Is The New BMW 750iL The New King of High Tech?

With only a few short weeks left until the new BMW 7-Series hits showroom floors, I thought it might be time to revisit the many technological advancements on this car and pose the question, is the new 7-Series the new King of high tech?

High tech.  What technologies really deserve to fall into this category?  There was a time when Xenon headlights and a 5-speed automatic was considered high tech, however those technologies are common place and we rarely bat an eye seeing those items included with a car.

First seen on the outgoing 7-Series, iDrive has been enhanced adding several more buttons to help make the process easier.  The addition of additional buttons seems counter-productive given the original concept of iDrive was to eliminate the number of buttons on the dashboard.

Lane change detection is new to the 7 as well, adding a vibrating steering wheel to alert the driver when danger is lurking.  This is something we have seen slowly making its way onto the market, is the system implemented by BMW better than the competition?

The list of high tech goes on and on for the new 7, but the question remains, is it enough to truly claim the crown of King of High Tech.  Lexus and Mercedes both field credible competitors, has BMW done enough to truly reshape the market?

Why not sound off with your thoughts, since the bar is constantly moving BMW along with Mercedes, Lexus and Audi are always in a constant state of pursuit.  The need to bring newer technologies to market demand the pursuit, has BMW done enough to wear the crown, if only for a while?

While you are commenting, why not check out the Porsche Museum Gallery.

Also, don't forget the ability to post directly from your mobile phone by sending your photos to mobile@AutoSpies.com

Anthony - 1/24/2009 11:43:44 PM

-1 Boost

First off, the 7 retains its crown as the King of ugly, for sure. Secondly, there is no one particular feature that is as noteworthy as was the Distronic Plus and NightView Assist in the S-Class, or self-parking in the LS. The one thing that could even remotely be considered noteworthy would be the internet.

WorldofLuxury - 1/25/2009 2:25:37 AM

-9 Boost

Fast internet that is worthy of using.

downtoearth - 1/25/2009 6:23:04 AM

+1 Boost

By no means is the Internet from inside of the new 7er noteworthy unless you want BMW fanboys flaming AutoSpies even when driving. Imagine the 24/7 mode for AmazinBimmer enabled... ||| By the way, the new Audi A8 will kill it.

Kthorn - 1/25/2009 1:27:46 PM

+2 Boost

DTE, +1 for your post, "BMW fanboys flaming AutoSpies even when driving", thats some funny $#!+.

Monk - 1/25/2009 1:00:14 AM

+2 Boost

I would not necessarily say so. The BMW comes with loads of gadgets and gizmos but is by no means the technological marvel of the current largest premium luxury sedans.

Chip - 1/25/2009 3:56:34 PM

-1 Boost

"no means the technological marvel of the current largest premium luxury sedans"

Care to explain why? Which car is more advanced?

_43LE - 1/25/2009 1:49:35 AM

-4 Boost

This car does nothing for me, give me a 1 series any day over the 7.

abcd - 1/25/2009 7:24:02 AM

+6 Boost

Pedestrian detection isn't any new technology. It is avaiable in Lexus LS [http://www.lexus.eu/range/ls/key-features/safety/safety-obstacle-detection.aspx] and it was first introduced in JDM Honda Legend [http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/13-4e.html]. The only new driver aid in new 7 series is upgraded adaptive front lights but this is also avaiable in e.g. new Opel Insignia. Maybe also road signs recognition where they find another object recognition function for CCD camera but CCD camera has been used for a long time to detect various objects(road lanes for example -[http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/13-5e.html]) and new Opel Insignia also has road sign recognition aid. Concluding, the only new technologies in new 7 series that I find are integrated owner`s manual in i-drive and internet.

DaHarder - 1/25/2009 2:26:39 AM

+3 Boost

BMW should know more than any other vehicle manufacturer that technology simply for technology's sake (iDrive anyone?) is not necessarily progress...

S4cabriofoxone - 1/25/2009 3:50:17 PM

-2 Boost

The internet is a gimmick? What are you smoking? Soon enough every luxury car will have it.

ghosthunter - 1/25/2009 7:51:17 PM

+2 Boost

you know, even last get Acura TL can link to a internet enabled cellphone and get to acuralink. granted, it doesn't allow you to surf the internet, but it is not that hard to do a mod.

and seriously, from marking point of view, doesn't it make more sense to have a car talk to the cellphone, which functions like a modem, than having a car carry a wireless/3G card?

rxbkrs - 1/25/2009 7:01:40 AM

-2 Boost

I do like the engineering of this car.

Jaybrn - 1/25/2009 9:55:51 AM

+4 Boost

Perhaps not in the Tech but I think the it will retain "King of Performance" title as the sportiest large sedan on the market, we'll have to see how Mercedes but especially Audi responds with their next generation of cars

Yonder7 - 1/25/2009 10:44:52 AM

0 Boost

Mercedes Benz is not gona change its character just because the 7 is sportier. Second, I like the new interior of the 7, it is not old, It was designed to look classic and it is very nice and pinpointed for an specific buyer thatt prefer something conservative..the car is great.

