Search: more on the BMW 7-Series
Welcome to BMW's executive tour de force, the new 7-Series. But with its new looks and innovative new technology can the big BMW overtake key rivals such as the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class? We took to the road to find out...Bold looks
The previous 7-Series built a reputation for it's distinctive and some would say ugly, Chris Bangle styled exterior. From the short front overhang and high waistline, there's no doubt that Karim Habib styled exterior is much more attractive than its predecessor. On sale now and priced from £54,160, the 7-Series stands out from its rivals with its intelligent technology on the exterior and interior.
Clever design
On the outside, the four-door saloon is identified by the largest kidney grilles ever to be fitted to a BMW, then there's the signature long bonnet and the high-waisted side styling. The 7-Series is the first BMW to incorporate the door handles as part of the overall design. The characteristic Hofmeister kink at the rear is one of the cleverer pieces of 7-Series design. Created in metal, it's easy to see the amount of work that has gone into creating this panel work. Other key 7-Series exterior styling features include the sweeping front headlight units with their eyebrow-like detailing and at the side all models have an aluminium finisher with side repeater.
More subtle looks will appeal to more buyers.
Overall, I think that the new 7-Series is attractive, it's far less distinctive than the car it replaces. The shape suits big wheels and lighter, modern colours.
The inside story
The inside of the new 7-Series is an elegant mix of high quality trim, and polished wood panelling. The dashboard looks a little old-fashioned compared to rivals and some of the switchgear is confusing, but not unappealing. Other interior highlights include the instruments with their high resolution colour display with black panel technology and the simplified iDrive with the four most popular shortcuts.
New technologies
BMW, as you'd expect is debuting new technologies in the 7-Series. One of the cleverest has to be the optional Pedestrian finding Night Vision system, a head up display which can show speed limits, clever front side view cameras (very useful for blind turnings)and an active steering system with rear-wheel steering.
Safety first
Fitted with the full compliment of safety kit, including airbags, ABS and Electronic Stability Control as standard. The 7-Series hasn't been crash tested yet, but it's likely to get a full five-star rating.
Which engine?
I drove the 407bhp 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 petrol and the 245bhp 3.0-litre diesel units. There's little to choose between the two in terms of refinement and performance, but the 730d's economy and CO2 figures will have many buyers choosing the diesel.
What's it like to drive?
Excellent, the 7-Series tops the class for handling. Despite its weight (even with aluminium for the doors wings and roof), the 7-Series has first-rate body control and a fine chassis. Shame then that the ride isn't as good. The new car has three-position adjustable dampers, but the ride is not as refined as you might expect in any of these settings. The big wheels of the cars I drove didn't help, but we think BMW need to do some more work here. The four-wheel steering system also improves manoeuverability around town.
Summing up
Is it as good as class best? Well, it would make me think twice about buying rivals. The new 7-Series steers and handles well, but in these Credit Crunch times will only appeal to a small minority of the market.
Fancy a closer look? Check out our BMW 7-Series gallery
