eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission designed to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions. In the BMW 740i and 740Li, the new transmission will be mated to the automaker's latest TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder, which offers the same 315 horsepower as current models while improving fuel efficiency by approximately 20 percent in European testing. Meanwhile, 2013 BMW 750i and 750Li models get a 45-horsepower boost thanks to an added Valvetronic intake system in their TwinPower Turbo V8, bringing the total to 445 horsepower even as fuel consumption is reduced by around 25 percent.

"BMW is dedicated to improving the fuel-efficiency of its vehicles without reducing the performance fans of the brand expect," said Melanie Sterry, general manager of Russel BMW, a BMW dealership in Baltimore, Md. "BMW has made a number of advancements in fuel efficiency since the current 7 Series was introduced four years ago, and the refreshed model benefits across every trim."

Though it won't be going on sale until the fall, the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will also be noticeably different from its predecessor, taking on a completely new drivetrain. Using the same six-cylinder engine as the new BMW 740Li, the ActiveHybrid 7 adds a 55-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, improving fuel efficiency by 14 percent compared to its conventionally powered counterpart in European testing.

While fuel efficiency is the focus of many of the new model's revisions, BMW hasn't forgotten that comfort rules all in the full-size luxury segment. To help ensure a satisfying ride, all 2013 BMW 740 and 750 models will come standard with an updated Driving Dynamics Control system, which allows drivers to select between driving modes like COMFORT+, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and a new, fuel-efficient ECO PRO setting. The new BMW 7 Series also comes with Dynamic Damper Control, making it the world's first vehicle to feature an electronically controlled damping system that acts on each wheel individually to ensure a smooth ride in any conditions.

BMW is also working on ways to smooth out the car-buying experience of customers around the world. Taking a cue from Apple Stores, BMW dealerships will begin including Genius-like product experts that will guide customers through their options on a tablet computer in a low-pressure manner. Beginning in Europe and China this year, BMW plans to bring its new high-tech sales method to U.S. dealerships in the not-to-distant future.

"BMW utilizes so much innovative technology in its vehicles, from its smartphone-connected infotainment system to its advanced safety features, so it only makes sense to extend that innovation to the showroom floor," Sterry noted. "As a dealership, we already strive to give our customers the most comfortable and informative sales experience possible, and the use of tablets will only make that easier to accomplish."

About Russel BMW:

A trusted Baltimore Country BMW dealership, Russel BMW has served Maryland driving enthusiasts for years with a high level of sales and service that matches the BMW name. The dealership's diverse inventory of new and used BMWs ensures an easier vehicle search for customers, and their parts and service department are renowned for their expertise and professionalism. Visit Russel BMW online at www.russelbmw.com, call them at 410-744-2000 or stop by their dealership in person at 6700 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandBMW.