#4 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia – Italy’s must have sports saloon

The name Giulia first appeared in 1962 when Alfa Romeo launched a light-weight four door saloon which brought the Italian manufacturer into mainstream motoring. However, the true spiritual successor of the 2017 Giulia is the legendary 1965 GTA Sprint. This particular iconic Alfa Romeo won a series of Turismo races with a career that lasted until 1972. It featured a the special Quadrifoglio designated to high performance Alfa Romeo’s from the 1923 Targa Florio to now the 2017 Giulia. Alfa Romeo has gone to great lengths to ensure the 2017 Giulia lives up to the Quadrifoglio badge.  

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Looks

The 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia design consists of a very short overhangs, a long bonnet and front wings, a retracted passenger compartment 'settled' on the drive wheels and muscular rear fenders. The overall look conveys the 50/50 weight balance that Alfa Romeos have been known have. The distinct Alfa Romeo ‘Trilobe’ grille dominates the front of the car. The Giulia also features an aggressive bonnet design with the sides enhanced with prominent sides.

1923 Targa Florio

A line gouged along the sides, which marks the doors and envelops the handles and, naturally, the legendary Alfa Romeo nose. The rounded angles and the give the 2017 Alfa Romeo Guilia a 'teardrop-shaped' profile which is reminiscent of the 1960 Giulietta Sprint. At the bottom of the Giulia's front bumper is an active aero splitter that articulates, varying the amount of downforce generated at the front of the car. With more downforce, grip and performance are improved at higher driving speeds. 

Aggressive front 

Performance

Underneath the bonnet of the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia is a 2.9-litre all-aluminium six-cylinder turbo petrol tuned by engineers with Ferrari background delivers 380 kW (510 hp) and 600 Nm of torque. 0 to 100km/h takes just 3.9 seconds. Paired with the engine is a six-speed manual transmission. It rides on a double-wishbone suspension in front with a multilink in the rear and was shown with19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires (245/35R19 front, 285/30R19 rear).

1972 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super 

Thanks to cylinder deactivation, the V6 engine consumes an average of 7-litres of fuel per 100 kilometres covered. The all-new Giulia also features a renewed Alfa Romeo DNA system, which modifies the car's dynamic behaviour according to the driver's selection: Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient (energy efficiency mode implemented for the first time on an Alfa Romeo) and naturally Racing (on high performance versions).

1965 Alfa Romeo Sprint Giulia GTA 

An innovative electromechanical system, integrating stability control with system braking. In addition to optimizing the sensations of control on the brake pedal, it ensures a more immediate response. This system ensures an outstanding stopping distance: from 100 to 0 Km/h in just 32 meters.

1960 Alfa Romeo Guilietta Sprint Speciale

Interior

The interior is simple, but rich in details and made with exceptional materials. The dashboard of the Alfa Romeo Giulia is leather wrapped, enhanced by genuine carbon inserts. The sporty seats are upholstered in Alcantara and leather, detailed with contrast stitching. 

The steering wheel, home to the Red Alfa ignition button, is wrapped in leather. Ergonomic controls, infotainment and the driving position create a perfect harmony between driver and car in order to provide complete control of a unique driving experience, literally, from start to finish.

Cockpit 

Comfort and driving pleasure are at the top of the category with Cruise Control, dual-zone automatic climate, rear camera, front and rear parking sensors, and the Alfa Engine sound system for maximum emotion in Race mode. The interior can be personalized through the choice of total black or two-tone black/red or black/ice interior ambience, with refined red or white/green stitching.

Front seats 

The infotainment system uses a Rotary Pad. It controls the infotainment system, 3D navigation and onboard parameters, displaying the vehicle’s performance in high definition on an 8.8-inch screen. The Harman Kardon Sound Theatre, available as an option, is designed to complement a highly in-tune driving experience, thanks to 900 watts of power channeled to 14 speakers.

Rear seating

Conclusion

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has been created to bring back the Italian brand’s legendary performance credentials. It is certainly the must have Alfa Romeo at the moment. The Alfa Romeo promises to be the ideal car for a thrill seeking driver thanks to its great performance.

Striking rear with quad exhaust pipes

With a recorded lap time of 7:39 on Germany’s nerve shattering Nurburgring, which is faster than Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, the Giulia certainly has the credentials of a true Quadrifoglio badged Alfa Romeo. 