TECHGEEK - 1/25/2009 11:54:59 AM

+3 Boost

The 3 cars are simply in a class of their own :-

The 7 wins in driving dynamics hands down and has to be the fastest - That Biturbo V8 makes well over 400bhp and it has likely has the best handling.

The LS has the most comfort and luxury features along with buttery smoothness.

The S-Class has that aura and class which others simply cannot match. Afterall who invented the car ?

So, it is rather simple to make a choice. Why do peeps

TECHGEEK - 1/25/2009 11:56:56 AM

-1 Boost

Continuing........Why do peeps make an issue of which one is better overall.
They aim at totally different type of buyers.
Simple question - If you love to drive fast and want great handling, would you buy the Lexus ?

BarackBush - 1/25/2009 12:08:31 PM

+1 Boost

I think BMW made it look better and its clear it has some great tech, including the internet option. However from a technology standpoint, its hard to beat the Lexus LS 600h L. I mean it has pretty much everything the 7 has plus hybrid power and AWD.

Both are superb though and kudos to BMW for updating the 7!

Chip - 1/25/2009 1:19:07 PM

+2 Boost

I think this car is utterly amazing. Name another car with the following: Night Vision, Active Cruise, Front Side Camera's, Black Panel Dash, Head Up Display, Advanced Front Lighting, Internet, Adjustable Suspension, Speed Limit Detection, Satellite/USB/Smartphone/HD Radio, Google, Rear Bluetooth Phone, new iDrive etc.

Not to mention a direct Injection 400hp twin turbo V8 with decent fuel economy

Call me crazy, but I'd take this over the S-class and A8 in a heartbeat.

Kthorn - 1/25/2009 1:42:55 PM

+1 Boost

I think 1UAW nailed it, it looks like a Japanese car trying to be a German car. Over the years BMW has had some very inspiring designs, this ain't one of them. It seems in an attempt to de-Bangle the new 7 series, BMW went a little too far. I will concede this though, (as I have changed my mind many times in the past) in BMW's defense, this may be one of those cars that is handome in person, but for some reason, you just can't capture the same essence in print.

Milton - 1/25/2009 2:16:56 PM

-3 Boost

Can anyone tell me how many the new 7 series BMW sold in Europe especially compared to Mercedes S-Class since November?

VISO - 1/25/2009 9:21:39 PM

+2 Boost

I cannot tell you how many of the new 7-Series where sold in Europe, but through November of 2008 here is how the premium marquees stack up.

Europe by Sales, 11 Months:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 16126
Audi A8 Series: 8473
BMW 7-Series: 7171
Lexus LS: 1667
Jaguar XJ: 2098
------------------------------------------------------------
Source: ANE

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/25/2009 4:43:19 PM

-1 Boost

I perfer pithy and orignal comments. So I guess we both lose.

BMWGino - 1/25/2009 4:47:54 PM

-18 Boost

I prefer the 7 series, so much better than anything else, and it like makes you look really cool an hip too! LOL.

AdHominem - 1/26/2009 4:34:44 PM

+6 Boost

LexusBeautyQueen and BMWGino are both obvious trolls with nothing better to do with their lives than waste it saying point bullsh!t on Autospies. If you two idiots truly want to waste your lives then at least try to be funny. There is no wit or intelligence to anything either of you say.

richard112360 - 1/25/2009 5:07:35 PM

+2 Boost

What's the point, all this high tech stuff and half the time it does not work especially on the High end German Luxury cars. A family member has an 8 month old 6 series Bimmer and the climate control system is on the fritz. Dealers are still try to figure out what wrong with it. I guarantee you wouldn't find this kinda a problem in a Lexus.

3pointstar - 1/25/2009 5:53:14 PM

+1 Boost

I thought BMWs were supposed to be driver's cars, not techno geek cars. What's with all the facy electronics that just adds weight? BTW, this new design looks like a warmed over Lexus LS460.

autopro - 1/25/2009 6:03:08 PM

+2 Boost

It did win most towed vehicle.

neutral - 1/25/2009 6:35:52 PM

+1 Boost

So many gadgets/technology, such a sweet car. I'm not a BMW fan, but they do make a damn good car. Kind of scares me though, so much techology in cars nowadays (even the cheap ones) that if anything goes wrong..... its a nightmare to fix.

cococo - 1/25/2009 6:58:32 PM

+4 Boost

The interior had better be chock-full of high-tech stuff, because the exterior sure as heck isn't going to sell the car!

M53R - 1/25/2009 7:14:39 PM

+5 Boost

You haters just confuse me. 1st of all, BMW brings the 2002 745Li to the market, and it gets bashed by everyone saying its way too aggressive and has way too many flaming surfaces. Then BMW comes out with this beauty, and all of you complain its too boring and too conservative. Its true that you can never satisfy everyone!!!

This car might not have something super "cool", but it surely has every gadget out there in one package.

