The BMW F01 is the fifth-generation 7 Series luxury sedan, that was produced from 2008 to 2016. The variants of the model range are:
- sedan (F01 model code)
- long wheelbase sedan (F02 model code)
- armoured car sedan (F03 model code, marketed as High Security)
- hybrid electric sedan (F04 model code, marketed as ActiveHybrid 7)
The F01 was the first BMW to be available with a hybrid drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged V12 engine. It was also the first 7 Series to be available with a turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive (xDrive).
Video BMW 7 Series (F01)
Development and launch
The F01 exterior was designed by Karim Habib.
The car was first revealed to the public in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. Other launch events included the Paris Motor Show in October and the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November.
Maps BMW 7 Series (F01)
Equipment
The F01 is the first BMW to be available with rear-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering), all-wheel drive (xDrive), eight speed automatic transmission, pedestrian recognition for the night vision feature, blind spot monitoring, massage function for the rear seats and the radar cruise control system was now able to completely stop the car and accelerate from a standstill (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go).
Side cameras are fitted in the front bumper to assist with merging and exiting narrow spaces. By combining these cameras with the front and rear cameras, the F01 can display a virtual overhead graphic of the car to assist with parking. The instrument cluster has an LCD backdrop (with the gauge needles and rings are still present as physical objects), allowing various graphics to be shown. A lane departure warning system - as fitted to the E60 5 Series since 2007 - was also available for the first time in a 7 Series.
Departures from the non-traditional interior design of the E65 include the transmission shifter being relocated to the centre console (previously a stalk on the steering column) and the seat controls being relocated to the outside edge of the seat base (previously located in the centre console).
Models
Petrol engines
* Top speed is electronically limited.
** The V12 engine for the F01 760i/Li was redesigned as a twin-turbo 6.0L (N74) in order to maintain a performance advantage over the 750i, which now used a turbocharged V8 engine. In some markets, the V12 engine was only available in the long-wheelbase model.
Diesel engines
* Top speed is electronically limited.
Special Models
High Security (F03)
The 750Li High Security and 760Li High Security models are the first cars to be certified with BRV 2009 and VR7 ballistics protection ratings. Security upgrades include undercarriage armour, 60 mm (2.4 in) thick multi-layer laminated glass and armour plating on the doors, roof, body pillars, front footwell and rear bulkhead Due to the added weight of the security upgrades, suspension components such as the shock absorbers and strut tops were upgraded. Options included an intercom system between the passengers and the driver, an alarm, a fire extinguisher with temperature sensor, irritant gas sensors (to warn of dangerous gasses in the passenger area), a fresh-air supply system and a compartment for two machine guns in the centre console.
The High Security models were unveiled in GPEC 2012.
ActiveHybrid 7 (F04)
The Activehybrid 7 was the first BMW to use a hybrid drivetrain. The concept was unveiled as the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The production version was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, and shown again later at the Monaco Yacht Show 2010.
The 2010-2012 production ActiveHybrid 7 uses the engine from 750i plus an electric motor rated 15 kW (20 bhp) and 210 N?m (150 lb?ft) torque. The electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing, replacing alternator and starter. The battery is a lithium-ion type and located under the boot floor. Other features include auto start stop and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system was based on the 2-mode hybrid from Daimler AG. The regenerative braking unit includes 12V Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, running in parallel to 120V electrical network for electric motor. BMW claims it improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions by 15% over the non-hybrid model.
The wheelbase of the ActiveHybrid 7 is extended by 14 cm (6 in) and the car weighs 221 pounds (100 kg) more than a regular 750i. The car's exterior profile was designed by Karim Habib, Team Leader, Advanced Design for BMW in Munich, Germany.
The fuel economy benefits of the 2010-2012 ActiveHybrid 7 were questioned by reviewers, since the EPA consumption ratings of 17 mpg-US (13.8 L/100 km) city and 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km) are not significantly better than the significantly cheaper 740i model's ratings of 17 mpg-US (13.8 L/100 km) city and 25 mpg-US (9.4 L/100 km) highway. The contemporary 740i was powered by a conventional petrol engine (the turbocharged N54 six-cylinder). The 740i produces 85 hp (63 kW) and 120 lb?ft (160 N?m) than the 750i, however it weighs about 100 lb (45 kg) less. The 740i has 239 lb (108 kg) less than the 750i over the front axle.
In late 2012, the ActiveHybrid 7's powertrain was significantly changed, switching from the 750i's turbocharged 4.4 litre V8 to the turbocharged 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine from the 740i. The electric motor was upgraded to 41 kW (55 bhp). The 2012-2015 ActiveHybrid 7 was only available as a long-wheelbase model. Fuel economy was significantly improved for the updated drivetrain, which was rated at 22 mpg-US (10.7 L/100 km) city and 30 mpg-US (7.8 L/100 km) highway.
Alpina B7
The Alpina B7 is based on the 750i and began production for the 2011 model year. The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and went on sale in Spring of 2010. Production version went on sale as 2011 model year vehicle. The Alpina B7's engine is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.