#3 The All-New Kia Sportage – Sporty, striking and completely overhauled

When Kia first launched the Sportage in 1993 it was aiming for a buyers who wanted a compact, inexpensive sports-utility-vehicle (SUV) with an added advantage of having four-wheel-drive. However, the cheap and poorly made penalty box never sold in the numbers Kia had hoped for. That all changed with the third generation model, which was launched in 2010. The third generation Sportage quickly became the favorable answer to any buyer looking for an affordable, sporty looking, practical and civilized compact SUV. Now entering its fourth-generation, the all-new Kia Sportage compact SUV builds comprehensively on the success of the outgoing model, offering a sophisticated package to buyers in an increasingly competitive market. For the first time, a new 'GT Line' specification is available to Sportage customers.

All-new Kia Sportage 

Looks

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage features a new look with sharp, defined feature lines and smooth surfacing. The new front design features a more prominent and reworked Kia's hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille, which has now been separated from the Sportage headlamps. The headlamps are now positioned higher, sweeping back along the outer edges of the sharply detailed bonnet. A lower, wider grille adds more volume to the lower half of the Sportage's face. The sportier GT variant features new LED fog lamps borrowed from the Kia Cee’d GT.

Reworked front 

From the highest point of the roof the Sportage's silhouette gently slants towards the rear of the compact SUV, while bolder wheel arches, sharp features lines, and smooth surfacing endow the Sportage with a more dynamic look. At the rear, the all-new Sportage features more horizontal forms and clearly defined features lines, with smooth bodywork on the boot, emphasizing the car's width and giving the compact SUV a more stable appearance.

First generation model 

A slim combination lamps running below the rear windshield are joined together by a strip that runs the width of the rear. The turn signals and reversing lights are separate and are located lower down. The Kia Sportage GT variant also features dual exhaust mufflers and metal-effect rear underbody diffuser for a sportier appearance. The all-new Sportage is available with a choice of 16-, 17- or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheel designs, while the GT Line specification comes with a unique 19-inch wheel option as standard.

Kia's Sportage streamlined profile 

Performance

Behind the reworked ‘tiger-nose’ is a choice of petrol and diesel units. For petrol lovers, there is a choice of two 1.6-litre engines; the 1.6 GDI (gasoline direct injection) and 1.6 T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection). The 1.6 GDI, which has been carried forward from the third generation model, delivers 97 kW (130 hp) and 161 Nm of torque.

Power unit 

The turbo charged version churns out 130 kW (174 hp) and 265 Nm of torque. The diesel fueled range of the Sportage features a 2.0-litre unit with two outputs. The standard diesel engine comes packed with 100 kW (134 hp) and 373 Nm of torque, while the more powerful 2.0-litre ‘R’ engine features 134 kW (181 hp) and 400 Nm of torque. Paired with the engine are a selection of three transmissions:  a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Cockpit 

Interior     

The Kia Sportage’s interior has been completely overhauled. The interior blends metalwork with soft-touch materials and clearly defined horizontal lines. The interior also features high quality and soft touch materials such as cloth, leather and stitching. Exterior noise has been further eliminated with the addition of soundproofing materials. The dashboard is divided into two with a clear line. The top section features the driver's instrument binnacle and optional new 7.0- or 8.0-inch infotainment displays.

Rear seating

The infotainment system is paired with a 160 watt six-speaker audio system, while music lovers can specify a powerful 320 watt JBL Sound system, featuring eight speakers and an external amplifier. Below the line is the central console cascading downwards and tilted 10 degrees towards the driver.

With many functions now found on the optional touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, the new, uncluttered dashboard offers drivers an ergonomic layout functions designed to be clearly visible when on the move.

Spacious boot 

Front passengers now have more room thanks to the all-new Sportage larger wheelbase. Rear passengers have not been left alone either as they now enjoy an extra 19mm of legroom. The new body's larger dimensions mean cargo space in the fourth-generation Sportage has expanded from 465 litres to 503 liters, made more practical by a dual-height luggage floor, allowing taller items to fit into the boot and still remain hidden by the tonneau cover.

Redesigned rear

Conclusion

The Kia Sportage has undergone a one of its major transformation in the compact SUV’s 22-year life. However, the latest design transformation might not be to everyone’s taste. Prices start at $22, 150 in the United States. 

