BMW is taking backseat entertainment into the future, and introduced a 31-inch movie screen in the new 7 Series sedan That puts some home theater setups to shame.
8k resolution screen
with a diagonal of 31.3 inchesto be precise, the drop-down theater screen has 8K resolution and can display media in 16:9, 21:9, or 32:9 aspect ratios. The 7 Series has a 5G wireless connection and Amazon Fire TV is integrated so passengers can stream 4K UHD content on apps like Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Twitch and YouTube.
You can also stream music, play games, watch live TV, view travel information, or view pre-downloaded media. Two sets of Bluetooth headphones can be connected, and different viewer profiles let you pick up your movie or show from where you left off at home.
Voice control or tactile screens
The theater screen is a touch screen and can electronically slide back and forth for a better viewing angle or to make it easier to reach. Rear seat passengers can also control the system with voice commands or using the 5.5-inch touchscreens built into each rear door. Those screens not only control the infotainment system and volume, but also climate controls, seats, lighting and other infotainment functions. When the movie screen is unfolded, the rear door and rear window sunshades will automatically rise and the interior lights will dim.
Premium audio for a premium display
Obviously a display like this needs high-quality audio to back it up, and every Series 7 comes standard with a Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker 655-watt sound system. But what you really want is the optional system of Bowers & Wilkins Diamond 4D surround sound, including 36 total speakers and a 1965-watt amplifier. Four of those speakers are in the headliner, and each headrest contains two surround sound speakers. The 4D system also uses exciters in the seats that vibrate along with the audio being played, and BMW worked with Hans Zimmer to design all sorts of unique noises for the car, including acceleration sounds for the all-electric i7.
Panoramic Sky Lounge
When the movie screen is not in use, it folds into the ceiling, looking like a thick crossbar dividing the glass. However, this is not just a normal panoramic sunroof. LThe 7 Series comes standard with what BMW calls the Panoramic Sky Lounge, a single fixed piece of glass spanning the entire roof that has built-in LED light strings. The pattern of the lights mirrors the padding of the seats, and the color can be set to an individual scheme or matched to the selected My Mode environment. There are also animations like a splash effect when you get in the car, or one that BMW says “intensifies the sense of acceleration” when the car is in motion. It’s all very over the top, which we like, but an electronic sunshade can be closed if you wish.
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