Ramon Ang praises new BMW 7 Series for ‘low-end torque, smoothness, and frugality’

MANILA: Even before its official launch in the Philippines last night, 10 units of the new BMW 7 Series had already been purchased here. This was the news shared by SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation (SMC ACDC), official country importer and distributor of the Munich, Germany-based carmaker.

Speaking during a subsequent digital press conference after the digital reveal, SMC ACDC President Spencer Yu added that the new 7 Series is “bound to shake things up” in its segment. “It will be a very, very strong competitor,” he underscored.

Offering a very personal testament to the vehicle’s performance, SMC ACDC Chairman Ramon Ang said during the same press conference that he had taken the 7 Series for a long drive and was impressed with its performance. “Grabe ang (It has extreme) low-end torque, smoothness. (It’s also very) frugal with gas.” Ang posited that it should be looked at as a car that’s also meant to be owner-driven.

Meanwhile, Yu revealed that an additional 20 units have been reserved, and those vehicles are expected to arrive next month as BMW catches up with demand due to the factory’s suspension of operations from COVID-19 concerns. “It’s all very uncertain, (but we’re hoping to move) 20 to 30 cars until the end of the year,” he stated.

Yu pointed to the full-size luxury sedan’s more affordable pricing relative to competitors as a clear advantage. The BMW 7 Series will have two trims here: the 730i Pure Excellence (with a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 265hp and 400Nm), and the 745Le Pure Excellence, BMW’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the country. The latter variant boasts a 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower six-cylinder gasoline paired with an electric motor. The 745Le can muster up to 55 kilometers of electric range in ideal conditions, and offers a combined performance figure of 394hp and 600Nm of torque.

Onto pricing: The BMW 730i Pure Excellence is priced at P5.99 million and is available in Arctic Grey, Black Sapphire, Imperial Blue, Mineral White, and Sophisto Grey. The BMW 745Le Pure Excellence is priced at P9.59 million and comes in Black Sapphire, Mineral White, and Sophisto Grey.

In a pre-recorded video, BMW Group Asia Managing Director Christopher Wehner said that the 7 Series is “one of the most sophisticated models (BMW has) ever built,” and expressed both “extreme confidence in the current generation,” and excitement over the long-awaited arrival of the PHEV.

This was something he had told this writer back in June 2019. Wehner then said that the Philippines could expect the 7 Series in July or August of that year. Even as it arrives a year later, PHEV puts more teeth to what Wehner calls the company’s “electro offense.” He maintained, “Mobility is justified if it supports the future health of the planet.”

Compared to the 5.12-meter wheelbase of the 730i, the 745Le’s is 140 millimeters longer at 5.26 meters, which is said to translate to enhanced legroom for rear passengers. Both models are longer than the outgoing 7 Series, and their height remains unchanged at 1,467mm and 1,479mm.

Immediately obvious is the significant design change out front. BMW reported that it is now 50mm taller at its highest point – for a “more powerful visual presence,” one accentuated by sharper lines and a bigger BMW roundel. But must obvious of all is the massive iconic kidney grille, now larger by 40% and calls to mind the X8’s. The 7 Series also gets slimmer adaptive LED headlamps.

Standing out, too, are large air intakes in the lower area of the front bumper. “These guide the onrushing air efficiently to the brake air ducts,” said BMW in a release. Air curtains, on the other hand, help to cut down on air turbulence around the wheel arches.

Integrated into the side panels are upright, extended “air breathers” whose trim strips form a 90-degree angle with side-trim elements. These stretch all the way into the rear apron.

The BMW 730i Pure Excellence gets 18-inch light alloy wheels in Multi-spoke Style 619; the BMW 745Le Pure Excellence sports 19-inch light alloy wheels in Double-spoke Style 630 Bicolor. Fitted to these wheels for both variants are runflat tires.

The rear end mirrors elements of the front fascia, specifically the air-intake trim. Integrated tailpipes boast a broader chrome accent, while the 3D rear lights are now 35mm slimmer. “Their LED light sources are positioned behind red and black surfaces arranged to emphasize their L-shaped contour. Other new features include a sharply defined and very slim light strip (it measures just six millimeters in width) sited below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate and connects the rear lights with one other,” continued BMW.

In the spacious cabin, the 745Le is given Nappa leather with extended quilting. New to the 7 Series is a wood trim in Poplar Grain Metallic Grey high-gloss.

The 745Le has active seat ventilation for the front and rear, as well as a massage function for all seats. Rear occupants get a Rear Seat Entertainment Experience featuring 10-inch, full-HD touchscreens with a central tablet, and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system. The 730i gets Dakota upholstery together with a “Fineline” wood trim with aluminum embellisher. A Harman Kardon Surround Sound system also comes standard; and rear seats are electrically adjustable.

Ambient lighting for both has been upgraded with greater customization options, and the 7 Series receives automatic four-zone climate control, plus electric roller sunblinds and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with new multifunction buttons.

Featuring the BMW Operating System 7.0 software, the 7 Series is said to be able to meet greater convenience and connectivity requirements. “BMW’s ergonomic interface allows users to take advantage of the familiar iDrive controller and touchscreen capability to make the most of BMW Live Cockpit Professional. This system comprises of a navigation and multimedia system, together with a digital, high-resolution instrument cluster that sits behind the steering wheel that measures 12.3-inches and a Control Display at 10.25-inches,” reported the carmaker. Even better: Apple CarPlay is now standard for the series to promote enhanced smartphone connectivity. BMW Gesture Control is additionally available in the BMW 745Le. Comfort and handling are improved courtesy of a two-axle suspension system.

BMW Philippines said that the new 7 Series comes with a five-year/200,000-km manufacturer’s warranty.

Photos from BMW Philippines

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