BMW X1

Into the front-wheel-drive future

BMW aficionados are living through tough times. Beyond downsized engines and the heavy focus on the "i" sub-brand, they have to get used to front-wheel-drive vehicle architectures. North America's first sample is the new X1. It replaces the outgoing, rear-drive-based model, which only just arrived three years ago. The new version—which comes standard with all-wheel drive, although the Euro-market FWD model could eventually reach our shores—shares its platform with the Mini and the 2-series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer. Those 2-series people-movers, by the way, won't come to the United States. BMW of North America has made it clear to headquarters that it has little interest in peddling them here.

BMW M235

A throwback that's also a decidedly positive step forward

I once had a tail attached to the bottom of my spinal column. Don’t judge me; you had one, too. I lost mine a little more than a month into my embryonic development. And, I presume, you did as well. Not all of us lose ours, though. While vanishingly rare, some babies are born with an honest-to-goodness cartilage-, nerve-, and muscle-filled tail. These people have what’s known as an atavism. It’s a physical trait from deep evolutionary time that occasionally pops back up and, in this case, means that the affected person will forever be referred to by the unsympathetic as “Tail Boy.” Because of the probability of significant Levi’s chaffing and never-ending ridicule, most tails are surgically removed almost immediately upon discovery.

Cadillac CTS

A handsome car with the chassis BMW should have put under the 5-series.
Cadillac’s CTS fended off multiple Audis, Benzes, and BMWs to win its 10Best berth. While we are (still) big fans of the twin-turbocharged, 420-hp V-6 that powers the Vsport model, it’s the handling that sets the CTS apart from the competition. To determine how GM sharpened the CTS’s reflexes to cuff the Germans, we returned to the scene with Cadillac’s executive chief engineer, Dave Leone.
Turns out that Leone and his development team know these byways—located only 30 miles from GM’s proving grounds—as well as we do. “We’re here every month to check our progress tuning new models and to assess competitors,” Leone explains. “The bends, bumps, and abrupt elevation changes challenge any car’s integrity, so this loop is an excellent ­supplement to our Milford Road Course and Nürburgring work.”

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

A great platform, but an even greater engine

When the first Corvettes rolled out of the primordial postwar haze in 1953, they were far from fully evolved. By all accounts, the shoddy, fiberglass-bodied “sports car” was headed for extinction just as quickly as its meager six-cylinder engine and two-speed automatic transmission could carry it. But then Chevrolet installed its first small-block up front. Thusly and successfully mutated, the Corvette’s genetic code has remained stable for 60 years. With few exceptions, the venerable Vette has always been a powerful V-8 plastic-wrapped with only whatever additional engineering was necessary. 

The LT1 V-8 in today’s Corvette Stingray displaces 6.2 liters and makes 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque when paired with the performance exhaust or Z51 packages. Other engines may make more power or have more exotic designs, but there is no engine that feels closer to a living, breathing entity than the Corvette’s pushrod V-8. It is close to sentient, shutting down half its cylinders to conserve fuel and granting the Corvette a 29-mpg EPA highway rating. But the LT1 is no goody-two-shoes; it reminds you constantly of its presence, just on the other side of the fire wall behind the axle centerline. At idle, the Corvette vibrates to its pulses, urging you to uncoil the tension in the p­edals and shifter.

Ford Mustang GT

Imagine an enormous pyramid of glass spheres, perfectly balanced. Pull just one of those interdependent orbs from the base of that pyramid and the entire thing comes crashing down. In any complex system, a ­single change can have devastating consequences. 

Or it can send things in the opposite direction. During the development of the 2015 Mustang, one move set off a chain reaction that irreversibly altered the Mustang for the better. Granted, it was a big change: swapping out the old solid rear axle for an independent one. Partially derived from the ­­aluminum and steel components supporting the tail of Ford’s Fusion sedan, the Mustang’s new inde­pendent suspension brings unprecedented refinement—unprecedented for a Mustang, anyway.

Honda Accord

12,000,000 buyers are usually wrong, but not this time


There is a veil of sameness draped over the Accord that comes from racking up 300,000 to 400,000 annual sales, year after year. Who would imagine that such an exceptional car could be hiding in plain sight, mimicking a lowest-common-denominator family appliance? Many Accord owners are unable, or do not care, to spot what makes their car better than the rest. Most just get in and drive. But that hasn’t stopped Honda from treating its bestseller like a flagship. Indeed, they are one and the same. 

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is as humble a pigeon as you could imagine, part of the cityscape, nothing apparently fascinating or flamboyant about it. But did you know that the pigeon is one of just six species that can recognize its reflection in a mirror?

