BMW has worked hard on cleaning up its 7-Series’ divisive looks, revising its suspension, tweaking its iDrive and creating some new scintillating engines. The result is a class leader.
The new Seven-Series has a handicap. Its chauffeur will really have to keep on his toes. Not to make sure that he doesn’t set his boss’ air-conditioning a degree too cold or, heaven forbid, select the wrong radio station – both of those can just as easily be taken care of from the back. No, what he’ll really have to watch out for is that his boss isn’t given any opportunity to get behind the wheel of this top Beemer. If he does, that could mean the chauffeur’s last day at work.
“Sheer driving pleasure”. BMW’s traditional brand claim is truer than ever. When it comes to agility the fifth generation of the 7-series demonstrates to the competition, particularly the boys from Stuttgart, just what a degree of performance can be expected in the top executive category these days. The Bavarian saloon handles with a precision and manageability that actually makes it a joy to drive. Beemer chauffeurs will now have some serious bragging rights, they just better not let the boss overhear.
There is no magic to it though; the name of the game is cutting-edge German engineering. And yes, even though the Integral Active Steering may be costly, you will find it is worth every cent. No other car in the world has this kind of set-up, one in which the steering angle changes according to the speed while also controlling the angle of the rear wheels to a slighter extent. Indeed once underway, both the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction, but when manoeuvring and parking they move in opposite directions to each other. This is one of the 7-Series’ most important new features, one that benefits the car’s superior dynamics and helps it nimbly manoeuvre around town, certainly a unique characteristic for a car of this size.
In terms of comfort, BMW’s decades of experience in the luxury segment clearly shines through. The new saloon, which weighs in at almost two tonnes, has a suspension that is so well-adjusted, even on the worst of roads, that it is actually possible to hand-write a letter while sitting in the leather upholstered rear seats. That is a far cry from the over-hard settings of the last generation model. Truth be told, you probably won’t be writing too many letters back there but the intention is correct, namely to totally insulate the passengers. No matter whether the driver of this Bavarian flagship decides to pilot over the asphalt at 100 or 200km/h, the rest of the world with all its noises (and smells) remains well at bay.
This assured sovereignty conceals a drive system that provides the perfect combination of performance and luxury. The top of the range 112,000 USD 750Li – the abbreviation stands for the long version – which we drove has a newly developed V8, capable of producing 407bhp and peak torque of 540newtonmetres thanks to its two turbochargers. It is by no means inferior to a 12-cylinder engine in terms of speed. Just touch the accelerator with even the slightest pressure and you will feel an immediate response, specifically the sensation of being pressed into the back of your seat. The smoothness is truly beguiling yet this V8 also sets a new benchmark when it comes to efficiency. No other engine of this size and performance is able to complete the European consumption cycle having used just 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
Over the years, the BMW 7-Series has established itself as a trendsetter when it comes to technical innovation. In 1987 it was the first German car to be fitted with a V12 motor. In 2001 it was equipped with the world’s first six-gear automatic transmission as well as an integrated (iDrive) control system. In 2008 the unique selling proposition is the Integral Active Steering. Additionally, 7-Series customers can purchase state-of-the-art assistance systems that not only increase comfort but also safety. There is, for example, a radar system to automatically maintain a set distance from the car in front of you; warn you if there is any danger of a collision and independently brake and accelerate the car in stop-and-go traffic. All of this ensures that even rush hour in the city is a relaxing experience.
A night vision camera is able to recognise pedestrians long before they become visible in the headlights and displays this as a symbol on the head-up display on the windscreen. Cameras installed in the sides of the car help drivers to monitor cross-traffic (pedestrians, cyclists) when manoeuvring the Beemer out of narrow driveways. When reversing, a rear camera transmits images behind the car to the monitor on the dashboard. And if the driver becomes overtired and there is even the slightest danger of the car drifting out of its lane an alarm vibrates the steering wheel. No doubt this will be a popular feature with the chauffeurs. On the one hand it will help avoid any potential accident, and on the other it will keep them in their jobs, and any lucky chauffeur driving the new 7-Series will attest to the fact that this is one job you will want to keep for as long as possible.
Contacts
KSA
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors
El Fitehi Street, Jeddah
Tel: +966 2 669 5333
UAE
Abu Dhabi Motors
Umm Al Nar, Abu Dhabi
Tel: +9712 558 8000
LEBANON
Bassoul-Heneine
Youssef Heneine Street, Metn
Tel: +961 1 684 684
KUWAIT
Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Co.
Airport Road, Shuwaikh
Tel: +965 2 224 6000
Images: Christian Bittmann / wheeledmedia
