BMW 740Li xDrive Horse Edition targets China at Beijing show
BMW will unveil a limited-run 7 Series Horse Edition at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, featuring bespoke details aimed at Chinese buyers and xDrive all-wheel drive as standard.
BMW will launch a special edition of its 7 Series saloon, the 740Li xDrive Horse Edition, at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The model is aimed squarely at the Chinese market, where demand for long-wheelbase luxury saloons remains high. The Horse Edition is built on the 740Li xDrive, combining the extended wheelbase with all-wheel drive and bespoke design elements to mark the Chinese Year of the Horse.
China-specific design touches
The Horse Edition stands apart from the standard 7 Series with a series of subtle but targeted changes. The M Sport package is standard, bringing a more aggressive body kit and distinctive alloy wheels. Four exterior paint options are available: Citrine Black, Ruby Black, Black Sapphire and Moonstone. Each car carries “Limited Edition” badging on the boot lid, while the headrests are embroidered with the Chinese character for “horse”, a nod to the car’s theme and the 2014 lunar calendar.
LED headlights are fitted as standard, and the overall specification is pitched to appeal to buyers seeking exclusivity and status. While the Horse Edition does not introduce mechanical changes over the regular 740Li xDrive, the focus is on luxury and symbolism rather than performance upgrades.
Position in the 7 Series range
The 740Li xDrive Horse Edition builds on the long-wheelbase 7 Series, which is a strong seller in China’s premium segment. xDrive all-wheel drive is standard, a feature increasingly valued by buyers in China’s northern regions. The M Sport package, already popular in other markets for its styling, is included to make the Horse Edition stand out further among luxury saloons.
BMW has not announced production numbers or pricing for the Horse Edition. The car’s limited availability and unique trim are expected to attract collectors and customers seeking exclusivity. The Horse Edition joins a series of regionally targeted BMW special editions, reflecting the company’s continued focus on the Chinese luxury market.
BMW’s strategy for China
Special editions tailored to Chinese tastes have become a recurring feature for premium brands at the Beijing show. BMW’s approach with the Horse Edition echoes similar moves by rivals, offering bespoke styling and features that resonate with cultural themes. The 7 Series remains a mainstay of BMW’s Chinese line-up, and this limited-run model is intended to reinforce the marque’s appeal among buyers looking for both status and individuality.
The 2014 Beijing Motor Show will also see debuts from other manufacturers targeting the same market segment. For context on BMW’s xDrive offerings in saloons, see BMW 7 Series Gains xDrive All-Wheel Drive for 2010
