BMW has increased cargo capacity in its all-new 7-Series luxury sedan and will offer only the long wheelbase model to the U.S. market, the company recently told LCT Magazine, a move that matches the chauffeured limousine industry’s demand for generous rearseat legroom.
For the 2016 model year, BMW is offering two 7-Series models, including the 740i and 750i xDrive powered by either a turbo twin-scroll inline-six cylinder or twin-turbo V8. The vehicles went on sale in the U.S. in late October. Eventually, BMW will offer a plug-in hybrid electric 7-Series that’s expected to arrive in late 2016 as a model-year 2017 vehicle.
BMW is eliminating the “L” designation that appeared on the long wheelbase model for the 2015 model year, and is no longer offering the short wheelbase model in the U.S.
“Everybody wants the long wheelbase in the U.S. whether it’s livery or retail,” said Eric Vicedomini, Key Account Manager, Corporate Sales for BMW of North America.
The 2016 740i measures 206.6 inches in overall length with a 126.4-inch wheelbase, which is an increase from the 205.5-inch length and 126.4-inch wheelbase of the 2015 740iL model. The 2016 models provide rear seat legroom of 44.4 inches.
Since the retirement of the long wheelbase Lincoln Town Car Executive L in 2011, the BMW 7 Series has emerged as the livery sedan model (unmodified) with the most rearseat legroom.
The 2016 models also increase cargo space in the trunk to 18.2 cubic inches from the 17.6 cubic feet in the 2015 model.
“As for the 2016 7-Series and 2015 long wheelbase, they are almost identical in size and legroom,” Vicedomini said. “Besides the completely redesigned exterior and interior of the new 7-Series, the only other thing that has changed is that the size of the trunk on the 2016 is a bit larger. The long wheelbase is for rear seat comfort, perfect for chauffeured driving.”
BMW has added other technology to the 2016 7-Series, which gets a new body design, standard air suspension, soft close doors, wireless charging, and a power rear sun shade that’s standard on the 750i model.
More information: Eric Vicedomini, Eric.Vicedomini@bmwna.com
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BMW BMW 7 series long wheelbase sedans new vehicles OEMs onboard amenities premium luxury sedans
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