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Gallery: BMW 7-Series

The new BMW 7-series is a funhouse of automotive technology. But does any of it make driving easier?

By Lawrence Ulrich Posted 5.12.09 at 12:37 pm 5 Comments

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Engine
Courtesy BMW of North America
Grade: A
With direct fuel injection and two turbochargers nestled efficiently between the "V" of the cylinder banks, a new 4.4-liter V8 produces 400 horsepower. It also generates a prodigious 450 pound-feet of torque, more than BMW’s 6-liter V12. The engine hurtles the 750i from 0 to 60 mph in an improbable 5.1 seconds, yet it’s quiet and civilized in everyday driving.
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Controls
Courtesy BMW of North America
Grade: A
The rotary iDrive knob that manages navigation and other functions—and once made even basic radio tuning complicated—is suddenly intuitive. The fourth-generation iDrive banishes buried submenus and illogical functions. Old-fashioned buttons for often-used functions surround a slimmed-down console knob. A huge, 10.2-inch high-res screen displays easily readable graphics.
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5 Comments

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doc274474

05/14/09 at 4:27 pm

I'm sorry, but in the description of Image 5, you say the device flashes a warning on the Heads Up Display - if so, then why would you need to keep your eyes on the screen??? I would think the heads up display is in your line of vision when you're looking out the windscreen?

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runninron69

05/15/09 at 6:44 pm

Ummmmm,I might be wrong but in the third picture,on the map display,on the dash,that sure does look like the Nurburgring track.I guess that is rather logical for a BMW,isn't it?

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techsmoke94

05/15/09 at 8:45 pm

Ummmmm,I might be wrong but in the third picture,on the map display,on the dash,that sure does look like the Nurburgring track.I guess that is rather logical for a BMW,isn't it?

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billdale

from Los Angeles, CA

07/19/09 at 7:22 pm

BMW: come on, fellas, you're my favorite badge. You understand the appeal of EVs-- that's why you produced the Mini-E-- so let some of that electric tech spill out to the other divisions-- including the 7-series. We don't need fluff... we need real, beefy changes, namely EVs in every body type. Build it, and we will come.

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tony from cali

08/22/09 at 7:21 pm

BMW the most refined cars in the world should be able to make an electric car that is second to none. You think they have stock in Oil?