This isn't a comparison test where both cars were driven and put to the regular testing that car magazines but simply an introduction to the new BMW 7-Series and the upcoming facelifted Mercedes S-Class.

The BMW 730d got high praises for the great fuel economy ratings that BMW claims it can achieve. Currently it is the most fuel efficient car in this class.

The BMW gets the nod at the end with the tester thinking that it is currently the car to beat in this class.

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Sounds more like a "I think we will like the 7-series and heres raising your expectations"-type of article.

Thanks for posting!

Pretty much.

They said the 7-Series has raised the bar and also comes with some nice features such as a permanent Internet connection etc. They also said the facelifted Mercedes S-Class will also be full of surprises so it will be very interesting battle once it comes out.

I don't care who wins as long as the Audi, BMW or Benz are placed above Lexus in comparison tests.

Interesting comments so far in the media:

• most are pleased with less controversial styling,
• many liked the styling a lot
• everybody likes the stance (proportions)
• most say the car looks much better IRL than in pics
• some still think the styling is a bit controversial (due heavily use of flame-surfacing)
• some doubt the car has enough WOW factor (vs the E65 & the rivals)
• some criticize the styling - being less distinctive inside & outside
• some think the car is the best in the class - incl the look
• some say the interior design doesn't look as classy as the one of S-class
• most are pleased cockpit is again more driver oriented
• many praised the ergonomics (incl the iDrive!!!)
• nobody criticized the new iDrive!!!
• everyone praises the cabin materials & fit+finish
• most are satisfied by the cabin space
• some are not pleased with trunk space

• all praised the performance of 750(L)i, and its V8 TT engine
• many were pleasantly surprised by very comfortable ride in "Comfort" mode, and very sporty ride in "Sport+" mode
• all are praising the agility & driving dynamism: due the 4WS Integral Active steering
• some say it's as easy to drive as 3er
• many liked the convenience of the new nanny systems like lane departure warning, lane change warning, nightview, sideview, traffic sign recognition etc.

So, the only criticism focus on not to original styling: interior too X5-like, front too much 5er / FL E65 like, rear too much Lexus LS like etc.
And many are not pleased with a bit too small trunk space (500L - while eg. S-class offeres 560L of cargo space).

So, no criticism of ergonomics - (one writer complained about the e-shifter he doesn't like at all). All like the new iDrive & the cockpit ergonomics.

All like the way the new 7er drive: much better comfort & much better driving dynamics than E65 - which was criticized not to be agile enough, and the ride was too harsh due run-flats.

IMO that's a very good sign. Mind the E65 was heavily criticized, and it sells very good despite that. Actually it was the best selling 7er ever. I'm sure the F01 / F02 will sell even better: except we face a complete economy collapse & a severe few-years-long global recession.

The Russian launch of F02 was a complete success: the jet-set was blown away by the new car. Many already placed the pre-orders.

Event was also heavily praised ... The Russian jet set like to be spoiled, and BMW gave them what they wanted. It was magical, some lady said.

Also: the M3 cabrio & X6 got a lot of attention at the even as well. And some thought 1er coupe is a perfect kid-mobil: for their spoiled kids.


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Also the German presentation to current or ex 7er owners is taking place ... and the reactions are more than positive. E65 owners were very satisfied with the new car. Even the ex-E38 owners - the ones who skipped the E65 buy, said they would come back to BMW. Many E38 didn't like the bloated appearence of E65, and the most deal-braker was the interior layout: not enough driver oriented. Many of them opted for A8 instead.

Yes i tried to make this point as a matter of my own opinion but some fans here thot i was being biased.

Anyway, overall the new 7er is quite impressive. It's a very good car. Good looking too (mostly). I still fear that it will date rather fast tho. Im already seeing a few real life fotos where it already looks too plain, or boring if u like from some angles.

i think i am going to wait to see one sit in one and drive one before i comment again on the s versus 7

i am shure the 7 will be better in all aspects as its almost 3 years newer a car .
also i hope the new s face lift is a decent facelift unlike the pathehtic facelift on the ml a and b classes

I think the interior of the new BMW 7-Series is very classy. In fact the Audi A8, the new 7er and MB S-Class have the classiest and most elegant interiors in this class in my honest opinion.

Why?

Simplistic Elegance

All of them have a very simple, yet elegant design that is pleasing to the eyes and doesn't intimidate like say you know what car I am going to mention.

I think the big difference between the S Class and BMW 7 Series interiors is that the BMW is designed to the utmost to be a drivers interior... The design is pure driver orientated. The S Class is more chauffeur designed...

^ Exactly potential.

I have to agree about most liked the less controversial design,i never like the E65 design and having one in the family stable didn't help me love it.

BMW never were the classiest ... Especially not more classy than MB. It would be quite strange. Classiness is more in MB domain ... BMW sets more on sports / driver oriented feeling anyway.

Will it age too fast? I don't think so.

Why? Due to flame surfacing.

BMW are ahead of the curve with FS (sharp creases, convex/concave lines etc) ... now other car makers are joining the party. Not even this generation of BMW cars look dated due the styling them - yes, we are more used to it, but that hardly means the staling is dated. The styling theme BMW uses on thir cars is very modern & contemporary. And so it will be in the future - when new "revolutionary" styling theme will be introduced.

IMO Benzes will look "dated" with the rectangular edges & edgy swollen surfaces etc - but that is done on purpose: to add some kind of "design patina" to the Benz: making them more classy & speciall.

BMW = organic postmodernism.
MBenz = mechanic modernism.

That's the main difference: BMW are more trendy, MB are trying to go a bit their own way.


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Btw, F01 / F02 design will get much more sense when F10 5er & 4dr GT will be introduced.


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But ... yes, I doubt the new 7er will polarize as much as E65 did. The publicity won't be as high as it was in E65. The new 8er will get much more attention when itroduced (and PAS before that) - since it will be the new flagship (while PAS will be another quirky cross-over just like X6 was).