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BMW 7 Series First Drive


BMW 7 Series First Drive

Author: Australian Business AutoDate: 7 February 2009

Pushing luxury limits with the 2009 7-Series

It's back to the drawing board for BMW's next 7-Series. Byron Mathioudakis drives the highly efficient new diesel model ahead of the popular limo's local arrival

New from the ground up applies to the thinking behind the next 7-Series, as well as to the car itself. The fifth-generation BMW flagship, due here in the second quarter of 2009, is now all about visual elegance and ride comfort but has not lost the stand-out styling and class-leading driving dynamics that helped make the outgoing model the most successful yet.

However out goes the bustle-back boot and slab-sided look for tauter, more athletic styling featuring complex surface tensioning that makes the big BMW seem smaller than it really is.

Initially, Australians will have a choice of:

  • twin turbo-charged six-cylinder 740i
  • long-wheelbased 740iL
  • twin-turbo V8-powered 750i
  • twin-turbo V8-powered 750iL.

But the second half of 2009 should see the introduction of the first diesel-powered '7' - the 730d.

Delivering a hefty 540Nm of torque from just 1750rpm, its 180kW 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder common-rail unit is the smoothest turbo-diesel we have ever driven, whisking us quietly to 235km/h on Germany's autobahns with astonishing composure.

That it is capable of achieving just 7.2 litres per 100km - while producing a commendable 192 grams of carbon-dioxide emissions per kilometre - should see the 730d easily outsell its petrol-powered siblings in spite of their performance advantage.

Inside, the awkwardly styled dash has been replaced with a leather-swathed item that - at last - angles towards the driver like all good BMW fascias should.

The much-maligned i-Drive controller has been completely overhauled, providing simpler graphics and far more user-friendly access to the various functions, with all the information provided on a large screen that is a cinch to read at speed.

Innovations like guard-mounted cameras for easier parking and safer overtaking manoeuvres, and a high-tech head-up windscreen display for speed limits as well as speed and navigation functions, lead a vast array of new features.

Yet arguably the greatest advance is felt in the seat of your pants. Gone is the jiggly feel of the previous model, for a cushioned ride that lifts the BMW to a new standard. Much of this is possible because of world-first shock-absorber technology, along with an all-new wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension design coupled to a lightweight, part-aluminium body structure that boasts significant strength and rigidity gains.

Of course, keen drivers will also revel in the resulting agility and roadholding, with steering and handling to make the 7-Series feel more like a 3-Series from behind the wheel, especially if the optional active four-wheel steering axle is fitted underneath.

Yes, the 2009 7-Series will cost a packet, especially with options, and the diesel does overshadow the thirstier V8 versions. However all the powerhouse performance, luxury and technology advances are balanced out by huge efficiency strides, making the biggest BMW sedan one of the finest full-sized luxury cars available this year.

Quick Facts

Make BMW
Model 7 Series
Category Large
Body type Sedan
Pros

Exceptional agility coupled with supple ride
Cabin space
High-tech features
Nice styling details
Cons

Desirable options like four-wheel steering, active cruise control and speed-sign reader likely to be expensive
Priced from 190,000

Specifications

Engine

  
Number of cylinders 6
Engine size 3.0 L
Claimed max power (kW) 180 kW @ 540 rpm

Fuel Consumption

  

Tags:

BMW, 7 Series, Large, Sedan, Press-releases, 7-Series, Motoring Feed

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