BMW 7 Series 2008 Review - International

BMW 7 Series

What we liked
>> More sport and style
>> Prodigious power from V8 version
>> Active rear steer for LWB models

Not so much
>> Wind noise at freeway speeds
>> Dumbed-down iDrive
>> Some trim colour options

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
The fifth generation of BMW's 7 Series was launched in Dresden, Germany this month; less than six months ahead of its scheduled release in Australia and the USA. The States, for the record, is the 7's biggest market accounting for almost 36 per cent of sales, with China a burgeoning growth area in second on 16 per cent.

Mastering understatement, BMW admits the E65/66 model "was not without its controversy". Among other features, the previous version introduced iDrive and design chief Chris Bangle's so-called flame surfacing, helping the car make a statement that invited healthy debate, says BMW's board member (and ex-Rolls Royce boss), Ian Robertson.

For all the knockers, BMW regards the predecessor as the most successful 7 Series. As of September this year, the company sold 2070 E65/66 models in Australia since introduction in January 2002, while a total of 1982 E38 models were sold between 1995 and 2001.

Around 335,000 previous-generation 7s have found (large, secure) garages worldwide, but it's a safe bet BMW expects to do better with the new 7 Series.

The new model wears more muscular and sportier lines than the E65/66 version. Indeed, BMW's director of design for the new 7, Adrian van Hooydonk, says the addition of sportiness to the company's flagship was the team's intention for the new model.

The latest 7 will be offered in European markets with three engine options including twin-turbo V8 and straight-six petrol units, and a new six-cylinder diesel engine with latest generation common-rail fuel injection.

BMW calls the 7 Series "the embodiment of the brand", ensuring the flagship introduces the latest technology available. The 7 "represents the very best of BMW at the particular time in history that they were launched" -- a statement applicable for each of the "icon" models released after the late 70s, and even since the prototype 335 shown at the 1938 London motor show and on to the big Baroque Angels of the 50s, says Robertson.

So, BMW has been in at the top-end for a while... And looks set to top the luxury segment with the new 7.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The "flagship of the BMW business" gets the best on offer and this time can boast the addition of 'stop and go' cruise control, lane departure and lane-change warning system, side-view camera for reversing and head-up display. Most are self-explanatory, but in the case of the stop and go cruise control, the system can halt the vehicle to a standstill and resume movement in traffic situations, without having to adjust the settings.

BMW is also claiming world firsts with introductions such as info-system interactive owner's manual and night vision assistance which uses a thermal imaging camera to detect people and animals outside of the headlight beam. The new 7 Series also offers "unrestricted" use of the internet and speed limit indicator system which uses sat-nav and camera recognition to provide warnings -- both not before seen, according to the carmaker.

The 7 boasts individual entertainment screens for rear passengers. An audio system-inspired black panel instrument cluster and the use of ceramic for trim elements are also touted as world firsts.

Standards include bi-xenon dual headlights including daytime driving lights, foglamps and two-stage brake lights, plus all the usual luxuries you'd expect from a $200K-plus flagship.

Given pricing and final specifications for the Australian range will not be announced until closer to car's March local launch, there's not much more useful detail we can deliver at this time. Suffice to say, BMW will endeavour to keep the range commensurate with the $190-262K the existing models (V12 version excluded) currently spans.

MECHANICAL
Initially, Australians will be offered petrol-only 7s come March 2009 -- the six-cylinder 740i and 740Li (long wheelbase), and V8 750i and 750Li models. BMW Australia says it will review the potential for the introduction of the turbodiesel 730d later in the year.

Whether the range-topping V8 or straight-six petrol or diesel, all models come with a six-speed auto, with gearshift selector now positioned in the central console rather than steering wheel-mounted for a more sporting drive, says the maker. [Ed: the rumoured eight-speed ZF gearbox didn't surface in this iteration of the 7 Series. This is believed to be because the new box is incompatible with the auto start-stop system that will feature in some Euro-market and future hybrid 7s.]

The twin-turbo V8 fitted to the 750i and 750Li models is the "world's most efficient", according to BMW. The 4.4-litre unit (as featured in the new X6) is rated at 300kW/600Nm and uses 11.4L/100km, according to EU figures. All engines in the 7 Series range are EU 5 compliant.

The twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol offering in the 740 models is rated at 240kW/450Nm. The EU rating for fuel consumption is 9.9L/100km. Interestingly, while the six demands 95 RON, BMW rates the bi-turbo V8's power using 91 RON standard unleaded.

