The top-of-the-line luxury sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz are showcases for the best in automotive engineering and innovation. BMW's new 7 Series is no exception, though it has also been criticised for an excess of technological gimmickry.
Value for money
Pricing
The BMW 745i costs $207,000; the long wheelbase 745 iL costs $223,000.
Warranty
Two years/unlimited kilometres, which is below the three years average.
Standard features
Whatever you can possibly think of.
Several acres worth of the best leather, a forest of timber veneers, automatic and/or power everything. Beyond the obvious are some very clever touches, like illuminated door handles and perimeter lighting for safe, easy nightime entry and exit, foldable exterior mirrors, headlights which come on automatically when you enter a tunnel or dark carpark and a warning beeper to help when parking in tight spaces. A TV, satellite navigation and a car phone are also standard.
Retained value
The previous model 740i is worth 62 per cent after three years according to Glass's Guide . This is average.
Design and Function
Ergonomics
Here is where the 7 Series is a bit too clever.
Many switches and controls are not where you expect them to be. Even starting the car is a relatively complex process.
The i-Drive system replaces a multitude of knobs, dials and buttons with a single twist/push control, which operates a bit like a mouse to select functions on a screen. These are grouped into four key areas - climate, navigation, entertainment and communication. Another four functions, including internet access, are reached by moving the cursor to the corners of the screen.
This is justifiable, and worth the learning, if it makes the driver's life easier and safer. Otherwise, it's just a gimmick. After a week in the 745i it's the latter impression that sticks.
i-Drive is complicated and raises a safety issue because you spend more time checking the screen than watching the road, and performing simple tasks with i-Drive, like changing the radio frequency, is just too hard.
A set of conventional switches is provided for the main air and audio functions. Why? Because BMW realises that many drivers won't be bothered with the complexities of i-Drive.
Otherwise, the driving position is adjustable to suit any physique by just pressing a button or two. Vision is clear around the car.
Innovation
Voice activation allows you to perform around 200 functions just by asking - however you first have to work out how to use it, and your commands are not always understood. A firm, schoolteacher's tone is required. Swearing at it doesn't work.
The overall concept of the new 7 - turning the luxury sedan into a sports car - is innovative in itself. An obvious example is the use of 19-inch alloy wheels, while under the skin are engineering innovations such as Dynamic Drive, a $5,900 option which effectively eliminates body roll in tighter corners by acting like an electronic stabiliser bar.
The handbrake is electronic, and can be programmed to automatically engage/disengage when required. The doors are automatically held open at any angle you choose.
The 7 has the worlds first six-speed-auto fitted to a production car (since joined by Jaguar's new S Type), while its 4.4 litre V8 features a state-of-the-art double Vanos variable camshaft timing-system.
Safety
The new 7 has not yet been independently crash tested, but it's a fair bet that it will score at least four stars out of five. It has every active and passive safety feature in the book, including automatic skid sensing and correcting technology and enough airbags to float the Titanic.
Sensors determine the location of a collision impact, then deploy the required airbags.
Security
The 7 cannot be started except with its owner's electronic key. Remote central locking, immobiliser and an alarm system are standard.
Comfort
Absolutely luxurious. The driver's seat is a wonderful place to sit on a long day's drive, as is every seat in the car. The windscreen reflects infra red light, so on a hot day, particularly when driving into the sun, the driver remains comfortable and is less fatigued.
Space and practicality
The 7 is a true five-seater, though the back seat is contoured for two. There's plenty of space to stretch out and relax. The long, deep boot is not extendable. There's a full-size spare under the floor, on an alloy wheel.
Build and finish quality
Immaculate in terms of body rigidity and interior fit and finish. The test car, like some previous BMW's, had a slight orange peel effect in the paintwork.
The 7's arsenal of electronic/computer systems draws a lot of power from the battery, even at rest. Care needs to be taken to avoid flattening the battery. Don't let the kids play with the interior gadgets for too long.
On the Road
Fuel efficiency
The 7 runs a 4.4 litre V8 and weighs nearly two tonnes, so despite plenty of fuel efficiency technology, it still likes a drink. On the highway, the test car used 9.5-11 litres/100 km, while in town consumption ranged from 16-20 litres/100 km.
Performance
The 745's 4.4 litre V8 (used in the previous 740 and current 540) is now fitted with the Valvetronic system (which BMW claims delivers 14 per cent better fuel economy) and a variable length intake manifold. It produces 245 kW of power (up 30 kW) and 450 Nm of torque.
So it goes. The 4.4 fires the two tonne BMW from rest to 100 km/h in less than eight seconds. Idle to redline thrust, searing responsiveness from 4000 rpm on, absolute smoothness, a typically mean BMW note at the top end - there's nothing to criticise about the 745's performance.
The ZF six-speed-adaptive auto has the selector lever mounted on the right of the wheel, plus Steptronic gear shifting with buttons on the wheel itself. The selector/transmission connection is electronic.
Like the engine, it operates with fluid grace and great speed. Six ratios and 450 Nm means you're never caught in the wrong gear. In push button mode, the shifts are exceptionally fast and smooth.
Ride
Ride comfort in most conditions is suitably supple, though the 745 does not glide over the rough stuff like the previous model, or an S Class. The front end transmits a touch of road shock on choppy bitumen - largely due to BMW's tyre choice. In its desire to make the car as sporty and communicative as possible, it has fitted the sort of uncompromising sports rubber you would normally find underneath an M badge: 245/45 front and 275/40 rear Pirelli P Zeros.
Handling and steering
The real surprise on a 745 test is the way it handles, particularly when equipped with the optional Dynamic Drive system.
The 745 handles and steers with the responsiveness, precision and poise of a purpose built sports sedan. It also talks to you like no other luxury car, via beautifully accurate, tactile steering.
Dynamic Drive acts like an electronic stabiliser bar to almost eliminate body roll when cornering or changing direction quickly. Electronically-controlled dampers and pneumatic rear springs, both of which are continuously adjusted to suit the road surface and vehicle speed, are also featured.
The adaptive suspension can be caught out occasionally when road conditions or your driving style change. A harsh ride, some front end float or excessive understeer can be apparent for a brief period while the new spring/damping rate algorithms are run. Otherwise, the 745's dynamics are clearly the new class standard.
Braking
Exceptional power, feel and progression from the ABS-equipped system. Full power is automatically applied when pedal pressures reach a certain point.
Smoothness and quietness
The V8 makes a lovely sound under hard acceleration; otherwise, the 7 is as calm and serene as they come.
Summary
The 745i is a magnificent car in many respects, certainly on the road. However the driver is faced with a daunting amount of technology, some of questionable value. Technophiles will love it; technophobes will be completely confused.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
