The iDrive Touch controller has now been confirmed for the Canadian Market 2014 MY BMW 7-Series. Read more after the jump.
The iDrive controller adds a multi-touch surface to make certain in-vehicle control functions more intuitive, faster and easier to use. The iDrive Touch makes it possible to navigate freely within the route map shown in the display and zoom in on it, too. The scale is changed using the two-finger pinch gesture already familiar from many laptops and smartphones. The driver can also use touch control to mark the points of interest stored in the map, then press the control knob to confirm and display more detailed information. The handwriting recognition function enables characters to be entered with the finger by simply "writing" them on the surface of the touchpad. Whereas previously this could only be done with the "Speller" – a circular arrangement of letters in the display – by turning the control knob, the touch-sensitive surface now recognizes the letters and the Speller instantly jumps to the right point of the alphabet. To further reduce driver distraction, a voice output repeats the character that has been recognized.
The Full Black Panel Multifunction Instrument display has now been confirmed for the Canadian Market 2014 MY BMW 7-Series through an internal memo. Please read the full memo after the jump.
A new Multifunction instrument display (SA6WB) is available on all 7 Series models. This highly advanced instrument display offers a unique visual presentation of the driving experience. For the first time the driver is not only able to change the drive mode in terms of steering, throttle and suspension response, but also choose between colour and graphically adapted visual modes in the instrument display. Comfort Mode as the standard view, ECO PRO Mode (not available on 760Li) with the emphasis on an economical driving style and Sport Mode with the focus on speedometer and rev counter gauges. Navigation instructions and information from the driver assistance systems can now be registered even more easily at a glance. With these features, the new digital presentation distinctly increases the comfort, experience and safety of driving. The new instrument display is certain to impress all tech-savvy customers, however many traditional 7 Series clients may prefer a more traditional instrument readout, hence this new display is offered as a stand-alone option for 14MY.
Archived Information: Starting July production (Est. For September Delivery) MY 2013 F10 BMW 5 Series will have an option (to be confirmed for the Canadian Market) for a full customizable LCD black panel instrument display, what does that mean? No more needles, so it is your choice of the traditional BMW display, or you can have a retro modern look or an ECO pro look, or a sport focused look very similar to the BMW i8. Have a look at all the pictures after the jump.
Edit: Facelifted F01 BMW 7-Series will have this as well. We will post pictures of these new full black panel instruments when the shipment arrives. We will update this page, stay tuned.
Updated Oct 29 2012: The Face-lifted F01 has arrived and we checked each for this feature and still have not found one equipped with this new Enhanced Black Panel yet. Looking through a few sources and it looks like this feature may have been delayed for North America all together. The BMW Germany configuration shows this option available now in Germany on the F10 and F01.
Updated Jan 29 2013: It has been confirmed that this option has been left out of BMW North America and BMW Canada, but BMW is working on creating a version of this enhanced Full Black panel instrument display which may show up on North American cars in the future.
Here we have some fantastic photos of the LCI 2013 BMW Alpina B7 Sedan from 7post's press track day. The Alpina B7 in these photos appears to be in Frozen Blue making it's round at Laguna Seca accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a 5000 pound limousine. The 2013 Alpina B7's V8 produces 540 horsepower with 538 ft-lb of torque and a top speed of 312km/h (194 mph). A full gallery after the jump.
You may have already seen it, if not click read more for the full gallery then click on a picture to enlarge and right click to save as or set as wallpaper. Enjoy!
Official Word on the Canadian MY2013 BMW 7 Series lineup below (Starting July 2012 Production)
BMW 740Li xDrive BMW 740Li ActiveHybrid BMW 750i xDrive BMW 750Li xDrive BMW 760Li V12
Press Release: The new BMW 7 Series is set to reinforce its position as the most innovative sedan in the luxury segment. The flagship model series of the BMW fleet embodies sporting elegance, refined powertrain technology and luxurious comfort in equal measure. And now, by making a clear step up in terms of product substance, the Sedan is set to underline its leadership. New LED headlights, an upgraded interior with optimised soundproofing, markedly improved ride comfort, a comprehensive selection of optional equipment and state-of-the-art safety technology combine to create an in-car experience from the top drawer. A line-up of either new or optimised drive systems, including the world’s most powerful six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7, set new performance and efficiency benchmarks. (Read More with LARGE gallery with Videos After the Jump)
Body: new LED headlights and subtle new design features. Dynamic lines and perfectly balanced proportions continue to lie at the heart of the BMW 7 Series Sedan’s sporty and elegant presence. The most eye-catching feature of the new BMW 7 Series are the new LED headlights with hallmark BMW corona rings and a smart accent strip, which now ensure the new BMW 7 Series projects a distinctive appearance at night as well. The modified BMW kidney grille with nine slats – instead of the previous 12 – and revised front apron set the new model apart from its predecessor. Elsewhere, indicators integrated into the lower section of the exterior mirrors are among the new features visible from the side. And last but not least, the powerfully chiselled rear benefits from a thin chrome strip connecting the two slim reflectors in the rear apron.
