New BMW 7 Series here in September

The new BMW 7 Series will be official launched here on 22 September priced from €88,200 for the 730d 258hp Band C version, to €192,260 for the top 760 544hp model. (BMW say prices are subject to confirmation), writes Trish Whelan.

The new 7 Series is propelled by a range of petrol and diesel powertrains with cutting-edge engine technology for a great mix of performance and economy.

The car's focus was to build the finest flagship model possible with a focus on sporting elegance, superb refinement and luxurious comfort combined with efficient yet high performance engines.

The latest BMW 7 Series has a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and the full array of EfficientDynamics technologies. It is also the first to be offered in Ireland as an ActiveHybrid in both standard and long-wheelbase guises courtesy of a 3.0 six-cylinder engine mated to a synchronous electric motor and lithium-ion high performance battery.

The top 760Li model can speed from 0-100kms in just 4.6 seconds. Fuel consumption is 21.2mpg combined with C02 emissions of 314g/km. At the entry level end, the 258hp model takes 6.1 seconds and returns around 50.4mpg for the combined cycle.

The main exterior changes are to the front and rear of the car, but there's also an 8mm drop in the overall height of the car.