The last generation, 2002-2008 BMW 7 Series, employing BMW’s first attempt at what the German luxury car company calls “Flame Surfacing” under the direction of BMW design director Chris Bangle, was loved by some and much maligned by most others for its “unique” design direction. The new 2009 BMW 7 Series does away with some of the more controversial features in the name of a cleaner, more streamlined design.

The total package is more appealing to the eye, and speaks “German luxury” rather than “controversy.” The upgrades to the 2009 BMW 7 Series do not stop at the surface, though. The top of the line 750i and 750Li models get a revised version of the excellent BMW V8 from the German sports car company’s X6 Series. New also to the 2009 7 Series is an option for the excellent twin turbo inline 6 motor found in the 335i and 535i BMW models. This well-engineered engine offers decent fuel economy for a large German luxury car, while still providing great performance with upwards of 300 horsepower on tap.

Those luxury car types who passed on the last generation of BMW 7 Series luxury sedans may want to give the 2009 7 Series another look. Inside is a host of new technology, including a night vision system featuring what BMW calls pedestrian recognition technology, whatever that means. Some of the headaches of previous iDrive Navigation/Infotainment systems are supposed to have been worked out as well. Look for the 740i and 750i models at the end of 2008 coming as 2009 BMW models. The 12-cylinder 760Li flagship model will return later in 2009, as well.

Price: $60,600 - $64,900.

Efficiency And Dynamics

The launch of the new 7 Series means the entire BMW range now comes equipped with EfficientDynamics technologies as standard. With its roof, doors, bonnet and side panels all made from aluminium to dovetail with the principle of lightweight engineering, the BMW 7 Series also has other innovative class-leading technology which improves engine performance, while cutting fuel consumption and emissions. Brake Energy Regeneration uses the engine’s power on overrun, such as braking, to charge the battery for the car’s electrical circuit. When the driver is accelerating the alternator disengages so all of the engine’s power is channelled towards the car’s performance. Other ancillaries, such as the air-conditioning compressor, are also able to disengage to improve the all round performance of the car. This intelligent use of drivetrain power is why EfficientDynamics technology has helped the 7 Series become a class-leader in terms of performance, fuel consumption and emissions.

Luxury and Dynamics

The new 7 embodies luxury that inspires, driving dynamics that enthuse, and a visual presence that earns universal admiration. It is the product of a self-assured design philosophy and consistent yet ever-evolving engineering artistry. In great measure, this new sedan owes its unique, progressive character to an abundance of innovations whose purpose is to make driving a magnificent automobile – as well as riding in it – a memorable experience.

At the core of this experience are chassis engineering that sets new international standards and all-new powertrain technology. BMW, which introduced its Active Steering concept in 2004, now brings it to the 7 Series in a new, unique form: Integral Active Steering, encompassing not only the original variable-ratio front §teering, but also new rear-wheel §teering. Acting as an overall system, the two capabilities deliver a new combination of handling ease, maneuverability and unrivaled stability in dynamic driving conditions: Integral Active Steering is included in the optional Sport Package.

The new 7 Series introduces Driving Dynamics Control, which enables the driver to select from four progressively sporty driving programs wîth the touch of a button. Driving Dynamics Control integrates Dynamic Damping Control (which has three-mode shock-absorber control) wîth transmission shift characteristics, engine response to the accelerator pedal, and §teering assist and traction control level. Active Roll Stabilization another BMW advance in handling and riding comfort, is yet another element of the available Sport Package: Via electro-hydraulically actuated anti-roll bars, ARS reduces body ‘roll’ or lean in cornering to a minimum, greatly enhancing the feeling of road-hugging handling.

Interior

The new BMW 7 Series comes with one of the most luxurious interiors of any premium car. In addition to a new iDrive controller and larger 10.2-inch screen, owners will be able to programme frequently selected radio stations or navigation destinations on favourite buttons located on the centre console. For the first time on a BMW the instrument cluster comprises a high-resolution colour display with Black Panel technology. This new style of display makes for greater character clarity and, when not in use, forms a smooth, homogenous black surface that gives the interior an added level of modern elegance.

The 7 Series is the first BMW to enable a customer to upload their favourite music to be stored on the vehicle courtesy of an 8Gb hard drive. In excess of 100 albums can be saved in this way for the driver’s enjoyment. Four-zone automatic air-conditioning is fitted as standard while, for the first time, the 7 Series can have a rear seat ventilation system combined with massage function. The air-conditioning system feeds cool air to the seat squab and backrest, while 12 massage bubbles gently knead the occupants’ upper body.

The BMW 7 Series comes with BMW ConnectedDrive. This facility features elements such as a dedicated call centre with a concierge service, automatic fault awareness and BMW Assist, the electronic safety net that automatically dials the emergency services in the event of an accident, free of charge for three years. The BMW 7 Series goes on sale in the UK on 15 November, 2008. Prices will be announced in due course.