The 3 likewise harbors hidden talents, including its ability to illustrate the difference between style and design. Style is how something looks. Design speaks to how something works. Unlike most small cars, the 3’s interior is not simply in thrall to the former.

Mazda 6

It’s pretty much impossible to talk about car design without sounding pretentious. This is probably the main reason professional car designers tend to wear turtleneck sweaters and space-age eyewear and jackets with too many buttons (or, occasionally, none at all); a uniform of mild ridiculousness to match this vocation of affected divination. So when Mazda tells us that the 6’s “Kodo” design language represents the muscular beauty of an animal pouncing, or that it takes its inspiration from the living athletic forms of nature, our first instinct—if we can manage not to snicker—is to smile and nod politely. Yes. Sure. It’s a fine-looking car—can we leave it at that?

Tesla Model S 60

It starts with the battery. Tesla’s is the best in the business, with 50 percent higher energy density by weight than the next closest EV competitor’s (Nissan Leaf). Though really, the Model S doesn’t have competitors, at least not directly. Because the battery offers so much capacity, the Model S needn’t compromise its mission with a bulky gas-powered range extender. You’ve heard the rationale behind Tesla’s purity movement: Having a single propulsion element, the motor, allows for more battery cells, which extends electric range, obviating the need for a Plan B, the internal-combustion engine.

Porsche Boxster / Cayman

We put an $80,000 base-price cap on 10Best contenders because, when it comes to building cars, money can solve most problems. As price rises beyond that mark, the number of bad cars approaches zero and the difference between great and merely good becomes increasingly trivial. You could say a similar thing about mid-engined cars. Put the power behind the driver and it’s hard to get it wrong.

That explains why it can seem unfair to drive Porsche’s Boxster and Cayman back to back with 50-some other cars that are led by their horses. The mid-engined Porsche twins are so fundamentally different from the competition that considering them for a 10Best nod feels as if we’ve shattered our price ceiling—most of their architectural analogues cost three and four times as much. Admittedly, the Boxster and Cayman easily blow past $80,000 when moderately optioned, but the inherent goodness of these cars is fully realized even at the Boxster’s $52,395 base price.

Volkswagen Golf / GTI

The Swiss Army knife of transport, offering up multiple tools for your disposal.

Switzerland may be neutral, but its government still insists that its soldiers carry a Swiss Army knife. Maybe it’s because a Swiss soldier, having such intense non-action on his hands, requires a corkscrew for decanting that ’95 Moulin-à-Vent. And maybe those puny scissors are perfect for trimming curds at competitive fondue festivals. And that nifty can opener is surely what Colonel Nestlé needs to pry open a tax-free account in Geneva. By the way, Geneva is home to the Large Hadron Collider, which—few people realize this—was built entirely by four Swiss soldiers with very sharp Swiss Army knives.

2016 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

A better, worldlier pony car enters our long-term corral.

Detroit’s muscle cars have experienced a renaissance of sorts lately—Hellcats, Shelbys, and Camaros, oh my!—yet it took some European-inspired refinement to bring the most out of Dearborn’s Ford Mustang. Heavily updated for 2015, which included the mainstream models’ first-ever independent rear suspension, the latest Mustang GT snagged a 10Best Cars award upon its debut and then bested the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and previous-gen Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE in its first comparison test. Now we welcome this sinister-looking 2016 GT coupe into our paddock for a 40,000-mile shakedown.

2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 AMG Coupe

Because being sensible is overrated.

Mercedes-Benz started the auto industry’s whole “four-door coupe” thing with the shapely 2006 CLS-class. But BMW was the first to apply the concept to an SUV. A questionable idea, the resulting X6 utility thingamajig nevertheless has proved to be such a success that there now exists an M-fettled high-performance submodel. Not content to deny itself the spoils of questionable judgment, Mercedes has finally cooked up its own competitor, which arrives in the U.S. market as the 2016 GLE450 AMG coupe you see here.

The bobtailed GLE-class is more perplexing than it is attractive. Its athletic stance implies something small and svelte, yet the Mercedes’ footprint approaches that of a Chevy Tahoe, with an equally lofty seating position. Our test vehicle’s $1250 optional wheels, for example, were 22 inches in diameter (21s are standard) and weighed about 80 pounds each when wrapped with their 31-inch-tall Pirelli P Zeros—285/40s in front and massive 325/35s at the rear. And the lift-over height of the rear cargo floor is nearly 40 inches off the ground.

