New BMW 7 series features carbon fibre materials

A few years back, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) were mainly decorative in the automotive sector. Subsequently, CFRP found use in structural parts of limited-edition luxury sports cars.

The BMW i3 and i8 models marked a turning point for CFRP in mass automotive production. With its inclusion in the new BMW 7 series, the material has entered large-scale production in the high-end car market for the first time.

Last week saw the debut of the latest BMW 7 series, featuring carbon fiber preforms from SGL Group, a leading carbon fiber and composite product manufacturer. These preforms are part of an innovative hybrid chassis construction technique, known as Carbon Core.

The use of CFRP has notably reduced weight and improved driving dynamics by lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. The new 7 series generation is up to 130 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, despite enhanced comfort and safety features.

Jürgen Köhler, CEO of SGL Group, remarked that their carbon fiber products' use in the new BMW 7 series marks a significant step in carbon materials' widespread serial use in automotive manufacturing.

The carbon fiber for the hybrid roof frame is supplied by SGL Group, involved in various production stages. The carbon fibers are produced by SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (SGL ACF) in Moses Lake, Washington. Recent years have seen the expansion of production capacities for these fibers.

Next, specific preforms are created from the fibers through fully automated textile processes. These preforms are then sent directly to BMW for CFRP part production. Following the BMW i models, the new 7 series uses the second-largest volume of carbon fiber in a serial production project across the industry.

In addition to the roof frame, SGL Group also supplies carbon fiber fabrics and recycling materials from their Wackersdorf site. Developed with BMW, these recycled products are used in the C-pillar and trunk compartment partition.

Andreas Wüllner, Head of the Carbon Fibers & Composite Materials Business Unit at SGL Group and Managing Director of SGL ACF, commented on the 15-year innovation partnership with BMW Group. He highlighted the BMW i models' utilization of carbon fibers and fabrics as a significant milestone. The introduction of the "Carbon Core" hybrid construction method in the new BMW 7 Series passenger cell represents a further development in this collaboration.