If I had to pick a 'most controversial car' during my driving lifetime the last BMW 7-Series may not win the award outright but it would SURE be one of the finalists.
The combination of it's polarizing design elements (I'm sure being nice here aren't I?), the great idea of multi-function iDrive system that went down in editorial flames because of one of the worst software interfaces in technological history and the MISERABLE reliability of the internal electronics, would all be listed as attributes of why it should be a most controversial car winner.
And if ANYONE should know, it should be me because I PERSONALLY owned an 02, 03 AND an 04 745li.
2009 BMW 7-Series USA Press Launch Photo Gallery
2009 BMW 7-Series European Press Launch Photo Gallery
TWO of the three ended up being manufacturer buybacks and although the 04 was much better than the 02, it was FAR from perfect.
And to add insult to injury the 7 was the ONLY car I had EVER bought in my illustrious car buying adventures where I really disliked the exterior design.
So WHY did I buy them?
Because NONE of the competition drove anywhere close to as good as the 7.
The S-Class drove softer and also had electronic issues, the LS was too boring and soft for my taste even though it was the most reliable and affordable and the A8 was too conservative on the outside and didn't handle as light or as nimble as the 7.
So I'm ECSTATIC to report to you that the NEW 2009 BMW 7-Series is back with a vengeance and has raised bar to an all new level, in this highly competitive space.
The Spies attended the USA, 7-Series, Rolls-Royce and MINI Convertible press launch this week in San Diego, so here is my review.
First of all, the exterior design is world's better in my opinion although still not as styled and pretty as an LS OR an S-Class.
But in today's world I believe that's a good thing.
I'm feeling a trend that the buyers in this market are getting younger and they prefer an Angelina Jolie to a Paris Hilton style.
More Tomb Raider vs. The Real Housewives of Orange County.
And the 7 fits the bill better than any other car in this segment because it doesn't ride down the street saying I'm prettier or richer than you, it says don't 'F' with me or you'll regret it.
It's not a poser design, it has a purposeful, athletic, serious and stealth look.
Although, the right tuner could SEMA-fy it and could pose with the best of them.
But only if you WANTED it to.
And BEST of all, the afterthought trunk lid is ancient history and the new one says Classic BMW.
Anything about the exterior I don't like?
From certain angles I like the new Lexus LS-Style rear taillights and from others I don't.
Maybe they'll grow on me..
Yeah, you heard it right, it's the first German car in my opinion that has imitated an Asian rear design versus the Asians mimicking the Germans.
And I'm NOT crazy about that but I understand why.
This is a WORLD car and the Asian/Russian markets are growing, so you need to please ALL the customers, not just us Americans.
So I give the exterior design an A-.
But on the inside it's a whole different story.
The new interior and it's capabilities and the way they've been implemented BLOW the others away.
It has been improved from the previous car and is now the best of breed in virtually every single way.
From materials to electronics.
Need to search the nav DVD for a business name and get directions?
FORGET it in the last 7.
Took FOREVER even if you could figure it out how to do it.
But in the 09' it's a 10 second, pleasurable experience.
The screen looks like an HDTV and had the best capabilities and and graphics of any nav system in a production car.
It's an odd place for the Asian car guys to be in but their electronics are now in 2nd place compared to this.
Stuck in traffic?
Press the button on the steering wheel and you have the BEST active cruise system in the world with STOP AND GO capability.
The heads-up display is also a must have option...this one is the best ever and you can adjust the height now.
The seats are the most comfortable and have heating/cooling/massage.
Next Gen Night vision, rear DVD, lane departure, all-around camera, iPod integration, it's got it all.
But the highlight is the new iDrive (get the Ceramic option if you order it. Feels like moving the bezel on a Panerai vs. adjusting the volume on a Technics stereo.)
THIS is how iDrive SHOULD have worked.
And the SPEED of rear camera, dvd search etc. is wicked fast.
The way it should be on a car that crosses the 100k plateau.
I give the interior design a solid 'A'.
Thought the last 7 drove well?
Well you ain't seen NOTHING yet.
The new 7 simply has the best 8 cylinder engine in the world and handles more like an M5 than a 7.
That is IF you have the sport package option that includes the optional suspension modes.
I you LIKE to drive, DO NOT order one without it.
Any negatives in the drive?
Well, my last 7's got around 19.5 MPG in the city and around 23.5 on the highway.
The best I've done on the 09' is 15.8 city and 20.5 highway.
Do I smell a more efficient tranny in the offing with more than 6-speeds?
Would probably do a heck of a lot for the mileage ratings.
Driving experience gets an 'A+'.
Another hard pill to swallow is when you configure it right, it lists for around $110k!
The Spies have just added a 2009 7 to our long term testing fleet thanks to BMW and I'm sure the mileage will improve as it breaks in and we will let you know every step of the way as we will have our 7 for a year to thoroughly test it.
Here is the exact configuration of our tester:
2009 BMW 750li
475 - Black Sapphire Metallic, NACX - Oyster and Black Nappa Leather
ZCP – Camera Package
ZCV - Convenience Package
ZTP - Technology Package
ZLS - Luxury Seating Package
ZPS – Premium sound
ZRP - Rear Seat Entertainment
2ST – 19” Wheels
4ND – Instrument Panel w/ leather
5Dp – ACC w/ Stop & Go
610 – Head-up Display
655 – Satellite Tuner (SDARS)
6UK- Nightvision w/ object detection
4U1 – Ceramic Package
--$106,420--
My 04' 7 had virtually EVERY option including ACC and topped out around $89k.
Conclusion:
In just the few days I've had it, I can tell you it is without question, the BEST luxury sedan in this class, although we're hearing the next A8 may have something to say about that very soon.
Plain and simple, the new 7 is heaven.
You will NOT be disappointed.
2009 BMW 7-Series Bottom Line
The Good:
Design and capabilities have been improved in every single, solitary way. ALL cars wish they drove like this. Drives smaller and more sporty than it is. Most technologically advanced luxo-sedan on earth. Stop and Go Active cruise absolutely to die for especially if you live where there is a lot of traffic. Best 8 Cylinder engine in history with ZERO turbo lag. Best car interior in the class. Electronics deliver unequaled safety protection. 001 says if you buy one you will LOVE it! THIS is luxury and sport at its best.
The Bad:
Initial mileage less than last generation car, Exterior design not for everyone, finicky comfort access system, Unproven service history.
The Ugly:
Since when did an 8-Cylinder 7 cost more than a hundred grand loaded? Current economic conditions may hamper sales goal for this car.
Remember, if YOU have photos you want published, email them from your cellphone, digital camera or pc to mobile@autospies.com
Enjoy the absolute best photo galleries of the new 7!
2009 BMW 7-Series USA Press Launch Photo Gallery
2009 BMW 7-Series European Press Launch Photo Gallery