German Car Zone

This 2009 BMW 750Li is virtually identical to our long-term test car, except for the addition of nineteen-inch wheels and high-performance tires. I've spent a lot of time in this generation of 7-series, and I'm generally very pleased with it. The interior is luxurious and most of the controls are very intuitive to use. Despite the fact that I've driven more than 2500 miles in a 7-series, I still don't know everything the new iDrive system is capable of controlling. There are so many functions that relate to the incredibly advanced technology in this BMW, it would take a lot of effort to really learn them all. Thankfully the controls relevant to daily driving (things like the radio, navigation system, and transmission and suspension settings) are easy to find and take almost no time to master.

I didn't notice a big difference in the ride quality of the car with these nineteen-inch wheels, but I haven't driven our Four Seasons 7-series in a couple months, since it's on the road almost nonstop. I can say this luxury sedan is perfectly comfortable with the suspension set to normal, but I don't think a car this large needs performance tires. You'll be much happier maximizing the comfort of a car like this than you would be going for outright performance. Maybe the forthcoming 760i (and its twin-turbo V-12) will be more enjoyable with the full complement of sport options, but the 750 family is more at home gobbling up highway miles than carving canyon roads.

Phil Floraday, Senior Online Editor



More Automobile Magazine Editor Reviews: Automobile Magazine - REVIEWS: 2009 BMW 750Li


M

Come again?

Another 750Li review without Active Roll Stabilization & Integral active steering systems on board (Sport Package).

This is what Car & Driver said about 750Li WITH both dynamic drive systems on board:






Regarding wind noise ... BMW is aware of higher pitch noises around the pillars at certain speeds, although the noise is not loud (actually the decibel levels are on par, or even lover than in S-class) but obviously more annoying to human ear than some lower frequency noises @ louder level. The problem will be addressed in 760 model already. While other models will have to wait a bit more. I'm not aware what's the technical solution behind - but I guess there will be a bit more isolation, or some aerodynamic tweak - to lower the noise frequency.

If BMW were aware of the problem, why didn't they do anything about it?

I believe MB spent a fortune on NVH on the S, filtering specific frequencies considered annoying etc. It seems to have paid off.

That grill on the BMW is soooooo much better looking then the standard one. Is it an option or something fitted to long wheelbase models? It makes a huge difference to the front end. Very nice!

Night vision is standard in Australia so all 7 Series will be recieving this grill. Car looks great.

That's why V12 models also feature this convex grille (although with more slots) ...

Regarding the wind noise issue ... I'm not sure at what stage the problem was detected - perhaps too late to do anything before the launch. As said: I was told 760 models are already modified in a way to reduce the frequency. Also - it's not a huge deal. The noise is not as loud or annoying as some media try to portray it. And most importantly - it appears , how strangely, only at certain speeds / conditions.



IMO the squeaking noise from the engine bay may be much more annoying - if it appears. Like it did in some sporadic cases.

Photography is so unprofessional... & lame! After that, I care less about words!

Today I saw brand new 750i and new Z4 Sdrive35 driving next to each others on the road, both black. Big vs small.
What a beautiful sight to see them togheter.

I wish you had your camera with you! Just imagining... I'm drooling all over my keyboard!

Are you sure i'ts standard? The car's I've seen did not have that grill? Or maybe it just isn't noticeable in real life.

Anyway, the brochure I have says Night Vision, Lane Assistance, Blind Spot Assitance etc. are all optional? High Beam Assistance is standard though.