Ricks2Dogs - 1/25/2009 7:29:19 PM

+4 Boost

Hit or miss for BMW...anyone's guess. The look of the car is far and away more important than techno. improvements. We know they'll drive awesomely. Sometimes their redo's are immediate winners: 3 Series, Z4, and some take a while: 5 Series, X5. But in the end, I think this 7 Series will be a winner.

W140Fan - 1/25/2009 11:29:52 PM

+2 Boost

The new 750iL takes the crown by way of its FlexRay controller network. BMW has started a completely new game.

DPA687 - 1/26/2009 12:17:48 AM

+1 Boost

The new E-Class will have quite a bit of technology available: Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Distronic Plus with PRE-SAFE Brake (autonomous emergency braking), Speed Limit Assist, Parktronic with parking guidance, newest COMAND generation, PRE-SAFE with 11 airbags, Drive-Dynamic Multicontour seats with massage, heating, and ventilation, AIRMATIC suspension...Certainly a contender.

TauronB2G - 1/26/2009 12:41:09 AM

0 Boost

The tech stuff in the new BMW is just okay to me. I think its a bit of overkill but it seems like all the big makers are getting into microchip swinging contest soo fine. My issue with this car is the front end. The grills are waaaaaay too big. Its like a beauty queen with a beard!!! The interior is definitely a step in the right direction and the engine as usual is a monster. They just need to give it a nose job and then it'll be okay.
T

medrad - 1/26/2009 4:41:51 AM

+1 Boost

There is no king of high tech in auto industry...every manifacturer has it's valuable additions to the seince and technology(except the koreans offcourse).
what is the point of buying a high tech car that is ugly to look at like this bimmer?

AlexTx - 1/26/2009 10:05:29 AM

+1 Boost

This new 7 boasts a lot of cool technology, but I would just like to remind every one that the Audi A8 was the first car in it's class almost 3 years ago to offer Lane Assist (Lane departure system) and Side Assist (blind spot system)...
Just makes you think how incredible the new A8 will be...
The 7 will still outsell the A8 in the States, but world wide, the A8 will be on top again.
BTW, this new 7 is MUCH better looking than the outgoing model!!

abcd - 1/26/2009 5:18:38 PM

0 Boost

AlexTx:"but I would just like to remind every one that the Audi A8 was the first car in it's class almost 3 years ago to offer Lane Assist (Lane departure system) and Side Assist (blind spot system)" ----- No it wasn't.

formula666 - 1/26/2009 12:00:20 PM

0 Boost

No doubt, this will be an amazing vehicle! I just got done reading the brochure for it, and it seems like a lot of the stuff they tout as their ideas were actually ideas we have seen from other manufacturers. They just call it something different. What DID stand out to me was the optional four-wheel turning and steering assist that comes with the Sport Package. This could have real life benefits in the form of negotiating this big, expensive beast into tight parking spaces. Also, kudos to BMW for raising the bar as far as horsepower and torque (450 maximum, available right off the bat at 1800rpms). You'd have to just be a hater to not appreciate that this sucka's gonna be FAST!!!!! - F666

sector - 1/26/2009 3:02:42 PM

-2 Boost

More technology is the last thing BMW needs... they still can't even get comfort access to work properly, i.e., open/locking doors when you "want" it to, hell they even have trouble making the window go up and down properly.

LJ745 - 1/26/2009 8:41:26 PM

+1 Boost

You idiots don't know what sells cars. The majority of you could not afford to buy this car and a good deal of you have probably never been in one. Cars are sold on a gut level and then the amenities are used to weed them out. In other words, if you like the car the only way you are not going to buy it is if it is missing something essential you need (like GPS, heated seats, whatever you deem essential). In this class, the 7 is the most appealing of all the offerings. It is the best balanced, most aggressive car with all the right technology. People will ike the car and will not have to settle for it missing something.

ubercool - 1/27/2009 2:28:31 PM

-2 Boost

BMW is more like the King of tossers!!!

bimmerMeister999 - 1/27/2009 7:09:05 PM

0 Boost

I have to say that this 7 isn't very photogenic, but I am sure that it looks stunning in real life. The way all BMWs are sculpted makes them look so beautiful on the road. Toyo... I mean Lexus's on the other hand, all look so cheap and tacky in real life.

VISO - 1/28/2009 12:06:37 PM

-2 Boost

Saw it at the LA Auto show. The proportions are strange and the hood too high. Not a real stunner. Interior not impressive for this class. But it will sell as it the great posser mobile.

Krazeeddd - 1/28/2009 2:10:34 PM

-1 Boost

Just what BMW needs (to keep dealer service departments busy) more electronics. The Prince of Darkness, a resident of Germany for about a decade now, must be jumping for joy.

mpls - 1/28/2009 3:08:47 PM

0 Boost

Lane departure system was doen by Honda in japan before even Audi and BMW,

chapans - 1/29/2009 12:32:59 PM

-1 Boost

BMW should concentrate on how the car handles and drives," Ultimate DRIVING Machine"...and worry less about the lastest gadget. Its essentially evolving into a Lexus. They should emmulate high end sport cars like Ferrari and Porsche who minimize the extra crap in the car.