Has BMW reached a new level of cabin refinement or not?

It is clear from the almost 3,000-word explanation in the all new 2023 model BMW 7 Series press release shared below that this is a cabin created more for the rear passenger rather than the driver/owner to be fully immersed in.

It is a cabin for long distance travel with entertainment to tame any weary travel. The all new look presented is a clear indication that all future BMW’s models will be sharing many of the design cues and features and this also includes the next generation petrol powered BMW models.

We are sure it is even more impressive to the touch and feel in person and will easily challenge what Bentley has in their showrooms right now.

We can add, Rolls Royce to the equation as Rolls Royce is owned by BMW and there must be a line drawn between the brands. However, underneath the next generation Rolls Royce models will obviously carry the same exciting technology but packaged to tickle more buyers.

PRESS RELEASE: Luxury at its most progressive awaits the driver and passengers inside the new BMW 7-Series. A select choice of materials, precision craftsmanship of the highest order and a clearly structured, minimalist interior design underpin the exclusive on-board experience for both the driver and passengers.

Here, generous amounts of space meet innovative equipment features and the clever interplay of high-tech control/operation, connectivity, driver assistance, infotainment, and digitalisation solutions.

And then there is the artfully stylish selection of materials, which capture the imagination in terms of both looks and tactile appeal. A new optional feature is the use of exquisite cashmere for a portion of the seat surfaces.

The soft and pleasantly warm feel of this sumptuously refined natural material comes together with the standard glass applications for selected controls, the optional open-pore fine wood of the interior trim strip, and the stainless steel speaker covers to create a luxurious sense of wellbeing.

Interior surfaces and door trim imbued with modern elegance

The clear structure of the instrument panel continues into the design of the door trim. This creates a harmonious coordination of the surfaces around the seats. The line of the BMW Interaction Bar progresses into the front door trim.

From the control panel integrated here, users can activate the seat heating and store their preferred seat position. High-quality accents also come in the form of perforated metal covers for the speakers integrated into the doors and the subtly backlit storage compartments.

A digital control unit is integrated into the trim of each rear door. This 5.5-inch color display with touchscreen functionality allows passengers to select their choice of entertainment program, the image display, and the volume when using the BMW Theater Screen in vehicles so equipped. The touchscreens also control adjustment of the audio system, climate control functions, seat adjustment settings, ambient lighting, and rear sunshades.

Newly developed multi-contour seats are standard in the new BMW 7-Series. They offer wider seat surfaces than the outgoing model, as well as extensive electric adjustment, seat heating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

The driver and passengers can select their desired seat position using the controls on the door panels or by touch on the control display via the relevant menu in the iDrive system.

Active front seat ventilation with optimised cooling is standard on 760i xDrive and i7 xDrive60, optional on 740i, and a massage function with nine programs and a noticeably increased vitalising and relaxation effect is optional across the range. The backs of the head restraints have stylish decorative wood trim with electroplated accent strips.

Multifunction rear seats are standard on the i7 xDrive60, optional on the other models, while active seat ventilation and a massage function for the rear seats may be specified on every new 7-Series. Here, the seats are adjusted from the digital touch-control panels integrated into the door trim.

The padded side sections of the backrests ease entry into and exit from the vehicle. The standard speakers in the outer head restraints provide particularly intense listening pleasure.

In the multifunction seats, the audio experience is further enhanced by bass shakers in the backrests in vehicles equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system.

First-class appointments in the rear

The Executive Lounge option brings unmatched seating comfort to the rear compartment. It includes a reclining function with integrated leg rest for the space behind the front passenger seat, plus an optionally quilted and heated armrest with high-quality glass insert and integrated smartphone tray for inductive charging.

Coordinated adjustment of the backrest angle and backrest upper section angle, forward/back position and seat surface tilt enables an extremely comfortable reclining position.

The backrest can be reclined up to 42.5°, which sets the benchmark in the segment. Individually adjustable neck cushions and significantly increased headroom compared with the outgoing model also enhance travelling comfort.

Also unique is the design principle for the leg rest, which allows passengers to perfect the relaxed resting position. Here, the calf support, extending from seamlessly from the seat surface, is paired with a heel rest extending out from the back of the front passenger seat.

To create the ideal seating position and legroom for the rear passenger, the front passenger seat can be moved fully forward, and its backrest tilted forward to the greatest possible degree. In addition, the front passenger seat also offers the multifunction seat’s full selection of comfort-enhancing features and adjustment range.

Carefully coordinated interior appointments

Customers looking to bring a personal touch to the interior design of their new 7-Series can choose from the host of equipment variants and color combinations included in a newly structured offering. This approach sees the elements of the interior matched and blended with one another to stylish effect.

While the 760i xDrive and i7 xDrive60 feature elegant extended Merino leather as standard, the new BMW 740i is upholstered with seat surfaces in the new Veganza material, available in a choice of four colors.

The high-quality surface material with leather-like qualities stands out with its particularly pleasant feel and offers a high level of comfort. The seat surfaces are perforated and have prominent quilting in a diamond pattern. Extended Merino leather is optional on 740i, and full Merino leather is optional on all 7-Series models.

The optional BMW Individual Composition takes the feeling of wellbeing on board the new BMW 7-Series to another level. This specification adds the BMW Individual Alcantara headliner in a color coordinated to the specified BMW Individual Merino extended leather trim, which is available in Amarone, Smoke White, Mocha, Black or Tartufo.

Clients may also choose from three open pore wood trims, Mirror Oak High Gloss trim, Fineline Black trim with a metallic inlay, or a dazzling combination of carbon fiber with silver thread inlay complimented by piano black accents.

New from BMW Individual: seat surfaces in leather and cashmere

The BMW Individual Composition generates an exclusive yet warm and inviting atmosphere inside the new BMW 7-Series – especially when BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool in the Smoke White/Light Grey combination is specified. The highly exclusive wool/textile surfaces bring a whole new tactile quality to the interior and combine sustainability with luxury.

The coloured leather in the upper section of the seats and the darker cashmere-rich cloth in the lower section, elaborate quilting and fine perforation create a unique impression – both visually and tactilely.

Their intricate, symmetrically embroidered pattern makes these seats a particularly attractive feature of the interior. The color contrast between the leather and cashmere surfaces creates a horizontal band that wraps around the interior and envelopes the passengers.