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BMW new 7-Series:

Expected Launch Month: February 2013

Expected Price: Rs 1.00 Cr - 1.20 Cr

Trust us, this is indeed a face-lift. While it does similar to the current 7-series, trust BMW to make significant upgrades to its limo. Its needs to as the new Merc S-Class is closer to launch and the Audi A8 has teared open the luxury segment. From the front, the upright new BMW kidney grille is bigger and more pronounced as ever. The grille's chrome surround is now larger, a change which - together with a new slat arrangement (nine slats instead of 12) - gives it greater presence on the road. Plus you get optional new full-LED headlights.

The large, full-width air intake dominating the lower section of the modified front apron is now split into three sections, a pair of chrome bars marking its outer sections. Two narrow vertical air intakes sit beyond even the LED foglamps to the left and right of the wide intake. These are included as part of the "air curtain" technology, which lowers fuel consumption at higher speeds by forcing the air to flow more aerodynamically around the front wheels. A new design feature that stands out from the side is the indicator integrated into the lower section of each exterior mirror, which makes the car easier to see.

The horizontal lines and subdivision of the rear into several levels visually lowers the height of the car. The design of the brand's familiar L-shaped rear lights, linked by chrome strip, remains unchanged. They are, however, richer in contrast thanks to differing shades of red. A second, delicately sculpted chrome strip draws a visual connection between the two slim reflectors in the rear apron. Another slim chrome bar between the four chromed tailpipe embellishers in the rear apron is a distinguishing feature of the 12-cylinder flagship model. Inside, the new BMW 7-Series can be specified as an option with individual rear seats that can be adjusted to suit individual requirements.

The backrest angle and seat position can both be varied, as can the position of the head restraints. The controls are the same as those for the front seats with memory function. There is a new Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System even more powerfully to the fore. The 1,200-watt music system is hooked up to 16 speakers, some of which are positioned behind illuminated, satin-finish aluminium grilles sited in the mirror triangles of the doors and the parcel shelf. The most attention-seizing member of the speaker line-up is the illuminated centre speaker which extends out of the instrument panel and uses B&O Acoustic Lens Technology.

All the engines available for the new 7-Series team up with an intelligent eight-speed automatic transmission. The Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the second-generation Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode offer additional potential for fuel-saving. Alongside the flagship BMW 760li with 12-cylinder powerplant, customers can choose from the new six-cylinder in-line unit powering the BMW 740i and the revised V8 petrol engine in the BMW 750i. The six-cylinder diesel engines in the BMW 730d and BMW 740d also offer drivers the combination of increased output and lower fuel consumption. Making its debut, meanwhile, is the new BMW 750d xDrive. 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 with new six-cylinder in-line engine and significantly reduced emissions. The new ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, helps the BMW 7-Series driver to maintain an extra-efficient and economy-conscious driving style. It does this by changing the accelerator mapping so that the same pedal travel delivers less power than in the standard mode.

The new BMW limo has the latest professional navigation system is compelling at first glance for its revised design and honed operating system. The tried-and-tested menu navigation has been consciously retained and augmented by further functions. The user interface has benefited from a complete graphic revision and now comprises 3D elements exclusively, while the entire architecture of the individual menus is now presented in virtual, three-dimensional spaces.