The E65 marks the start of a completely new era in BMW design in which the individual characteristics of the different series will once again be more clearly defined. No other model re-launch in the recent history of the company has seen such a major leap in visual styling as the new 7 series.
The new lines and proportions give expression to the brand qualities of dynamic style and a challenging, cultured character. The proportion create a different impression depending on the viewpoint of the observer. Contrasting features such as short and long, high and wide, angular and curved merge seamlessly in fluid combination.
The front retains the typical BMW kidney grille and double headlights. The “eyes” however, always the most telling feature of a face, have been remodeled. They extend elegantly into the sides of the front fenders, emphasized by the direction indicators forming a delicate “eye-liner” above the double headlamps. Even at night the E65 is unmistakably a BMW, identified by the shape and power of the bi-xenon headlights and the four wave guide light rings.
The side view with its unifying line extending the full length of the vehicle from grille to tail light exudes calm and elegance. The large wheels symbolizes power and agility but also solidity and stability. The roof line is almost coupe like in style, while the door handles and roof antenna add an extravagant style.
The tail is as charasmatic as the frontal aspect. The reversing lights are broad and bright and the intensity of the beam projects quality and sophistication.
The outward appearance is continued on the inside. The design concept follows a horizontal pattern which reinforces the impression of spaciousness and generous proportions.
All driver controls are arranged within the driver’s immediate line of sight and reach, while all convenience functions are equally easily visible and accessible from both front seats.
Large expanses of wood, high quality fabric and leather upholstery and the subtle texturing of the cockpit surfaces set a distinctive tone. All plastic components are finished in a fine textured coating and frequently used contact surface are highlighted in a metallic finish.
A variety of types of wood and upholstery fabrics, classical and modern interior color schemes and exterior paint finishes with new and unusual metallic effects lend the E65 a wide range of distinctive appearances entirely dependent on the individual taste of its owner.
“iDrive”
The ever increasing number of functions and associated controls in cars makes it more and more difficult for the driver to concentrate on the essential activity of driving. “iDrive” groups functions into two clearly defined areas:
“Driving” and “Comfort” and by doing so simultaneously creates more space.
All functions related purely to driving are arranged within the “driving area” in the trademark BMW “driver’s car” style. Behind the Multi-function
steering wheel with Steptronic buttons an LCD instrument cluster provides the driver with all essential information.
Arranged around the steering column are the cruise control lever, the direction indicator/high-beam stalk and the automatic transmission selector lever which has been moved from its previous location on the center console.
On the left hand side of the instrument panel there is a switch for the Electro-Mechanical Parking Brake (EMF), the light switch and the trunk release button.
On the right there is the Park Distance Control (PDC) button, the Start/Stop button and the ignition switch with the slot for the remote control transmitter (instead of a key).
The “comfort area” is positioned centrally in the dashboard and combines all convenience functions into one area for easy access by the driver or front passenger.
Clear grouping into frequently and less frequently used functions ensures that, on the one hand, an adequately wide range of adjustment options is provided according to need and on the other the number of controls remains manageably small.
The central element of the comfort area is the control display which is operated by turning, pressing or sliding the “controller” on the center armrest. All functions that do not necessarily have to be directly accessible (up to 700 of them depending on equipment level) are controlled by it.
Below the center air vents are the controls for the most important automatic air-conditioning functions. The CD and volume control is located underneath the air-conditioning control panel.
Electrical System
The demands on modern cars are continually increasing. Buyers expect an ever growing array of functions, while legal requirements relating to fuel consumption and emission levels are becoming stricter all the time. Such demands can only be met by the increased use of electronic components and intelligent interaction between them.
Conventional electrical system are no longer capable of handling the ever growing volume of data in modern cars. In order to be able to process all information in real time, substantially faster communication channels are required.
That is why new data bus systems have been introduced on the E65. Two of them are based on fiber-optic technology. The “Media Oriented System Transport” (MOST) system for multimedia applications (data transfer rate: 22.5 MBd) and the “byteflight” safety systems bus (10 MBd).
The body Controller Area Network (K-CAN, 100kBd) on the E65 consists of two copper twist wires and replaces the previous K-Bus (9.6 kBd).
The PT-CAN (500 kBd) for the powertrain related control units has been expanded to a 3-
wire interface.
The power supply to all electric components is controlled by the “ Power Module”. This is a new development for the E65 which ensures that the charge level of the battery is maintained both when the engine in running and when it isn’t and even in the event of faults in the electrical system. If necessary, the Power Module switches to “ emergency mode” in order to ensure that essential systems remain functional while driving.
For the first time, a lightweight aluminum ribbon cable is used for the positive lead. The high current plug in contacts are also a new feature and can withstand peak currents of up
to 220 A, with a continuous load rating of 100 A: despite such high current ratings, these contacts are crimped not soldered.
If no electrical functions are operated for a continuous period of three weeks, the E65 battery is automatically isolated from the electrical system. This ensures that the battery is adequately protected against power drain. An additional data memory that can be accessed using the Diagnostic program provides a status read-out of the battery load and life.
ENGINE
When launched, the E65 will be supplied exclusively with the completely new N62 engine. The key features of this new power unit are the new fully variable intake valve travel control system (Valvetronic) and optimized cylinder charging made possible by a variable intake system.
Thanks to this sophisticated technology, power output and torque have been impressively improved as compared with the M62 (N62: 325hp/325Nm) and fuel consumption and harmful emissions simultaneously substantially reduced.
There is no other engine on the market at present which offers comparable technology.
Handling Dynamics
“Dynamic Drive” is a revolutionary system that minimizes or even completely eliminates body roll when cornering. It incorporates an active anti-roll bar (ARS) which optimizes the line-holding characteristics and thereby substantially improves the handling, agility and stability of the E65. Rear-seat passengers in particular will find that reading and working are considerably easier and more pleasant.
Dynamic Drive sets new standards in chassis and suspension engineering. The Continuous Electronic Damping Control system (EDC-K: Optional) instantaneously and infinitely variable adjusts the damping force of the shock absorbers.
All vehicle movement that affects handling characteristics are continuously monitored and analyzed. A microprocessor then permanently controls the shock absorbers in response to the driving conditions and the vehicle load.
As a result, maximum comfort and maximum safety are guaranteed at all times.
Refinements
Only a driver who is in a comfortable and relaxed position in the car can be in full control of it. That is why the optional BMW comfort seat with memory has been further improved.
The 20 way power front comfort seats have many new innovations over the predecessor E38. In addition to electrically adjustable seat cushion depth and backrest width, there are luxury head restraints with side retaining bolsters. Optional seat heating includes a fast heat-up function and adjustable balance between seat cushion and backrest.
Active seats that reduce driver fatigue as first seen on the E38 are also available for the E65 comfort seat and finally, a seat ventilation system optimizes seat climate by means of fans mounted directly in the seat cushions.
The E65 will be equipped with the basic seat in the rear. Head restraints are electrically adjustable if rear airbags are ordered. Heated rear seats are available as well.
A door-closing assistance system (optional: Automatic Soft Close) minimizes the force required to close the doors. The doors will automatically close if they have not been properly closed.
A variable position door brake mechanism on all doors ensures that doors are securely fixed in any open position, there are no pre-set stop positions any more.
Top quality LOGIC 7 Hi-Fi system with dash installed CD changer are as much a natural accessory of the E65 as up to date communication systems (fax and internet planned).
Other new equipment includes such features as a vanity mirror for rear passengers and ventilated storage compartment in the center console.