The 730d's 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel boasts an extra 10kW over the previous version, with better economy and acceleration. Now at 180kW/540Nm, the diesel option uses 7.2L/100km and can manage 0-100km in 7.2sec. BMW says a revamped engine management system has benefitted the turbodiesel's development, making it the most efficient engine in the luxury segment.

Both petrol short wheelbase 7s are faster -- slightly (less than 1.0sec difference). The 740i manages 0-100km in 5.9sec while the V8 version is done in 5.2sec.

The new generation petrol models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard -- the diesel model is specified with 17s ex-factory.

Four wheel discs are standard -- 374mm platters up front in the case of the petrols. The 740i/Li feature 345mm rear discs with the 750i/Li using 370mm rear rotors. Diesel models are slightly less endowed.

The F01 (SWB models) and F02 (LWB) 7 Series (BMW's run out of E prefixed model numbers) models feature an all-new double-wishbone front suspension design. The new 7 gets an uprated version of BMW's steering assistance system, called Integral Active Steering offering rear-wheel steer by up to 3 degrees. The feature comes standard on long wheelbase versions, as does rear air-suspension.

The new 7 Series comes standard with BMW's Innovative Dynamic Damper Control suspension, and Dynamic Driving Control offering adjustments (normal, comfort, sport) for ride, gearshift and steering assistance settings. The 7's stability control can be turned off in the 'sport +' mode, for a "particularly sporting style of motoring".

PACKAGING
Like the predecessors, the latest 7 is made exclusively in Germany: "contributing to secure jobs" for the 5000 people involved with the 7 Series at the Dingolfing plant. According to the maker, for every person employed by the BMW Group, there are another seven jobs with suppliers.

The dash moves away from the 'double bubble' of the last model, and instead features a more conventional binnacle plus a large (10.2-inch) horizontally-oriented secondary screen that delivers everything from HVAC settings to internet browsing.

BMW has reworked its iDrive interface and redesigned steering wheel functions to include most driver aids including cruise control. The new version of iDrive uses a tiltable control and offers menu-skipping buttons to comfort and communication features.

Front seats in the launch cars were multi-adjustable units and plenty wide enough to accommodate the most well-proportioned plutocrat. It almost goes without saying leg, head and shoulder room is generous front and rear in even the standard wheelbase models, but especially so for rear passengers in the long wheelbase 7s.

The 7 Series can be ordered as a four-seater, with rear central console and is offered with an array of trim options including leather that does its best to reprise the 1970s hue, Mission Brown.

Exterior wise the car is sportier-looking but more conventional than the last generation. The rear styling, for one, is less contrived than the outgoing version, and with it more shapely and muscular.

The latest model wears a more distinctive grille with wider air intake, while its profile features a chrome-plated indicator 'gill' in the front guards. BMW's 'Hofmeister kick' styling at the C-pillar has been accentuated with a shadow contour line.

In terms of overall dimensions at 5072mm the new 'i' version (standard wheelbase) 7 is 33mm longer than the outgoing model but the same width (1902mm). The wheelbase has been stretched 80mm to 3070mm and the front and rear tracks of 1611/1650mm respectively are an appreciable 33/54mm wider.

BMW claims the 7 has the longest wheelbase in the luxury segment. Mercedes' S-Class measures up at 3035 and 3165mm for its standard and long wheelbase versions. The new 7's trimmed overhangs still have it shorter overall than the big Benz in SWB form.

The new BMW is around 5mm lower than the current car but the margin looks larger thanks to its more purposeful stance.

The latest long wheelbase models are stretched by 140mm over the standard variants (essentially the same increase as the last generation) and carry their own roofline and C-pillar contour. The LWB 7s offer extra rear luxuries including climate control vents with individual regulation, and adjustable seating with heating/cooling and massage features.

BMW claims the new-generation 7 is 55kg lighter than the outgoing model "taking the range of equipment into account". Aluminium is used for roof, doors, bonnet and front guards as well as front suspension componentry. The SWB models weigh 1935kg (740i) and 2020kg (750i) versus 1970kg and 2055kg for the limos.

BMW Australia says it intends releasing the LWB models at the same time as the saloon 7s, due to a more "efficient development process" and the fact the long wheelbase 7 Series "accounts for about half of all cars sold" in many markets, including Australia.

SAFETY
BMW says the 7's "optimised" body structure and standard-fit inclusions such as bi-xenon dual headlights, two-stage brake lights and runflat tyres add to its safety credentials.

