GERMAN car-maker BMW Ag has released details of its latest 7-series limo, four months before its launch in Europe and at least six months before it is due in Singapore.

The new car, a direct competitor to Mercedes' S-class and Jaguar's XJ, looks little changed from the current generation 7-series except for being slightly larger and for its less fanciful headlamps and more elegant tail-lights.

It is packed with new features, including those designed for fuel efficiency.

The car can, for instance, charge its battery while braking. Unlike existing cars, it will stop charging the battery or turn off the aircon compressor when extra power is needed for acceleration.

Lightweight aluminium is used for its roof, doors, bonnet and side panels.

Other new features, which may be standard or optional for Singapore-bound cars, include a night vision system that can identify pedestrians; and a front side-view camera to help driver merge with traffic on a main road from partially blocked driveways or side lanes - a first for BMW.

A BMW spokesman told The Straits Times the car would arrive in Singapore as early as first-quarter of next year.

He said a range of new diesel variants will also be made available for the first time here, including a new all-aluminium 3.0-litre version that produces 245hp at 4,000rpm and 540Nm of torque from merely 1,750rpm.