What we have in this latest generation — the fifth — is a car that has been completely recovered from the excesses of the Bangle styling of 2002. Now it is both smooth and sporty, the latter apt as the performance of this car really does belie its size. The details include a larger kidney grille that does add character to the front end. Very distinctive LED running lights and an intriguing ‘lid’ style to the main glass make for rather funky headlights.
Overall the long coupe look is very pleasing, and the rear trunk deck is much smoother than before.
Unique gadgets like the optional front end side-view cameras are at the least intriguing. These take a bit of getting used to, but are handy when nosing out of streets or driveways with obstructed visibility ... they show you the views up and down on the street before you have to go very far out. Actually quite useful.
There’s also a system that can read traffic speed limit signs and display a warning of the right speed on your instrumentation.
The car also has a four-wheel steering system that makes it much more nimble than might be expected.
The new car is bigger than its predecessor, but significantly more efficient. The new inline six diesel has 6 percent more power than the predecessor engine, yet it uses 10 percent less fuel and rates an accompanying cut in CO2 emissions. In addition to better engines, a weight saving of 55kg was achieved and yet the car is stiffer. Aluminium is used on the roof, doors, front wings and bonnet.
My direct experience so far has been with that 730d, the entry model but not any less desirable for that. At a relatively frugal 7.2 L/100km, it nevertheless punches up the road at a pace to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds ... a rather neat symmetry of figures. CO2 is 192g/km, very respectable for something of this size and performance.
Right, it perhaps isn’t PC to laud large cars these days. But if you look at how BMW particularly is working to making its products more suitable to these eco-sensitive times, you have to give them full applause for this latest 7 Series.
Keep it up. Somebody does appreciate it.
Brian Byrne.
(A more complete version of this appeared in the print edition of Car+Travel.)
