Overall Rating |  |
The 7-Series styling has caused much debate, but since the launch of the latest 5-Series, 6-, 1- and Z4, BMW's biggest saloon looks less outlandish. It's innovative and unusual under the surface too.
For
- Extreme refinement coupled with fine performance
- Luxurious interior is quiet and roomier than before
- Very sturdily built, well finished, very safe
Against
- Bold styling may offend conservative tastes
- High tech i-Drive controls are confusing
- Depreciation likely to be quite steep
Road Test
BMW previewed its bold new face with this 7, and the world wasn't quite ready. In a traditionally conservative market sector, it was too daring for many, as was the over-complicated i-Drive control system for all auxiliary functions; this has since thankfully been revised.
Just about every possible luxury, from self-closing doors to fridges, is optional, as is a long-wheelbase body style for the chauffeured classes. The Dynamic Drive system is worth specifying, too, along with adaptive dampers; this smooths out body roll and allows for even more spirited cornering. Engine choices are the 3.0 six-cylinder petrol and diesel, the V8 735i and 745i or the awesomely powerful 760i V12 (445 bhp). Easy to drive for such a huge, heavy vehicle, the only awkward features of the 7 remaining are its automatic parking brake and the column stalk-mounted gearchange lever for the smooth Steptronic auto box.
Need To Know
Best Models: 735i and 730d
Worst Models: None
Replacement: 2009
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
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