2017 Bentley Bentayga

Bentley's first SUV skips the learning curve altogether.

Legend has it that Ettore Bugatti once called the Bentley 4½ Litre the “world’s fastest truck.” We’re guessing that he didn’t know he was merely being prophetic. Because now Bentley builds an SUV, and guess what? Its 187-mph top speed is the highest on record for a vehicle of that type.

Why an SUV? Simple: People who drive Bentleys tend to have other vehicles (a lot of them), and the vehicle they drive in the winter—or when it’s raining, or foggy, or below 75 degrees—tends to be an SUV. Now that Bentley makes an SUV, a lot of those buyers will make that SUV a Bentley, as well.

For the last three years, Bentley has sold more than 10,000 vehicles annually, a major milestone for the company. The Bentayga is going to help obliterate that record: The company plans to build 5500 Bentaygas in 2016. That estimate already has been revised upward once, and company executives tell us that, as interest builds, that figure may enjoy yet another upward correction.

#2 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible – A blend of off-road abilities and open sky exquisiteness

Land Rovers are known for their iconic capability of taming the untamed wilderness. The list of such wilderness tamers is comprised of the Defender, the Discover and the mighty Ranger Rover. However, the same can’t be said for the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. This particular baby Range Rover has been designed to tackle more of the urban jungle.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible 

The Evoque is easily maneuverable in tight confines and quite pleasant on the highway. For the last four years the Evoque has been on sale as a four-door or two-door model. Starting from next year an all-new option is joining the Evoque family; the all-new Convertible.

Four door Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible retains the elegant design proportions of the five-door and coupe derivatives with its acoustically-lined fabric roof open or closed. Interior volume and luggage capacity have been maximized for cargo versatility regardless of the roof's position.

Design lines from the Evoque coupe are retained

Looks

Gerry McGovern’s team have retained the bold and progressive exterior design of the Range Rover Evoque with the convertible roof system open or closed. A sophisticated fabric roof with tension-bow architecture creates a defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design of the vehicle, while the Z-fold mechanism folds into the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance.

New frameless doors have also been developed to ensure a clean profile when the roof is stowed. A dynamic front grille with enlarged geometric mesh area, vent surrounds and a selection of six alloy wheel designs and finishes, ranging from 18- to 20-inches adds further design differentiation between convertible and fixed-roof models.

With the roof up

Whether optioned with Halogen, Xenon or LED headlamps, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with LED tail lamps and LED daytime-running lights (DRLs) as standard. For additional visual impact, both front and rear DRLs are automatically illuminated when the ignition is activated.

Despite appearing identical to Range Rover Evoque coupe from bottom up to the waistline, the bodywork behind the front doors has been substantially re-engineered to accommodate the stowed roof mechanism. The roof lowers in just 18 seconds and rises in 21 seconds when the roof button on the center console is pressed. It also allows all four windows to be simultaneously raised or lowered for maximum convenience.

Profile with the roof down 

Once the roof is lowered, discreet hinged panels located at the rear of the interior fold flush to conceal the mechanism, ensuring the vehicle's contemporary lines are retained for a clean and uncluttered appearance. A Roll-over Protection Device (RPD) features a deployable roll-over protection system hidden in the rear quarter panel. The RPD is designed to automatically deploy two aluminum bars in 90 milliseconds in the unlikely event of a roll-over situation, to create a potential protection space for occupants.

A little different form the standard Evoque Coupe and four door

The upper portions of the rear fenders have been carefully redesigned to seamlessly integrate with packaging requirements of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, while an all-new boot and rear spoiler have been engineered to compliment the design. The rear spoiler houses the LED stoplight and optimizes aerodynamics, while the innovative boot hinge mechanism allows for a larger opening, allowing for easy storage and removal of items.

Off-road qualities with open top enjoyment 

Performance

Behind the dark meshed front grill is a 2.0-litre heart, pumping out 178 kW (240 hp) and 340 Nm of torque. The output accelerates the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds. A ZF 9-speed transmission features nine closely staggered ratios for excellent acceleration to a top speed of 180 km/h.

Luxurious cockpit 

When the ignition is activated, the rotary gear-shift controller with its tactile knurled metal finish rises from the center console. The driver can opt to leave the transmission in automatic mode, allowing the Adaptive Shift Strategy to intelligently anticipate driver behavior. Alternatively, gears can be manually selected via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shift interface for ultimate control.

