It wasn’t too long ago that ultra-luxury cars and large displacement engines were inseparable. Plentiful luxury features and spacious seating equated to weight, necessitating engines with as many as twelve cylinders to propel the car and its passengers along at an authoritative speed.

Technology has grown by leaps and bounds, and the all-new BMW 7-Series luxury sedans are powered by a remarkably effective engine duo. The 730i Pure Excellence is equipped with a 2.0-liter TwinPower four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 265hp and 400Nm of torque; more than enough to meet the demands of Philippine driving conditions. For those who demand more, the 745Le Pure Excellence pairs a 3.0-liter TwinPower six-cylinder gasoline lump with an electric motor. BMW’s first ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the Philippines is rated up to a combined peak output and torque of 394hp and 600Nm, respectively. In optimal conditions, it also delivers up to 55km of electric range.

But power is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to flagship sedans. The interior of the 7-Series is guaranteed to coddle passengers in enviable luxury, with the 730i making use of Dakota leather upholstery and fine-wood trim with aluminum accents. The 745Le Pure Excellence, on the other hand, uses exclusive Nappa leather with extended quilting. The vehicle’s three-dimensional surface structure – consisting of large expanses of the front and rear seats, armrests, and center console – gives the cabin an expressive feel. The 745Le Pure Excellence also benefits from active front and rear seat ventilation, as well as seat massagers for all passengers. Speaking of comfort, the Rear Seat Entertainment Experience includes 10-inch high definition touchscreens coupled to a Harman Kardon surround sound system. The 730i Pure Excellence features the same premium set of speakers, as well electrically adjustable rear seats.

Aesthetically, the 7-Series has been refreshed to convey a muscular yet dignified presence. The front end is taller by 50mm than its predecessor, with a bonnet sporting sharply cut contour lines and a larger BMW roundel. The trademark BMW kidney grille has grown by nearly 40%, and is paired with slimmer Adaptive LED headlights for a bold, yet sleek visage. Large air deflectors are coupled with the outer air intakes in the front apron for better aerodynamics. Ambient air is efficiently guided to the brake air ducts and air curtains, maximizing brake cooling while also reducing turbulence and wind noise. From the side, air breathers integrated into the side panels extend upwards with their trim strips forming a 90-degree angle with the side trim elements. From the back, the rear apron echoes the design language of the front air intake trim. The three dimensional rear lights are slimmer than its predecessor, and positioned behind red and black surfaces to emphasize their L-shaped contour. A 6mm-wide light strip sits below the chrome bar, which extends across the full width of the tailgate. The standard wheelbase 730i sports 18-inch wheels while the extended wheelbase 745Le has 19-inch alloys, all shod in run-flat rubber.

The flagship of the BMW range naturally comes equipped with a host of electronic driving aids. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional system is comprised of a navigation and multimedia system, together with a 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch control display. Apple Carplay is standard, while BMW Gesture Control makes navigating through the various functions a breeze. Aside from the expected battery of safety features such as ABS, traction control, and a multitude of airbags, BMW equips the 7-Series with Comfort Access and a soft-close function for all the doors. Parking Assistant allows automated assisted parking and maneuvering out of parallel parking spaces. Park Distance Control is also standard, featuring front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera system, and a surround view on the 745Le.

Pricing starts at P5,990,000 for the 730i Pure Excellence, and P9,590,000 for the BMW 745Le Pure Excellence. Both models feature the utmost in creature comforts while providing the ultimate driving experience that is a hallmark of BMW.

This branded article was produced in partnership with BMW Philippines.