In the 2010-2012 B7, Alpina's variant of the N63 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 produces 373 kW (500 bhp) and 700 N?m (516 lb?ft), with the same fuel economy figures as the regular 750i. Compared with the regular N63 engine, the Alpina includes high-performance pistons, strengthened cylinder heads, an additional radiator and external coolers for the engine oil and transmission oil. Larger and lighter turbochargers are fitted and boost pressure is increased from 0.8 bar (11.6 psi) to 1.0 bar (14.5 psi). The F01/F02 B7 is the first time that BMW M and Alpina used the same type of forced-induction for their engines; Alpina's engine has less horsepower but more torque than S63 variant used in the F10 M5.
The transmission is a ZF 6HP26 six-speed automatic with heavy-duty gears, and the B7 has a strengthened drive shaft, differential and rear axles. The B7 also features a choice of regular or long-wheelbase and/or rear-wheel drive or xDrive.
In late 2012, the B7 received a mid-life update. The updated B7 was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2012 and went on-sale immediately thereafter. Power increased to 397 kW (532 bhp), and top speed increased to 312 km/h (194 mph) (310 km/h (193 mph) on xDrive models).
In North America, the BMW Alpina B7 is officially sold by BMW and have BMW VINs, whereas the Alpina B7 BiTurbo sold in Europe and Japan are sold as vehicles manufactured by Alpina.
HSH Prince Albert II limousine
In 2011, a limited production (200 units) version of BMW 7 Series limousines was supplied by BMW Group for the wedding of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. It included metallic black body, six-cylinder inline engine.
Transmissions
The F01 was produced with the following transmissions:
- 6-speed automatic ZF 6HP19
- 6-speed automatic ZF 6HP26
- 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP70
- 8-speed automatic ZF 8HP90
All models from 2009 through 2012 include 6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic function. 2013 and 2014, 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic function.
Model year changes
Most changes occur in September each year, when the changes for the following model year go into production, as is typical BMW practice. Therefore, the changes for 2009 represent the 2010 model year, for example.
2008
- Launch model range consists of petrol models 740i, 750i and 750Li, and the diesel 730d.
2009
- All-wheel drive becomes available for a 7 Series for the first time, in the form of the 750i xDrive and 750Li models
- The V12-engined 760i/Li flagship models are added to the range.
- 740d model introduced in autumn.
- M Sport Package introduced.
- Sales begin in the United States, initially with the 750i and 750Li models.
- Long-wheelbase 730Li model goes on sale, for Asian markets only
2010
- ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid 7L models introduced. These initial hybrid models use a turbocharged 4.4 litre V8 engine with a 15 kW (20 bhp) electric motor.
- 740d xDrive model introduced in September 2010.
- Optional comfort seats in the rear compartment are now also available in a three-seat version.
- Alpina B7 (rear-wheel drive) and B7X (all-wheel drive) models introduced.
- 740i and 740Li models become available in the United States.
2012 facelift
The F01 facelift (also known as LCI) models began production in July 2012 and were sold as the 2013 model year. The facelift models were unveiled at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and shown at the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show.
Changes include:
- 8-speed automatic transmission becomes standard equipment.
- ActiveHybrid 7 model switches from N63 V8 engine to N55 six-cylinder engine, and a more powerful electric motor was used.
- 750i/Li and Alpina B7 engine upgraded from N63 to N63TU (N63B44O1), which added variable valve lift ("Valvetronic")
- 740i/Li engine upgraded from N54 to N55, which added variable valve lift ("Valvetronic") and switched to a single twin-scroll turbocharger.
- 740i/Li became available with all-wheel drive (xDrive).
- 750d/Ld model introduced, powered by the triple-turbo N57S six-cylinder diesel engine.
- 730d and 740d/Ld engines upgraded from N57 to N57TU (N57D30O1), increasing output by up to 10 kW (13 bhp) and 20 N?m (15 lb?ft).
- 730i model discontinued.
- Full-LED headlamps.
- Revised kidney grille and front spoiler.
- Upgrade of the LCD dashboard's graphics ("Full Black Panel Display") and the gauge needles are now shown electronically, replacing the traditional physical needles. The information available to be displayed on the dashboard was increased.
- Self-levelling air suspension at the rear became standard
- Night vision upgraded to include an automatic spotlight which targets pedestrians, to warn the driver about their presence ("Dynamic Light Spot").
- Automatic parking, where the car steers itself to parallel park ("BMW Parking Assistant").
- Driver drowsiness detection ("Attention Assistant") added.
- Collision avoidance system ("Active Protection") including collision detection, automatic pre-crash braking and automatic post-crash braking.
- Cruise control mode added for traffic jams ("Enhanced Active Cruise Control").
2013
- 760i/760Li models become compliant with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
- For the USA only, fifteen "V-12 25th Anniversary Edition" cars were produced, to commemorating the 25th anniversary of BMW's V12 engines. The cars are based on the 760Li and include various exterior styling and interior options. The RRP for the model was $159,695.
Pre-facelift styling
Post-facelift styling
Production
The 740i and 740Li made up 10% of overall 7 Series sales in the United States, while the 760Li had 2%.. In the United States, 70% of the 7 Series cars sold are the "L" long-wheelbase models.
Marketing
For the tenth anniversary of the Tate Modern, BMW provided Spanish artist Martà Anson with a 7 Series in which to chauffeur artists to the gallery, with the car parked in the gallery's Turbine Hall during the exhibition.
BMW Group Russia provided vehicles for opening night premieres for various plays at the Bolshoi Theatre from 2004. In 2011, twenty vehicles (consisting of F01 7 Series and the F07 5 Series GT) were provided for the re-opening of the theatre's historical stage.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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