The forward-thinking flagship is now less controversial and—surprise—more user-friendly. While the new fifth-generation 7-series continues to be BMW’s technological pacesetter—it gets even more high-tech features such as variable suspension damping, rear-wheel steering, night vision with pedestrian detection, and side-view cameras—the real buzz at its introduction was BMW’s backpedaling away from some of the previous big car’s, uh, “breakthroughs.” Last time around, for the 2002 model, BMW thoroughly shuffled the ergonomics of the 7-series, switching the shifter from the center console to a newfangled lever on the steering column, as well as moving the seat controls to the center console and programming them as some sort of demented test of logic. Both items have now been returned to their previous locations. Furthermore, the most controversial piece of technology, iDrive, with its multifunction central control knob that has been copied to varying degrees by Mercedes, Audi, and Honda, has been completely overhauled. In fact, continuing to call it iDrive is almost an insult to its vastly improved control strategy. There’s no more convoluted nudging of the knob in one of eight directions to choose a submenu; now you scroll straightforwardly through a list and click to select. Shortcut buttons surrounding the knob ease the acclimation process, and the climate controls have been removed from iDrive altogether. Full Story: 2009 BMW 750i / 750Li / 7-series - Second Drive/Luxury Sedans/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver M
Car and Driver has lost its mojo. It's not the great mag it used to be in the late 90ies. I'm sure the new 7 will loose in their next shootout to the Lexus LS... I think they just don't get the idea of a big BMW, wether it's the X5/ X6 or 6/7 series. For Csere and it's buddies, these cars are too far from the core values of the brand. On the other hand, they're just crazy with the 3 series...
Ever since the official photos were released, I've always been a bit 'iffy' on the size and shape of the 7er's new twin-kidney grille. I never thought it was ugly, but it just didn't seem totally cohesive with the rest of the front fascia of the car. But this picture has absolutely sold me on the new grille! The front is just perfect now. A well thought-out blend of sophistication, elegance, and aggression. Amazing proportions all-round!
I guess a flagship like this don't necessarily need to naturally or instantly look good, presence is a big thing and grilles like this is probably the best presence you can put on a BMW.
Still not to sure about the 7-er! Have to see it in real life before I make any decision! But it does look amazing in darker colours:bowdown:
Tell that to all those who moaned and groaned and petitioned for Bangle's head on the chopping block when the E65 7er debuted years ago. I think BMW's learnt that it still does need to look good.. but there's something about BMWs now. They don't instantly look perfect, but as you see more photos and then finally lay eyes on one on the road or at the dealer, suddenly everything makes sense and you understand the car's styling. It's like you notice a small new design element each time you look at the 7er. Always fascinating, always engaging... never boring.
From an MB man. This is a pretty car. Thank goodness they got rid of the gimmicky styling. I hope MB does the same with the next S-class. I'm over the fender flares. The interior looks much improved, with better materials and better lay out. of course that's not saying much. I always thought the 7 interior was a disaster. The question is will it be intuitive. Even the most recent I-drive I played around with in a 335 was way behind. BMW was to use those quirky icons on buttons that no one understands. Removing climate control from I-drive is a smart move. I hope MB does the same. exterior wise, the side view is very powerful and unapologetic in a good way. The front grill, lights and damn are unimaginative, but attractive.
Are we talking about the second generation I-drive here? Plus you don't need to touch the I-drive to change the climate controls at all. I said that probably 5 or 6 years ago, still standing by it. The climate control here on the 7er is no different than it was to the E65 or 3er... or to any other car that's been equipped with Idrive
I haven't read a single complaint regarding the new generation I-drive in any review at all. Some even says its just as easy as MMI. BMW did their homework this time. I wonder if the M-drive (for the M3) is getting any updates as well.
(Models that won’t be sold in the U.S.—at least not initially—are the 740i/740Li with a more powerful, 322-hp version of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter six and the 730d with its new 241-hp, 3.0-liter diesel.) Interesting engine choices.. 322hp from a 3.0liter is impressive. The 730d also sounds good but I read in the October Issue of Road@Track that BMW is introducing a 265hp with a monster 425lb-ft torque rating bi-turbo 6-cylinder diesel in the 3-series. The 7er should get this engine as well. It`s really looking like the 760Li is dead. It`s not even available in europe from this article. BMW is pulled the plug on it.
Last 760i didnt come from the start either, it took some time so give the new 760i some time as well. 760i wont be their biggest seller, thats the 750i so there are no rush with a V12 just yet. There is talk about a 760i getting V12 twinturbo with 544hp/800nm. 730i 3.0 R6 210kW/286PS 400Nm Twin Turbo 740i 3.0 R6 240kW/326PS 450Nm Twin Turbo 750i 4.4 V8 300kW/407PS 600Nm Twin Turbo 760i 6.0 V12 400kW/544PS 800Nm Twin Turbo 730d 3.0 R6 180kW/245PS 540Nm Turbo 735d 3.0 R6 220kW/299PS 600Nm Twin Turbo 745d 3.0 R6 260kW/354PS 700Nm Tri Turbo
7er will not get (or rather, did not get. Maybe in the future) the 3.0 TT diesel because buyers are quite satisfied with the regular 3.0 single turbo 245 hp diesel. 760i/Li with twin turbo V12 and around 540 hp will arrive somewhere in 2009. On the spy pics you will recognise it because of the quad tailpipes. I've looked for ages but I finally found a pic of it, it's even made by Cawimmer right in the heart of Munich. Looking for so long was worth it though, because you seem to always say there will not be a new V12 7er....it's like you're hoping it or something....:t-hands: Anyways, the F02 V12 760Li with quad pipes: Scott's comment on the pic:
So where are you guys getting this info.. BMW sure is being a bit quiet about the 760. If indeed BMW revives it with those numbers thats really going to be crazy fast, If the HP wars are over at AMG (and M) thay indeed pick up in the normal models.
My eyes basicly. What do you think those quad pipes are for? For fun? And the 760 will be the top version 7er. No M version is planned. So Mercedes has more hp with the S65....BMW isn't racing them, and the car will not be as crazy fast as the S65
lOl, I almost like the ones` on the 750i better. Anyways I`m glad the 760 will make a come back! This will keep MB on their toes for sure!
I don't know, put some things like brake energy regeneration and other fuel saving tech on it, increase the boost pressure a bit, maybe bore out the engine a bit (it's 'only' 5,5 liter, for a V12. The BMW already has a 6.0) and you make 550 instead of 517 hp and save maybe even on fuel....
544hp/800 nm is more than enough. You dont have to be the most powerful. Besides MB have always had the strongest engines so what else is new.
