2016 BMW 7 Series: Elegance Brought To the Road

Whether the goal is maximum performance or minimum fuel consumption – for BMW, the focus is always on delivering quintessential BMW driving the pleasure. BMW Efficient-dynamics is the strategy developed by BMW to minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while simultaneously increasing dynamics and driving the pleasure. It is a comprehensive technology package that encompasses the engine, energy management and the vehicle concept – and comes with every BMW.

The new generation of petrol and diesel engines in the BMW Twin-power Turbo family is responsible for the improved performance and lower fuel consumption. Optimized aerodynamics contribute to increasing efficiency, as does BMW Efficient-lightweight, which simultaneously lowers weight and increases vehicle rigidity by using the right materials for the right parts. This is a testament to the impressive innovation leadership at BMW, the only major car manufacturer that relies on ultralight and highly rigid carbon fibre (CFRP) as a key material. It is a comprehensive collection of technologies, including an intelligent energy management system and the optional ECO PRO mode, which supports driving that optimizes fuel consumption. BMW also focuses on forward-thinking drive-train concepts such as the BMW eDrive technology with a 100% electric drive-train and plug-in hybrids.

Efficient Lightweight

As well as developing lightweight construction concepts and an intelligent mix of materials, the BMW Efficient-lightweight program also stands for consistent detail optimization in all components.

The application of aluminium, highly rigid steel, magnesium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), from which the Carbon Core is created, contribute to the massive, targeted reduction in vehicle weight, while at the same time increasing vehicle stability. This is evident by a reduction in weight of up to 130 kilograms in comparison with the previous generation, in spite of extended comfort and safety functions. In addition, the intelligent hybrid construction and weight-optimizing joining technologies work together to guarantee a balanced distribution of mass and further lower the centre of gravity.

With these developments, BMW Efficient-lightweight sets new standards in intelligent lightweight construction. In comparison to the comparable model of the previous generation, the new BMW 7 Series saves an additional 25% in CO² emissions. This saving occurs along the entire value chain (from raw material extraction to production, transport distances to recycling), through optimized production processes (optimized usage of materials, renewable energies in BMW production) and sustainable product features (secondary aluminium, recycled thermoplastic synthetic materials).

Carbon Core

A core element of BMW Efficient-lightweight in the BMW 7 Series is to use an innovative mixed construction for the body. Using steel, aluminium and in particular innovative carbon fibre (carbon fiber–reinforced plastic, CFRP) not only meets all the requirements for driving dynamics and comfort but also sets whole new standards in the luxury class.

At the centre of the holistic concept stands the Carbon Core, showcasing its weight advantage compared with steel in the torsional stiffness of the body. Together with a consistent weight reduction from the broad concept down to the smallest detail, this achieves an almost perfect 50:50 axle load distribution and drops the centre of gravity even further. In short, this spells out the ideal car DNA for maximum driving comfort while still boasting an improvement in handling and agility as well as low fuel consumption and emissions.

In this way, BMW Efficient-dynamics intelligently connects the ultimate in efficiency with maximum driving dynamics and demonstrates its technological capabilities in the field of innovative lightweight construction.