Your driver will like you for it |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
When it was launched back in 2002, BMW's latest-generation 7-Series sedan was criticized for having exterior styling that was, at the time, a departure from the traditional Bimmer shape. Soft curves become sharp creases, and the trunk gave the impression that it was designed for a different car altogether. It also marked the debut of the frustrating iDrive control system.
Despite the criticism, though, the current model is the bestselling 7-Series ever, and prepared us mentally for the rest of the BMW lineup redesigns. With the arrival of the new 2007 X5, the transformation is complete.
For 2006, BMW decided it was time to make some changes to its biggest sedan. The company reworked the suspension a little to give it more dynamic handling, and bring it closer to the sporty character that BMWs are know for.
The big 7 also gets new headlamp clusters, a new grille and lower front fascia, although you have to be good to notice it. The bulbous trunk is softened down with the help of additional taillights and chrome trim. I think the car looks better now, thank you.
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Another change was under the hood; the 325-horsepower, 4.4-litre V8 is replaced by a bigger, 4.8-litre mill. The modest 400cc increase is good for another 35 horses, for a total of 360. That's enough to move this 2,065 kg (4,553 lb) sedan swiftly, and the sound of the V8, although lacking the heart-stopping roar of a HEMI, has its own exciting growl that fits perfectly with the car's demeanour. Just for comparison purposes, a 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 I briefly drove has 382 horsepower, but the two cars offer pretty much the same performance. By the way, not that it really matters, but my fuel consumption average is 16.8 L/100 km.
The 750Li handles beautifully, and you can toss it around with authority; it responds with amazing finesse, and body roll is minimal. The optional Sport package helps in this regard, although the ride is little stiff for a big luxury car. I don't have the opportunity to drive a 7-Series without the
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Sport settings, but the S550's ride is a little softer in comparison. I guess the Sport package isn't suited to everyone's tastes, but then, you wouldn't get the gorgeous 20-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels that come with it.
You really don't except such fierce acceleration in a car this big, but it blasts off like a rocket, thanks to its abundance of torque. You don't really need to spend an extra $70,000 for the V12 760Li, unless wretched excess overcomes you regularly. I just wish the car had a real shift lever instead of the wimpy electronic selector that pops out of the top of the steering wheel. I find it awkward to use, and when I'm in a hurry to reach for it, I accidentally turn on the windshield wipers. Maybe I'm just too dumb. At least there's wheel-mounted buttons for manually changing gears, and they're perfectly placed.
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Speaking of dumb, the iDrive doesn't get better with age. This gizmo is necessary for some heating and ventilation settings, the navigation system and some sound system adjustments. What's bad is that it's fully functional at all times, even while you're driving. My best advice to you when you come across a 7-Series sedan on the road is to get out of its way, because its driver will either be busy talking on the phone, fiddling with the iDrive, or falling asleep with the help of the optional driver's seat butt massage.
