Raising the bar. 2009 BMW 7 series test drive.

This review is based on a single day of driving on BMW's handling track. BMW has invariably had the best-handling premium sport sedan on the market and this one raises the bar further. Meanwhile, BMW has addressed two issues that may have been turnoffs for potential buyers. The design that was toned down with the 2006 E65 refresh is now less polarizing with a completely new design. Inside, iDrive has been reworked to be more intuitive, the climate control has been removed from iDrive entirely, and the odd column shifter has been replaced by a somewhat less odd console shifter, although it has a few quirks of its own. For those who love technology, BMW matches and raises Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus. For those who don't, much of the technology is optional or, like the suspension, completely unobtrusive if you never touch the DDC button. BMW has another winner.
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golfer38 - 9/18/2008 1:46:26 PM

+13 Boost

It sure does seem mighty impressive as far as drivability and technology goes evn though it seems a little conservative design wise.

SanJoseDriver - 9/18/2008 2:04:03 PM

-4 Boost

Conservative? Looks straight up boring... but then again which cars that size don't. Most people buying this car are probably over 50, so I'm sure it looks good enough for its intended market. Can't expect it to look as good as a 3 series.

maxpnts - 9/18/2008 2:35:19 PM

-3 Boost

bmw design is going backwards! and that sucks!

528i - 9/18/2008 4:26:04 PM

+2 Boost

hey 1995e34 take that back, the e39 was BMW best 5ser.

528i - 9/18/2008 5:00:46 PM

+1 Boost

Have ever seen an M5 or 540i with M pakage. its better looking than the e34 and e60 for sure.

JRobUSC - 9/18/2008 6:28:03 PM

+3 Boost

"back to the worst bmw design (style-wise)ever: the e39"

1) I don't see a single thing on this car that looks like the E39, and

2) the E39 is revered almost universally as one of the most attractive sedans BMW has ever made. If there's some E39 in the new 7-Series, and again I don't see it, most people won't have a problem with that.

carE10 - 9/18/2008 2:39:17 PM

+9 Boost

Very impressive a full size sedan that can drift..awesome!

bigTYME - 9/18/2008 6:16:14 PM

-1 Boost

The class leader is the S-class, and it has always been. Sure BMW makes great cars, but for some reason I don't like any of their bigger cars. It's just not what a BMW should be. Likewise, I don't like any of the smaller cars Mercedes makes.
This is the best looking 7 since the E38 though.

ghosthunter - 9/18/2008 3:57:09 PM

-4 Boost

i really thought that was a Lexus ES until i read the title.

take a look for yourself.
http://bp3.blogger.com/_69A5hotwPJc/SAV59l1SL3I/AAAAAAAAAow/IWO8rSBAJ8g/s400/Lexus+Es+350+02.JPG

theoptimisticpessimist - 9/18/2008 4:54:35 PM

+6 Boost

"the 7 series has been the biggest loser BMWhas ever had"

WRONG

The current 7er is the best selling 7 ever produced.

maxpnts - 9/18/2008 4:23:32 PM

-1 Boost

the 7 still looks a little wierd. Past 7's i thought were better design wise. they were lustfull the lust has gone. there great car but not lustfull:(

Dr550 - 9/18/2008 5:42:28 PM

+6 Boost

I was invited to preview new BMW 5-series in Long Beach, CA. Many elements of 7 series present. Bangle rear-end is gone, headlights look better, side crease along body is back, and interior looks similiar to X5. GT concept hood also present, ala Jaguar XF. Overall very good looking. Looks like missing link to 2003 5-series.

QuantumMatrix - 9/18/2008 7:16:54 PM

+4 Boost

Teknik,

The Lexus LS looks and performs like a POS compared to the ANY BMW.

BMW spanks all the other car companies BUTTS when it comes to technology and performance.

Who wants an overpriced Toyota Avalon aka Lexus LS when you can have the very best performance and luxury machine, the BMW 7 series.

Jaybrn - 9/18/2008 7:23:07 PM

+4 Boost

Dr 550,
Were any of the TT V-8 cars there to drive?

Dr550 - 9/19/2008 3:05:31 AM

+4 Boost

No test drives allowed. It was a evaluation between Lexus GS, Mercedes E-class, BMW 5 (2008), vs. new 2010 5-series. Interior, exterior, etc. Grill is also larger. Striking looks. The new 5 will be a hit.

ExarSadow11 - 9/18/2008 8:28:08 PM

-2 Boost

ok does anyone else think that with that sticker covering its line it looks like G35 almost in the pic... except for the back of the car just the side and front mostly from this angle? i thought so but hey i could be crazy!

BJS470 - 9/18/2008 8:46:27 PM

+2 Boost

don't get ur blood pressure up now, just calm down

quizz - 9/18/2008 10:02:49 PM

+3 Boost

Between the Audi, MB and Lexus, I'd buy the BMW based on style alone. The MB already looks dated due to its oddball "modern" stylings (hello bangle butt) and the Audi has never been about "style", just function over form. And the Lexus? People buy it for reliability but not for looks.

Designer1 - 9/19/2008 6:45:56 AM

+1 Boost

This new 7 series will finally take away the shame the current 7 series put on BMW. This design is much cleaner and makes sense.

E36er - 9/21/2008 1:28:27 AM

+1 Boost

Ughh. I don't know if the new 7 is the handy work of Bangle or Hooydonk but it's very ugly. The nose is too big, perhaps due to european pedestrian regulations? I thought I would never say this but the Lexus LS is better looking than the new 7. What's up Bayerische Motoren Werke, didn't you learn from the last 7?

cls550 - 9/21/2008 10:56:15 AM

+1 Boost

This car raises no bar. People want luxury and ride quality from a big luxury car and this is where 7 series lag behind the S class.

Jaybrn - 9/21/2008 4:59:09 PM

+1 Boost

The S class did nail that comparison between the LS, Audi A8, and S550 but things will get interesting with the new 7 series and whenever Audi dusts off their a8 replacement