The new G11 BMW 7 Series will debut in 2016. While the current F01/F02 generation is offered with a short and long wheelbase, the new advanced G11 may come with an “extra-long” version.
The new extended model will be BMW’s response to the the long-wheelbase, ultra-luxury version of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This stretched and highly luxurious sedan will replace the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62. The S-Class Pullman will be visibly distinguished from the regular S-class.
With a BMW 7 Series Extra-Long, the Munich-based automaker could avoid a comparison between the stretched S-class with the vehicles in the luxury brand Rolls-Royce.
A major market for such vehicles is likely to be China, with the Middle East being a secondary market.
With the new G11/G12 platform, BMW managed to shed some weight off the 7 Series. The weight of the base 740i model is said to dramatically drop below the 1900kg kerb weight.
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BMW executives call the 2016 7 Series as being the most technically advanced car in BMW’s history. In an interview back in 2012, former BMW head of research and development, Dr. Klaus Draeger said that carbon fiber will plan an important role in the development of the next generation 7 Series.
The new 2016 7 Series features a mix of materials that allow for considerable weight savings: carbon fiber parts were added to the aluminum and steel used in today’s car. The roof, bonnet and bootlid are most likely to be made from CFRP.
[Source: Bimmertoday]
