BMW 7 Series 2008 Review

These images, released this morning in Europe, reveal a less confronting design than the previous model. That edition of the 7 Series was the first to bear the mark of style-meister Chris Bangle, whose design gambits appear to be present mainly about the car's rear. The latest generation appears to have acquired a more streamlined shape, if not quite so “sporty” as some pundits had forecast.

This is crucial in reducing drag _ a central tenet in BMW's much-touted efficient dynamics philosophy, which in the past decade has seen the German marque reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent across its passenger vehicle line-up.

Most important is the latest range of engines, of which the bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 is the star with its 300kW and 600Nm.

Yet for all its output, BMW claim consumption in combined conditions of 11.4litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100km and emission of 266 grams of CO2 per kilometre _ figures that compare favourably with locally-produced six-cylinder family cars and make an Aussie bent eight seem Jurassic.

The sedan version of the 7 Series accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds and the bigger limo wouldn't be far behind.

The other engine available from launch is an enhanced version of the award-winning bi-turbo 3.0-litre inline six, boosted to 240kW and 450Nm. This engine moves the 740i from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, uses 9.9L/100km on the European combined cycle while emitting 232g/km of CO2.

All engines are Euro V compliant - appreciably greener than any Australian government requirements. The others in the 7 Series are designated 740i and 750i, with the 140mm longer wheelbase versions called 740Li and 750Li.

All models have a six-speed automatic transmission with an electronic gear selector and power going through the rear wheels. Lately BMW's steering, with and without active steering, has been criticised. The integral active steering system makes its debut as an option on the hydraulic rack-and-pinion set-up of the 7 Series.

BMW says that this applies active steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering. Dynamic damping control and dynamic driving control are standard. The dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map, are varied by the dynamic driving control button on the centre console. This offers comfort, normal and sports settings. A special traction mode and sports+ setting with reduced or deactivated DSC control is available for owners and chaffeurs who fancy pushing on a bit.

The 7 Series is the most driver orientated car in its class and the newcomer is likely to continue in this vein, despite the continued handicap of run-flat tyres. Against the harsh riding boots there is an updated air suspension system.

BMW makes much of the weight-saving measures. The roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are made of aluminium, while aluminium pressure-cast suspension supports at the front, and a final drive with an aluminium housing, work towards keeping overall weight as low as possible. The engines are also aluminium.

The Bavarians have persisted with the iDrive multimedia system, known even to the more polite critics as “bloody iDrive”. The mildly revised system is here given a larger display with high-resolution graphics and a better menu structure. Like more recent Bimmers it gets direct selection buttons.

The latest 7 Series makes its international debut later this year and arrives locally in 2009. Further pricing, specification and information for Australia will follow closer to launch, although prices should start from about $185,000.