The transmission may only be an eight-speed auto but it can be linked up with the car’s satellite navigation system, just like in the latest Rolls-Royce models. The navigation-data-based shift strategy means that the gear selection can be adapted to the driving situation and the route profile even if route guidance has not been set. The transmission also includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a launch control function.
When it comes to handling, the new 7-Series benefits from some advanced chassis control systems that can be adjusted at the push of a button. These include adjustable dampers (Dynamic Damper Control), speed-sensitive steering (Active Steering) and active roll stabilization (Dynamic Drive). On top of this, the new 7-Series comes with air suspension with automatic self-leveling as standard. The level control can be operated manually, allowing the vehicle's ride height to be raised by up to 20 millimeters. At speeds above 22 mph, the height drops back to a standard setting. When Sport mode is activated with the Driving Dynamics Control switch, on the other hand, the ride height automatically drops by 10 millimeters.
There’s a new option that’s making its debut in the new 7-Series: Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview. This active chassis control system which is available for all models with the exception of the plug-in hybrid, works together with the front and rear air suspension and the Dynamic Damper Control to achieve a remarkable standard of suspension, damping and driving comfort. It comprises the newly refined version of the Dynamic Drive system mentioned earlier for reducing rolling movement at the front and rear suspensions, using an electromechanically-controlled system instead of previous hydraulic setups.
Beyond all this, Active Comfort Drive also incorporates an anticipatory chassis control function with Road Preview. The early information for regulating the combination of chassis systems utilizes the driving style analysis readings derived from the data from the navigation system to help respond to changes in the road.
Other vehicle systems, such as the infotainment features, are controlled by a next-generation iDrive system (version 5.0) complete with gesture controls and a touchscreen for easier input. It relies on a ceiling-mounted 3D sensor to detect hand gestures, and then decodes different movements—such as tapping, finger rotations or a swiping movement—and performs the desired input.
There’s also a new head-up display that’s significantly larger than the previous design. It projects information about road speed, speed limits, overtaking restrictions, Check Control messages, status and warning messages from other assistance systems, turn-by-turn directions and telephone and entertainment menus directly into the driver’s field of vision. The HUD is standard on the 750i xDrive and can be augmented with a night vision system.
Other innovations include a wireless charging system for mobile devices, an available tablet-based control system for rear-seat passengers, and an ‘Executive’ seat package, also in the rear, that includes recline and massage functions.
The new 7-Series is also available with some self-driving features grouped in the Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus systems of the vehicle. The car can now maneuver not just into parallel parking spaces but now also into perpendicular parking spots. It controls the entire maneuver, including all the necessary steering, gear-shifting, acceleration and braking operations. Active Park Distance Control also assists the driver during manual reversing maneuvers. If needed, this feature autonomously applies the brakes, preventing collisions with obstacles to the rear.