Driving Dynamics

The latest generation BMW 7 Series is the first to have Drive Dynamic Control featuring Variable Damping Control as standard. Drive Dynamic Control is the umbrella function that lets a driver customise the characteristics of his or her car. As part of this Variable Damping Control can bet set in comfort, normal, sport, sport + modes. For the first time though these settings are infinitely variable depending on driving style and road surface condition. The selected mode now alters the throttle response, gear change speed and steering feel.

To aid driving dynamics and comfort the 7 Series is the first BMW Saloon to feature race car-like double-wishbone front suspension. This arrangement allows engineers to fine-tune the suspension for the best kinematic configuration. The rear suspension consists of a five-link arrangement made of aluminium which can be further optimised with the inclusion of Adaptive Air Suspension.

The BMW 7 Series comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control + featuring additional functions such as Hill-Start Assistant, Brake Drying, Brake Pre-tensioning, Soft-stop and Brake Fade Compensation. Dynamic Traction Control can be activated via a button to enable spirited driving or greater traction of slippery surfaces such as snow and ice.

World Firsts

The BMW 7 Series’ drivetrain superiority is reinforced with a plethora of automotive firsts. All 7 Series can now be specified with the world’s first car available with a Side View camera system. In addition to Park Distance Control that aids slow speed manoeuvring, the front side view camera system provides another tier of driver awareness. With the touch of a button two forward facing cameras mounted in the front bumper can show an overview of traffic conditions on the iDrive display. This allows the driver to negotiate a partially obscured junction, leave a car park or drive through a narrow gate with absolute confidence.

The new BMW 7 Series can be specified with the world’s most advanced Night Vision system in a production car. BMW was the first manufacturer to fit Night Vision to a premium car and it has now upgraded this package to include a pedestrian recognition system in another world first. A control unit analyses video data of human behaviour as part of the Night Vision camera’s reach and can subsequently alert the driver if it detects a human is moving into the path of the vehicle.

Building on the impressive list of innovations, the 7 Series is the first BMW to feature Lane Change Warning combined with Lane Departure Warning. The latter is a system that first appeared on BMW 5 and 6 Series models and uses a camera to monitor road markings. Should the driver start to stray out of lane, a gentle vibration of the steering wheel provides an alert. However, courtesy of two radars located at either side of the rear bumper, Lane Change Warning adds another level of driver safety. The sensors constantly scan the blind spot either side of the vehicle, up to a distance of 60 metres, and alert the driver to the presence of another vehicle with a triangular symbol in the door mirror housing.

Cars that are specified with Head-up Display and Lane Departure Warning have the added driver benefit of a speed limit warning system. The camera used as part of the Lane Departure Warning system can now also scan oncoming road signs to alert the driver of any impending speed restriction. The current speed limit is then displayed in the Head-up Display. This is the first time a production car has been offered with a speed warning system that can read road signs. Completing the host of innovations is speed-related Integral Active Steering. A car specified with this optional equipment allows the rear wheels to turn by up to 3º. At slow speeds it is highly manoeuvrable, while at a faster pace it offers enhanced composure and driving dynamics.

The BMW 740d to be introduced in autumn, for example, will for the first time feature a new straight-six diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The second diesel model in the range, the BMW 730d, underlines its status as the world’s most economical and lowest emission model in the luxury class by a further reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as optionally available BMW BluePerformance Technology. Hence, BMW now offers yet another production model already fulfilling the EÚ6 emission standard today.

These innovations in the BMW 7 Series model range ensure truly thrilling diversity in the prestigious luxury §egmènt. Including the new top-of-the-range BMW 760i and BMW 760Li with their twelve-cylinder power units, the BMW 7 Series is now available in three gasoline and two diesel variants. BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive will also be introduced in the BMW 7 Series for the first time in the 2010 model year, yet another new feature entering the market in autumn 2009 being the M Sports Package available on all models in the BMW 7 Series.

Price: $82,000 – 137,000.
Invoice: $75,445 – 126,045.

Engine

The new diesel model in the BMW 7 Series is characterised by spontaneous and supreme traction and pulling power combined with outstanding efficiency. The BMW 740d features a newly developed six-cylinder power unit, an all-aluminium engine boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and common-rail direct fuel injection with piezo-injectors operating at an injection pressure of up to 2,000 bar.

The charge system follows the Variable Twin Turbo principle and is made up of two turbochargers of various size perfectly matched to one another and therefore operating either individually or together as a team, depending on the driver’s power and performance requirements. High-pressure fuel injection ensures particularly precise dosage of fuel optimising both the car’s efficiency and the emissions coming from the engine.

