German Car Zone

The forward-thinking flagship is now less controversial and—surprise—more user-friendly.


While the new fifth-generation 7-series continues to be BMW’s technological pacesetter—it gets even more high-tech features such as variable suspension damping, rear-wheel steering, night vision with pedestrian detection, and side-view cameras—the real buzz at its introduction was BMW’s backpedaling away from some of the previous big car’s, uh, “breakthroughs.”

Last time around, for the 2002 model, BMW thoroughly shuffled the ergonomics of the 7-series, switching the shifter from the center console to a newfangled lever on the steering column, as well as moving the seat controls to the center console and programming them as some sort of demented test of logic. Both items have now been returned to their previous locations.

Furthermore, the most controversial piece of technology, iDrive, with its multifunction central control knob that has been copied to varying degrees by Mercedes, Audi, and Honda, has been completely overhauled. In fact, continuing to call it iDrive is almost an insult to its vastly improved control strategy. There’s no more convoluted nudging of the knob in one of eight directions to choose a submenu; now you scroll straightforwardly through a list and click to select. Shortcut buttons surrounding the knob ease the acclimation process, and the climate controls have been removed from iDrive altogether.


Full Story:


2009 BMW 750i / 750Li / 7-series - Second Drive/Luxury Sedans/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver


M

Car and Driver has lost its mojo. It's not the great mag it used to be in the late 90ies.
I'm sure the new 7 will loose in their next shootout to the Lexus LS...
I think they just don't get the idea of a big BMW, wether it's the X5/ X6 or 6/7 series. For Csere and it's buddies, these cars are too far from the core values of the brand.
On the other hand, they're just crazy with the 3 series...

I think i like the SWB 7er more than the LWB,looks more proportioned to me.

Ever since the official photos were released, I've always been a bit 'iffy' on the size and shape of the 7er's new twin-kidney grille. I never thought it was ugly, but it just didn't seem totally cohesive with the rest of the front fascia of the car. But this picture has absolutely sold me on the new grille! The front is just perfect now. A well thought-out blend of sophistication, elegance, and aggression. Amazing proportions all-round!

I guess a flagship like this don't necessarily need to naturally or instantly look good, presence is a big thing and grilles like this is probably the best presence you can put on a BMW.

Still not to sure about the 7-er! Have to see it in real life before I make any decision!

But it does look amazing in darker colours

Tell that to all those who moaned and groaned and petitioned for Bangle's head on the chopping block when the E65 7er debuted years ago. I think BMW's learnt that it still does need to look good.. but there's something about BMWs now. They don't instantly look perfect, but as you see more photos and then finally lay eyes on one on the road or at the dealer, suddenly everything makes sense and you understand the car's styling.

It's like you notice a small new design element each time you look at the 7er. Always fascinating, always engaging... never boring.

From an MB man. This is a pretty car. Thank goodness they got rid of the gimmicky styling. I hope MB does the same with the next S-class. I'm over the fender flares.

The interior looks much improved, with better materials and better lay out. of course that's not saying much. I always thought the 7 interior was a disaster.

The question is will it be intuitive. Even the most recent I-drive I played around with in a 335 was way behind. BMW was to use those quirky icons on buttons that no one understands. Removing climate control from I-drive is a smart move. I hope MB does the same.

exterior wise, the side view is very powerful and unapologetic in a good way.
The front grill, lights and damn are unimaginative, but attractive.

Are we talking about the second generation I-drive here? Plus you don't need to touch the I-drive to change the climate controls at all. I said that probably 5 or 6 years ago, still standing by it. The climate control here on the 7er is no different than it was to the E65 or 3er... or to any other car that's been equipped with Idrive

I haven't read a single complaint regarding the new generation I-drive in any review at all. Some even says its just as easy as MMI. BMW did their homework this time.

I wonder if the M-drive (for the M3) is getting any updates as well.