Aggressive front 

Drivetrain

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is equipped with a variety of standard Land Rover off-road technologies, including the proven Terrain Response system. Terrain Response tailors steering, throttle, transmission, center-coupling and braking/stability response to the terrain via four driver-selectable settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts; and Sand. Standard on the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Hill Descent Control (HDC) is designed to assist the driver with controlled descents of difficult slopes by maintaining a constant speed and applying braking separately to each wheel. Hill Start Assist (HSA) is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards as it pulls away on an incline while Gradient Release Control (GRC) is designed to prevent the vehicle accelerating too quickly on a steep incline if the driver inadvertently releases the brake.

Luxurious interior 

Interior

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible features a spacious and contemporary four-seat interior defined by luxury materials and soft-touch surfaces. The strikingly minimalist dashboard architecture contrasts the bold horizontal sweep of the instrument panel with the dynamic vertical rake of the center console. All Range Rover Evoque Convertible models feature fixed twin rear seats, with a central bolster, and revised quarter trim speakers. Ambient lighting subtly enhances the premium feel of the interior in the Range Rover Evoque Convertible especially at night.

Rear seating

The infotainment system consists of a 10.2-inch capacitive touch-screen with a Solid State Disc (SSD) for faster response times. The screen also doubles up as a control for climate control, telephone and reserve camera. The standard 380W Meridian Digital Sound System features 10 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer delivering exceptional definition. For the ultimate in-car technology experience HSE Dynamic models are also available with a premium 12-speaker, 660W surround-sound Meridian audio system, including dual-channel subwoofer and amplifier with advanced digital processing for outstanding sound quality.

Rear storage space

Conclusion

The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible presents a lucrative alternative to what is currently available in the compact crossover segment. The Evoque Convertible’s open top feel and its ability to tackle terrain that might undermine most convertible sports car’s makes it a must have kit for fun and pure enjoyment. Land Rover has also done a great job in ensuring the renowned Evoque design characteristics have remained untouched. Pricing starts at £47500 in the United Kingdom.

#1 2016 BMW 7-series – Refined, Revamped, Restyled and Advanced

Since its introduction for the 1978, the BMW 7-Series has remained true to its original character. The Bavarian Motor Works flagship car’s has represented the best of what the 99 year old company has to offer. The flagship saloon continues to remain the obvious choice for drivers looking for a car with advanced technology, top of the line luxury, unmatched handling and advanced technology. The latest model marks the sixth generation in the BMW 7-Series timeline.

2016 BMW 7-Series

For 2016 BMW has entirely revamped the 7-series range by blending comfort, style, dynamic ability and cutting edge technology in equal measure to create a must have luxury saloon. The car has also lost some weight, thanks to the use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Complementing the light but rigid architecture is a host of the latest six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

First generation BMW 7-Series launched in 1978

Exterior

The exterior design of the 2016 7-Series has been well executed to reflect the car’s position in BMW’s automotive catalogue. Like its predecessor, the new BMW 7-Series is offered in two body variants. The long-wheelbase version of the 7-series is the largest series-produced car BMW has ever built. Both body variants display familiar BMW proportions, characterised by a long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase and a set-back passenger compartment. A smoothly downward-sloping roofline adds a hint of sportiness.

Laser headlamps 

The front is dominated by BMW’s signature kidney grill, with Active Stream which improves the car’s aerodynamics. The redesigned headlamps now blend with the grill and also feature the familiar BMW twin circular headlights is levelled off at its upper and lower edges. The BMW is the first luxury saloon to offer optional laser lights, which offer better illumination of the road compared to standard headlamps. 

L-Shaped rear LED lights 

The profile of the 2016 7-series is dominated by outward curving surfaces and a double swage line. The ‘Air Breathers’ located at the front side panel a chrome trim strip which runs along the lower edge of the doors.

Air Breather

The double swage line extends into the upper contour of the body and the light strips of the rear lights. All the light sources for the tail lights feature LED technology, with both L-shaped light units connected by a chrome bar that extends the full width of the rear end. The 2016 BMW 7-Series rides on standard 18- or 19-inch light allow wheels.

Aggressive and head-turning front design 

Performance

The 2016 7-Series is available with a host diesel and petrol six in-line engines with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The entry level 7-series, the 730Ld and 730d are powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. Output for the power unit is rated at 195 kW (265 hp) while torque is pegged at 620 Nm. Paired to the engine is an eight speed automatic Steptronic transmission.

