Any which way you slice it, this 2,195 kg (4,829 lb) green monster is fast. So you've got the green in emissions and more importantly, on a badge, and you gain serious performance. Nothing to lose. Really, in this price range and more specifically, in the 7-Series line-up, this is the only car to consider. In fact, if ever BMW was able to squeeze in their xDrive AWD system under there, this could be one of the best cars in the world.
Luxury liner
Yes, the 7-Series is gushing with luxury features that make Bentleys and Rolls-Royces seem redundantly overpriced. In Canada, only the long-wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7 is offered which, consequently, translates into a zip code's worth of legroom. Front passengers needn't worry as they are treated like royalty. The gazillion-way adjustable front thrones can have you feeling as though your La-Z-Boy was directly located behind the dashboard. The rear bench is also brilliantly comfortable, best for two occupants, fine for three.
The entire cabin is draped in sumptuous Nappa leather, the finest woods and plastics and assembled by craftsmen of the highest order, given the quality of the workmanship. The control layout and iDrive interface have greatly improved over the years; the dashboard, centre stack and console now breathe and are user-friendly. The huge trunk, where the batteries are located, is only slightly impeded by their presence.
Tarmac is its favourite food
On the road, the ActiveHybrid 7 is every bit a 7-Series, which is to say quiet, regal and bloody competent for a car its size. This 7 covers mile after mile of rough and smooth surfaces without batting an eyelash. On a cool but lovely Saturday, my wife and I took cruise in the country. How's about this for a contrast: while I was enjoying every blind corner and off-camber turn at speed and in sport mode (one of the available settings of the Dynamic Driving Control), my better-half fell asleep... Can this car really be all things?
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| Any which way you slice it, this 2,195 kg (4,829 lb) green monster is fast. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Luxury liner
Yes, the 7-Series is gushing with luxury features that make Bentleys and Rolls-Royces seem redundantly overpriced. In Canada, only the long-wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7 is offered which, consequently, translates into a zip code's worth of legroom. Front passengers needn't worry as they are treated like royalty. The gazillion-way adjustable front thrones can have you feeling as though your La-Z-Boy was directly located behind the dashboard. The rear bench is also brilliantly comfortable, best for two occupants, fine for three.
The entire cabin is draped in sumptuous Nappa leather, the finest woods and plastics and assembled by craftsmen of the highest order, given the quality of the workmanship. The control layout and iDrive interface have greatly improved over the years; the dashboard, centre stack and console now breathe and are user-friendly. The huge trunk, where the batteries are located, is only slightly impeded by their presence.
Tarmac is its favourite food
On the road, the ActiveHybrid 7 is every bit a 7-Series, which is to say quiet, regal and bloody competent for a car its size. This 7 covers mile after mile of rough and smooth surfaces without batting an eyelash. On a cool but lovely Saturday, my wife and I took cruise in the country. How's about this for a contrast: while I was enjoying every blind corner and off-camber turn at speed and in sport mode (one of the available settings of the Dynamic Driving Control), my better-half fell asleep... Can this car really be all things?
 |
| The entire cabin is draped in sumptuous Nappa leather, the finest woods and plastics and assembled by craftsmen of the highest order. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |