BMW has launched a pair of cars aimed firmly at the well heeled end of the market.
First up is the new 7 Series, which has just gone on sale with prices starting at £69,445.
That might sound a lot but BMW have cunningly undercut their great rival Mercedes –an entry level S-Class will set you back around £5,000 more.
The entry level 730d is one of three diesel options and develops 265bhp from its six-cylinder engine. At the other end of the oil burning spectrum is the 750d, which generates a mighty 400bhp.
There’s a range of petrol options, with the most spectacular being the M760Li xDrive, which has a 585bhp, twin-turbo 6.6 litre V12. You’ll have to shell out an astronomical £139,000 for that one though.
Those of a greener mind will prefer the plug-in hybrid version, the 745e, which can run for 36 miles on electric power alone. The 7 Series is available in standard or long wheelbase guises.
One of the best reasons to buy a luxury car is for the gadgets, and the 7 Series doesn’t disappoint. A feature I haven’t seen before is the reversing assistant, which can steer the car backwards for 50 metres along exactly the line it followed going forwards – very handy if you meet oncoming traffic on a single lane road.
For those who prefer wind-in-your-hair motoring, the new 8 Series Convertible is now on sale.
Prices start at £83,295 – £7,000 more than the coupe version that went on sale in December.
The drop-top sports car is initially available with a 530bhp V8 petrol or a 320bhp diesel. Further engine options will join the range over the coming months.
The soft-top is fully electric and can be operated at speeds of up to 31mph. The car tips the scales at 125kg heavier than the coupe model.
The flagship V8 petrol model costs £107,100 and gets from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk