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Take it to the limo

Sporting new gadgets, digitised systems and de-lux interiors, the fifth generation of the BMW 7 series limo is put to the test by Adrian Ion

February 2009 - From the Print Edition

One of the most hotly anticipated launches of 2008 from BMW, the fifth generation of the 7 series limousine, is now on sale in Romania. ‘The dawn of a new era’ is the slogan for the deluxe motor, a tagline that may lack the significance the Bavarian firm so desired, given the current economic miasma.
The exterior of the 7 series is not that different from the previous version and the front of this vehicle could be mistaken for a facelift of the older generation vehicle. The car has changed in terms of design, but in a conservative way. This is not a head-turner on the street. As I drove the diesel version through the Romanian capital, few among the Bucharest public, known for their obsession with the latest in motor innovation, reacted to the new version of this benchmark automobile. The front kidney grille of the car is larger and more upright than before, combined with a long bonnet with twin styling lines. The rear of the car looks much more shapely than the previous model, which was more of a backpack than trunk.

Luxury makeover

The interior is more logically organised than in the previous model, which is luxurious and well-equipped, but this is something that drivers expect to receive as standard for this level of car. The famous iDrive system is a vast improvement in terms of user-friendliness and a few controls, inspired in style by PCs, make the difference. There is a ‘back’ button to help navigation and ‘favourite functions’ buttons that take the driver instantly from radio to navigation or other car feature controls. Also the car has an onboard instruction manual that can be accessed and visualised on the monitor, helping first-time drivers become familiar with all the features of the car. Driver aid technologies are included as standard or options, such as the Night Vision system. This is also present in the competitor Mercedes S Class and is taken here to a new level of sophistication as it now has the ability to recognise pedestrians. The side and rear-view cameras help the driver navigate and are useful when parking a five-metre long vehicle in Bucharest. The excellent head-up display helps the driver stay focused on the road, by offering information such as speed and navigation data.

Drive time

In road-handling, BMW is renowned for building cars that offer real driving pleasure, and the Germans have established some world first technologies, from four-wheel active steering that helps car manoeuverability at both low and high speed to the Drive Dynamic Control suspension, Dynamic Stability Control, Lane Departure and Lane Change warning functions.
The versions I test drove were the 730d diesel, fitted with a refined new 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, aluminium engine and the 750i petrol version fitted with a powerful V8 engine. The diesel is a fuel efficient and clean car for its size. This vehicle makes the most of the Efficient Dynamics technologies developed by BMW. This engine produces 245 horse power which takes the car from zero to 100 km/h in around seven seconds and a top speed of over 200 km/h. The fuel economy is officially 9.5 litres for urban cycle and 5.9 litres for 100 km on the highway and in real life the consumption figures are larger, but still reasonable for the size and performance of the car. In the 750, things change dramatically in terms of consumption as the powerful V8 delivers 407 horse power and 600 Nm of torque, taking the limo from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. BMW claims that the consumption figures average around 11 litres/ 100 km. but in real life the figure has to be adjusted. In Bucharest traffic the consumption reached easily 20 litres, but considering the league of the car and the balance between power and consumption the figure shouldn’t surprise.
The refined engines have excellent fuel economy due to BMW’s Efficient Dynamics, giving a great driving experience. Driver assistance features come as standard and the amount of tech packed into this car is impressive, as almost every control is digitised.
The suspension of the car can be set from a push of a button, from a sporty to a comfortable ride that allows the car to glide along potholes and bumps without strain. BMW officials claim that a few suspension adjustments will significantly transform the 7 Series’ handling at high speeds.
For clients considering this class of cars, the models to choose from are few. Mercedes and Lexus are both strong competitors, with Audi closely following with the A8. Each brand has its strong points. Although BMW claims it has built the ‘ultimate driving machine’, test the car to see if they are right. After all, in this area it’s all a matter of taste.


Vital statistics: BMW 7 Series

■ Price: 62,200 Euro + VAT for 730d up to 78,800 Euro + VAT for the 750 Li version.
■Engines on the tested versions:
3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel, in-line, variable turbocharger, commonrail injection, 245hp, 540Nm from 1,750rpm, 4.3- litre, V8 petrol engine, 407 hp, 600Nm from 1750 rpm
■ Performance of tested versions:
730d - 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds
750i - - 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds



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