Reviews - BMW

Overall Rating

This 7-Series possesses many talents and its classic elegance eludes the current model. Used prices look tempting now, but only buy if you can afford steep ongoing ownership costs.

• Space, comfort, refinement and luxury equipment
• Possibly the best big executive car to drive
• Superbly smooth, powerful V8 engines

• Very high insurance, fuel and servicing costs
• Starting to look a bit middle-aged
• Occasional troubles with complex electronics

7-Series is big but looks leaner and more poised than arch-rival S Class. It's amazingly comfortable, though long-legged rear passengers will find more space in a Lexus LS or S Class. The beautifully finished cabin has excellent seats and lots of equipment, with parking assistance and satellite navigation on many models from the late Nineties onwards. Handling is sublime, with a supple ride that doesn't insulate the driver from the car's precise responses. It's surprisingly agile for a big car and can be hurried along, even on twisty B-roads. Acceleration from the V8 engines is surging but undramatic; engine and road noise are very effectively suppressed. The six cylinder 728i is more than adequate and can reward the sensitive driver with 25-plus miles per gallon. 7-Series sheds value; mid-Nineties cars are under £10,000 now. Principal reason is running costs; this is a car that cannot be owned on the cheap.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: 728i Sport; 735i

Worst Models: None

Replacement: by current generation 7-Series in March 2002

• Jaguar XJ (1994-03)
• Mercedes-Benz S Class (1991-99)
• Lexus LS (1990-00)