Test Drive: The New BMW 7-Series

This very smart car is a funhouse of automotive technology. But does any of it make driving easier?

By Lawrence Ulrich Posted 05.12.2009 at 12:40 pm 6 Comments

Gadget Mobile The thoroughly tricked-out 2009 BMW 750i Courtesy BMW of North America

When even an $18,000 Honda offers a navigation system, an $81,000 luxury sedan has to work harder to impress. For BMW’s 7-Series, the techno lures include computer-enhanced performance from the twin-turbocharged V8 and enough gizmos to equip the cockpit of the Starship Enterprise. We spent more than 1,000 miles testing and grading the 750i.

Our conclusion: It, along with its sibling, the long-wheelbase 750Li, ditches the silly-gadget overload for technology that actually makes driving safer and more fun. Some fancy bits, such as the Pedestrian Detection system, remain undercooked or unsatisfying. Where it counts, though—in power, handling, and the navigation and multimedia systems—the technology makes this a BMW worth every penny.

See our point-by-point review.

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6 Comments

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antoine0387

05/12/09 at 5:45 pm

The description for the High Beam Assist is the same as the engines description. What do the high beams assist?

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therealjbob

05/12/09 at 11:35 pm

The high beam assist just turns on/off the high beam for oncoming traffic and certain road conditions. Doesn't seem to innovative to me, my old 93' Lincoln Towncar had something similar.

To the author, you may have had a better experience with the night vision set-up had the test car had the heads-up-display option.

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Dublin992233

05/15/09 at 8:59 pm

Seems like the night vision screen could just pop up on the dash board above the speedometer...or even pop up so that it's in front of the windshield for the driver. This way you can look at your speedometer, look at the nightvision screen and look at the road ahead all in a up down motion.

Anyway sure that will be configured soon enough.

Now if they could just make it 200 mpg.

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kavin

05/24/09 at 5:34 am

I was waiting for the new series of BMW cars.Now the new series of BMW car in the market so I want to buy this multifunctional car.

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kavin

motorcycle transport

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sgCarMart

03/21/10 at 9:28 pm

I like the Honda's very much and always offer great value for money, however if I were in the market for a luxury vehicle such as this BMW you and I know that the BMW would be on the top of our selection. The BMW badge is just as impressive as the comfortable, safe, yet always sexy car. This model is no exception. BMW have continued to provide the upper market with a car that is big on performance not necessarily all the gadgets that other manufactures include to give their vehicles an air of being clever.

Vincent
www.mycarforum.com

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yash24

11/02/10 at 5:05 am

If we see it's positive points then, it has unparalleled handling and brisk acceleration. The driving Dynamics Control system allows owner to adjust car from a luxury cruiser to a sporty performance car. User-friendly cabin electronics include a drastically improved iDrive system.

But in this car all-wheel drive not available, which is disappointing at this price. And it lacks the sumptuous luxury appointments of some rivals.

www.carsbyownerinusa.com

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