The new power unit delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft maintained consistently between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. This gives the BMW 740d a level of performance so far only provided by far larger power units, now combined with the superior economy typical of a BMW straight-six diesel.

The BMW 740d accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and is limited electronically in its top speed to 250 km/h or 155 mph. Average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100 kilometres in the EÚ test cycle (equal to 40.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 181 grams per kilometre, finally, mark new records for efficiency in this performance class.

Performance

The cutting-edge diesel engines in the current range allow BMW to introduce further models already fulfilling the future EÚ6 emission standard today. BMW is therefore consistently increasing its leadership in the introduction of exhaust emission management technology able to fulfil this strictest European standard planned for the future.

Following the BMW 330d already introduced in autumn 2008, the BMW 730d may also be equipped as an option with BMW BluePerformance Technology. On the BMW 730d with BMW BluePerformance the diesel particulates filter and the oxidation catalyst likewise featured as standard are supplemented by an NOx storage catalyst. As a result, exhaust management in this new 180 kW/245 hp six-cylinder diesel already reduces nitric oxides to the standard not coming into force until the introduction of EÚ6 in the year 2014.

The introduction of BMW BluePerformance Technology has no influence on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the BMW 730d, which are in-deed being further reduced once again in the 2010 model year. Modifications on the engine and the drivetrain reduce the average fuel consumption of the BMW 730d determined in the EÚ test cycle to 6.8 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 41.5 mpg imp), with the CO2 emission rating moving down to 178 grams per kilometre. As a result the BMW 730d is further expanding its leading position as the most efficient saloon in the luxury §egmènt.

Like all other model variants, the BMW 730d owes its outstanding efficiency to superior engine technology as well as the powerful impact of BMW EfficientDynamics naturally featured as standard. Just how fuel-efficient a vehicle may be in the use of energy the driver of a BMW 7 Series will see in future not only on the fuel gauge, since the instrument cluster will be supplemented as of the 2010 model year by a recuperation indicator.

A graphic display next to the current fuel consumption indicator in the lower half of the rev counter presents the generation of electric power in overrun and while applying the brakes, the blue arrow being activated as soon as Brake Energy Regeneration feeds energy into the on-board network without any fuel being consumed in the process.

Driving Experience

BMW already offers an intelligent all-wheel drive system in the BMW X models as well as the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 3 Series, promoting both driving dynamics as well as driving stability and traction. With its special features, BMW xDrive has indeed already made BMW the world’s most successful manufacturer of all-wheel-drive cars in the premium §egmènt. And now the range of cars with BMW xDrive is being enlarged once again.

Starting in the 2010 model year, BMW xDrive will be available for the first time also in the BMW 7 Series. In the BMW 750i xDrive and the BMW 750Li xDrive this permanent, electronically controlled all-wheel drive ensures appropriate distribution of the power of 300 kW/407 hp generated by the V8 with its BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, thus catering for all demands in every situation.

Through a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, xDrive feeds exactly the right amount of power in every situation to the axle which, through its wheels, has the best grip on the road. Precise and quick control of this power distribution gives BMW’s all-wheel-drive luxury saloons truly supreme and outstandingly safe driving behaviour under all conditions.

Through its dynamic operation, xDrive also helps to give the new luxury performance models with this technology the neutral behaviour in bends and supreme tracking stability so typical of an all-wheel-drive BMW. In bends more drive power is fed to the rear axle in order to make the car even more nimble and avoid any understeer.

In the process the operation of xDrive is based on the §teering angle pre-determined by the driver. While, when driving smoothly in a straight line, the front-to-rear power split is 40:60, up to 80 per cent of the drive power goes to the rear axle in a bend, ensuring spontaneous §teering behaviour precisely following the actual radius and course of the bend. Then, when leaving the bend, the distribution of drive power returns to normal in the interest of maximum traction when accelerating again in a straight line.

M Sports Package

The BMW 7 Series is characterised not only by its powerful design, supreme comfort and innovative features, but also by dynamic engines and superior suspension technology as well as fascinating, sporting performance. Indeed, no other sedan in the luxury §egmènt offers such a dynamic driving experience of this calibre and quality.The M Sports Package comprises an Aerodynamics Package as well as additional chrome trim on the specially designed front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim and BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line.

The dynamic look of the car is rounded off by 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design featuring different-sized tyres front and rear. As an option there are also 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, again with different tyre sizes front and rear. And last but not least, electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive also comes in the M Sports Package for the BMW 7 Series.

Sports seats with leather upholstery, the M leather §teering wheel with multi-function buttons and the M footrest underline the active character of this luxury performance saloon also within the passenger compartment. BMW Individual roof lining in anthracite and interior trim in fine-grain aluminium round off the interior ambience with its focus on sporting performance.