BMW aims to retake segment lead with redesigned 7 series - Automotive News
NEW YORK -- BMW of North America wants to set a new sales record for the 7-series sedan with its redesigned version -- and regain leadership of the luxury sedan segment, says its CEO. The 2016 7 series goes on sale in late October with a base price of $82,295 including shipping for the rear-wheel-drive 740i. U. S. sales of BMW’s flagship peaked at 22,006 in 2002. Mercedes-Benz led the segment last year with S-class sales of... BMW has 1,500 orders for the 7 series, and most buyers want their cars fully loaded, Willisch said. Earlier this year, BMW held 100 private showings attended by 6,500 customers and potential owners. The redesigned 7 series comes with 13 industry firsts and 25 innovations to BMW, company executives said. They include a carbon core that takes 290 pounds off the car, gesture control to accept or reject phone calls and turn the audio up or down, and wireless charging. The 7 series also has an array of semiautonomous-driving features that rival those of the S class, as well as the most luxurious interior BMW has ever produced. In the United States, BMW also is rolling out a new service program exclusively for 7-series buyers called Ultimate Benefits. Dealers must offer the program, but BMW will reimburse the cost, Willisch said. Willisch said the second delivery will be done by a BMW specialist called a Genius a few weeks after the customer takes the car home. Source: www.autonews.com