Safety standards also include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal, side and head airbags, and crash-activated headrests for front passengers.

EuroNCAP hasn't tested the new 7 Series, or the predecessor, but the top-spec BMW is well-equipped in terms of dynamic or passive safety systems.

Model specification for local deliveries has yet to be announced; however, BMW Australia has confirmed the Night Vision assistance will be made available to Australian customers. Timing for the speed limit information system is still to be decided.

COMPETITORS
Much like heads from our local manufacturers, Robertson, says he's asked about the future of large cars constantly. The former Rover exec argues the choice is not about to end soon, and says that it's about providing broad scale options for customers -- among large or small offerings -- that prestige brands have over others.

Nonetheless, it's really only the usual suspects Benz, Audi and perhaps Lexus, who line up here to take on the new 7 Series.

Benz's S-Class has long held the high ground in the arena -- especially Down Under. The latest generation is no exception and it soundly outsells the opposition. Both Lexus' LS600hL and LS460 are relative lightweights in this atmosphere, though by definition pack some enviro-cred (at least the hybrid 600hL), and A8 suffers in many buyers minds from the fact it so closely resembles the cooking model Audis. Only a relative handful of the big alloy-rich Audis find owners in Australia.

BMW Australia has stated it will not force-feed the new 7 into the local market. It has stated, rather vaguely, it's after "leadership" with the new 7, not sales superiority (more here).

ON THE ROAD
BMW says for very good reasons the launch of the new 7 had to be in Germany and at a place as significant as Dresden, which is being resurrected to recall its former glory before the controversial bombing by the Allied forces during WWII.

The World Heritage listed city's surrounds take in well-made and at-times tight mountain roads, and restricted highways. In short, nowhere to really release the 7's undeniable energy...

On offer to the large contingent of motoring journalists were Europe's best sellers: the 730d and V8 petrol 750Li. No surprises the V8-powered version is our pick.

The 750 has impressive response from standstill, shifting even the LWB model's bustle with aplomb with excellent low-down urge (starting around 1750rpm). The V8 also has good midrange flexibility, though there's some detectable 'wind-up' before it delivers its best if it's not in its sweetest rev range.

We didn't get much time in the 730d but can say it's smooth and offers similar levels of tractability. The brief drive of the short wheelbase version also showed us the 7 can be quite nimble.

Indeed, the 7 gets it over the Benz S-Class for its added sport. Might sound trivial but things like moving the gearshift from the steering wheel to the centre console does no end to up the sports ante behind the wheel... Approaching Benz's clumsy column-mounted version for the S is one of the first reminders you're driving a fat-cat's taxi.

The 7's agility and response helps to make the most of the big sedan's sports side, always rewarding the driver to step-up out of the comfort zone. The big 7 truly feels like a smaller sporty rather than super cruiser.

The adjustable ride/throttle/shift setting works a treat, turning the 7 from getaway wheels to super cruiser. Apart from sports-like gearshifts, the system makes the most of the 7's inherent wieldiness while in any mode other than Comfort. Even given the sports prowess the sharper settings deliver, Comfort turns the ride super absorbent and it's so comfortable we'd opt for the plush life every time.

The four-wheel steering system applied to the long wheelbase models also works well; on one occasion helping to haul the rear around a hairpin that would've otherwise required a composed halt and careful steer of such a large car.

You can expect luxury treatment at this level and that includes solid cabin fit in addition to the super comfortable ride.

Road noise was undetectable, however, wind noise was unacceptable at Euro-legal speeds over 110km/h. This significantly affected the cabin amenity and will need to be fixed if the 7 is to win sales from Mercedes' flagship.

The removal of the last model's bustle bum hasn't hurt luggage capacity. Space in the boot is almost as generous as the room for rear passengers. At least that's the opinion of the German border patrol, who pulled us over to check for stashed immigrants along the way. Seriously!

As for the new iDrive: it's been dumbed-down with extra buttons added around the central control to access main menu functions, all of which were accessed simply enough in the 'old' version! It's a shame because the previous neat layout for the system is now convoluted. These guys can't win...

As is the case with any brief launch drive, we can only really deliver an initial impression of how the new 7 will stack up when it arrives locally.

We can't tell you exactly how our Dresden bahnbomber will translate to the streets of Melbourne and Sydney, but we can be assured of one thing -- the stoush between the top-end of BMW and Benz's range has never been hotter.

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