THE latest version of BMW flagship the 7 Series goes on sale later this month with prices starting at £64,530.

That label is for the entry grade 730d diesel variant of a range of cars that's both stronger and up to 130kg lighter than before.

It comes with the promise of comfort, style, dynamic ability and cutting edge technology to take the Seven to greater heights.

The car's advanced construction is complemented by six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines taken from the latest generation of BMW power units.

And with a raft of fresh comfort and driving features - from new ConnectedDrive technology to the German brand's Executive Lounge feature, the new 7 Series is more luxurious than ever.

The newcomer is up for grabs in two body variants - standard and long wheelbase - the wheelbase of the extended version being 14cm longer and offering extra rear space as a result.

It means that this is the largest series-produced car BMW has ever built and both body variants show off familiar BMW proportions.

So there's a long bonnet, short front overhang, a set-back passenger compartment and downward-sloping roofline.

It is also the brand's first car to feature an Active Air Stream kidney grille to improve aerodynamics and the headlight units extend up as far as the grille.

Two non-metallic and nine metallic colour shades are available and, depending on model, either 18- or 19-inch light-alloy wheels come as standard.

Beneath the bonnet is a line-up of six-cylinder in-line engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The 3.0-litre petrol unit under the bonnet of the BMW 740Li produces an output of 326bhp, some 7bhp more than the engine it replaces.

And the diesel powering the 730d and 730Ld models also has a 3.0-litre capacity and likewise boasts a 7bhp power increase, in this case to 265hp.

BMW says the new diesels in the range are available with xDrive as an option with the exception of 730Ld.

There are also two new plug-in hybrid models in the shape of the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive.

Meanwhile, the level of luxury in the 7 Series has never been more cossetting.

The car's massage function for the standard comfort seats now offers a choice of eight settings, each with three levels of intensity, joined by a Vitality Programme specially devised for the car and allowing rear passengers to engage in active training to revitalise the body on longer journeys.

Next summer will see the arrival of Executive Lounge Seating by which the backrest can be reclined to an angle of up to 42.5 degrees.

And to give a rear passenger even greater legroom, the front passenger seat can be slid forward by an extra 90mm and its backrest tilted all the way forward.

The rear-seat entertainment system screen can be adjusted to the ideal viewing angle and the Executive Lounge rear console also features a fold-out table, two cup holders and a storage compartment as well as the new BMW Touch Command unit.

The latter is a removable 7-inch tablet, which can be used from any seat and even outside the vehicle, for controlling the likes of seat adjustment, interior lighting and air-con, as well as the infotainment, sat-nav and communications.

Prices range from £64,530 to £76,320.