Interior: new leather seats, optimised noise levels, Rear Seat Entertainment package and sound system with extending centre speaker. Flawlessly executed design, top-class materials, quality workmanship and outstanding practicality define the interior of the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The driver and front passenger can relax into newly designed leather seats offering optimum lateral support and unbeatable long-distance comfort. The rear passengers, too, travel in luxury and are largely cocooned from outside noise. Individual seats are also available as an option for the rear and can be adapted to passengers’ needs. And the optional Rear Seat Entertainment package with a new 9.2-inch flatscreen monitor ensures a refreshing diversion is always at hand over extended journeys. The new 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System delivers unimpeachable sound quality. Its 16 speakers include an illuminated centre speaker which retracts almost fully into the instrument panel.
Cockpit: selectable displays in black-panel technology and central Control Display with 3D graphics. In the new BMW 7 Series, the multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel takes its cues from the driver’s needs. Extended black-panel technology opens up a whole new range of display options through the 10.25-inch screen. The instruments are now presented using different colours and graphics depending on the driving mode selected, and provide situation-specific information such as status and function displays. The Control Display in the centre of the instrument panel has also benefited from visual and technical improvements and now uses high-resolution 3D graphics.
Powertrain and chassis: refined power, improved efficiency and enhanced ride comfort. The new BMW 7 Series Sedan will hit the ground running in 2012 armed with new and comprehensively revised engines which are extremely economical and low on emissions and channel their power to the driven wheels through an intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission. Technology such as the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode and coasting function pave the way for additional fuel saving.
Alongside the flagship BMW 760i with its 12-cylinder powerplant (Available in Canada) and the entry-level engine in the BMW 730i (not available in Canada), customers can choose from the new six-cylinder in-line engine powering the BMW 740i (Available in Canada)and the revised V8 petrol engine earmarked for the BMW 750i (Available in Canada). The six-cylinder diesel engines in the BMW 730d and BMW 740d (not available in Canada) likewise offer drivers the combination of increased output and lower fuel consumption. Making its debut, meanwhile, is the new BMW 750d xDrive (not available in Canada). Under its bonnet lies the new TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine – the world’s most powerful diesel engine of its kind. Rounding off the range is the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (Available in Canada) with a new six-cylinder in-line engine and significantly reduced emissions.
An impressive spread of chassis wizardry helps give the ride comfort of the BMW 7 Series Sedan a noticeable boost. Complementing the optimised chassis set-up – with modified rubber bearings and new dampers – and the self-levelling air suspension for the rear axle is the standard-fitted Electric Power Steering. State-of-the-art electronic control systems with likewise retuned software help to enhance the long-distance attributes of the BMW 7 Series Sedan and ensure that the new edition of the car makes travelling on board even more pleasurable – in terms of both dynamics and comfort.
BMW ConnectedDrive: intelligent integration is the key to comfort and assurance at the wheel along with unbeatable safety. A unique combination of driver assistance systems and mobility services allows the BMW 7 Series to once again demonstrate its innovative edge and technical eminence over its rivals. To this end, the BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio includes impressive new features that enable the Sedan to maintain its leading position in the luxury segment.
Among the systems helping to maximise safety are BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot with pedestrian recognition technology (unique in the premium segment), the anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus with Stop & Go function, Active Protection with automatic fatigue recognition and Speed Limit Info including the No Passing Info display using road sign symbols. A more powerful operating system governing the central Control Display ensures the entertainment programs are simpler to operate, optimises office and online services, and makes using the telephone that much easier. The Professional navigation system, meanwhile, is now more powerful and features new and ultra-sharp map graphics and 3D city mode. An innovative feature allowing convenient hands-free opening of the boot lid rounds off the function-focused highlights of the BMW 7 Series.
