New BMW 7 Series: The Chauffeured Experience

The BMW 7 Series – the top of the automaker’s line — exists to serve both the luxury driver and the man of means who has more important things to do than drive. The latter would rather relax or work from the comfort of the back seat while a chauffeur faces the perils of the road.

During a recent introductory event for automotive journalists in Manhattan and upstate New York, BMW demonstrated the 7 Series’ effectiveness as a limousine by allowing writers to be kings for 30 minutes — riding in the back and testing the features the cars packs exclusively for its upscale passengers.

Related: BMW Unveils New 7 Series in Munich

We will have a complete review from the front seat of the 7 series here soon, but it’s a rare opportunity to test any vehicle from the standpoint of the chauffeured and pampered. The leather and polished metal interior offers two spacious back seats — each equipped with temperature controls, massage capability and a full selection of power settings and positions. The right rear seat will almost lie flat as the push of a button slides the front seat all the way forward, lowers a power foot rest and tilts the back seat back into a reclining position.

For the man who wants to get work done while he’s the celebrated passenger, a full size, airliner style table folds up out of the armrest. A 10-inch monitor is attached to the front seat, allowing full control of entertainment options, climate, windows, window shades, moon roof, etc. The screens are controlled by a handheld remote and are not touch sensitive to avoid any greasy fingerprints.

A detachable, 7-inch Samsung tablet rises out of the armrest to offer full married functionality to the 10-inch screens — offering an alternative to the remote control. That tablet also offers internet capability via the car’s onboard wifi.

To highlight the visual experience of being chauffeured in the new 7 Series, the gallery below explains how a simple drive is enhanced by the extensive suite of technology built into the car for 2016.

Now, home, James.

All photos by John Scott Lewinski