Spyshots: 2015 BMW 7-Series Will be Significantly Lighter

New spyshots of the upcoming 2015 BMW 7-Series have just surfaced online as well as details suggesting that the car will directly compete with the significantly upgraded 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Additionally, the 2015 BMW 7-Series is expected to weigh significantly less than the outgoing model.

The dramatic weight savings will be gained through a completely new construction for the 2015 BMW 7-Series. It’s expected to be built from a new structure combining steel, aluminium and carbon fiber instead of the steel monocoque construction of the current BMW 7-Series. As a result, the base 2015 BMW 7-Series, the 740i, could tip the scales at under 1,670kg thus making it lighter than the current entry-level BMW 5-Series and significantly lighter than the 1,900kg of the current BMW 740i.

The decision to use carbon fiber extensively in the construction of the 2015 BMW 7-Series stems largely from the knowledge BMW has gained through the development and testing of its new i-series of cars. Despite the lower weight, the 2015 BMW 7-Series will maintain similar proportions to the current model with it expected to measure around 5010mm long, 1815mm wide and 1425mm tall.

Under the hood, the 2015 BMW 7-Series will be available in six-cylinder, V8 and V12 specifications with new in-line six-cylinder diesel options expected. What’s more, a plug-in hybrid variant of the 2015 BMW 7-Series is likely.

Spyshots: 2015 BMW 7-Series Will be Significantly Lighter

In order to compete with the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the 2015 BMW 7-Series will feature a selection of new technologies inside the cabin and is expected to eventually be offered with BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine to compete with the inevitable 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG.

The 2015 BMW 7-Series is expected to be released at the IAA Frankfurt Auto Show 2015.

[Via Autocar]

Previous articleRender: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Coupe
Next articleVideo: Supercharged Chevrolet Corvette Hits 173mph at Houston Half Mile

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here