One of the 6-cylinder engines on offer 

The mid-spec of the 7-series range is dominated by the 740i and 740e plug-in hybrid model. The 740i and 740Li models feature six-cylinder in-line units. Output for both cars is rated at 240 kW (326 hp). Torque remains at 406 Nm. The 740e plug-in hybrid is available in three variants; the 740e, 740Le and 740Le xDrive (all-wheel-drive).

Side mirrors with integrated 360 degree camera 

Under the bonnet of the 740e is a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Combined output for the electric drive and 2.0-litre engine is 240kW (326 hp). Torque is pegged at 400 Nm. Fuel consumption for the 740e is rated at 2-litres per 100 kilometers. The 740e can also be driven for 40 kilometers on electric charge alone. 

The more powerful top of the line 750i xDrive and BMW 750Li xDrive models feature a 4.4-litre V8 power plant with an output of 330 kW (450 hp) while the wheels are kept spinning by 650 Nm of torque. The 750i is also paired with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

Visible hallmark BMW design attributes

Dynamism

With its double-joint front axle, five-link rear axle and Electric Power Steering, the 2016 BMW 7-Series rewards the driver with great handling characteristics. The inclusion of a 2-axle self-levelling air suspension system as standard makes a further contribution to the superb ride comfort. The car height level control can be adjusted manually, allowing the vehicle's ride height to be raised by up to 20mm when driving along a rough stretch of road. At speeds above approximately 35km/h, the car height level control automatically reverts to its standard setting. When BMW 7-Series SPORT mode is activated the ride height automatically drops by 10mm when travelling at high speed.

BMW Display Key

Special key

The BMW 7-Series comes as standard with a Display Key. The unique key displays various vehicle information on its display. The Display Key also allows owners to manoeuvre in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages without anyone at the wheel. The driver initiates the car's progress forwards into or in reverse out of a space using Display Key. While the car is carrying out the semi-automated manoeuvre, the driver watches out for obstacles.

Offering the best in BMW luxury

Interior

Opening the doors of the 2016 BMW 7-Series reveals a striking, luxurious and sophisticated interior. The hallmark of BMW’s interior is the iDrive system which now integrates gesture control. By making specific hand movements in the vicinity of the centre console - where a 3D sensor registers them - commonly used infotainment system functions can be controlled very intuitively and conveniently.

Cockpit 

The various gestures serve, for instance, to adjust the audio volume, control the 3D view display and accept or reject incoming phone calls. The standard multifunctional instrument display with a 12.3-inch display area alters the graphics and colour scheme used for the cockpit gauges to match the mode selected with the Driving Performance Control switch.

BMW 7-Series self park feature

The standard four-zone automatic air-conditioning features a separate touch sensitive control console in the rear. An Executive Lounge Seating offers top notch comfort for rear passengers. The option features seats with backrests which can recline to an angle of up to 42.5 degrees. To offer the passenger in the rear even greater legroom, the front passenger seat can be slid forward by an extra 90mm and its backrest tilted all the way forward.

Control with hand gestures

For a completely unobstructed view to the front, the head restraint can be folded down as well. An electrically operated fold-out footrest can also be found on the back of the front passenger seat. The rear-seat entertainment system screen can be electrically adjusted to the ideal viewing angle for the rear passenger's current seat position. A removable tablet with a screen diagonal of 7 inches, which can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle.

Rear seating 

An optional Ambient Air package releases a fragrance into the 7-series’ interior. The intensity of the fragrance can be adjusted from the air conditioning system. The interior can also be livened up at night thanks to the Sky Lounge Panoramic glass roof, which uses the light emitted by LED modules to create the magical effect of a starlit sky. A similar system is found in vehicles from Rolls Royce, a BMW sub-brand. A powerful 16-speaker 1,400 Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system fills the each part of the interior with sound.

Striking, luxurious, advanced and stylish

Conclusion

The 2016 BMW 7-Series’ offers an improved blend of technology, performance, luxury and comfort. The luxury saloon is certainly the best one BMW has ever made in the 7-series’ 37-year history. However, in improving the 7-Series BMW has still managed to ensure it remains the prime luxury saloon for people who love to drive and also to be driven in. Prices start at $81,300 (Kshs 8.3 million) in the United States.