BMW 7 Series Review

BMW 7 Series Review

Towards the end of 2008, the fifth generation BMW 7 Series went on sale. It was an event that saw the introduction of a host of innovative features and functions and a lengthy list of updates to the luxury saloon's already mind-boggling array of technology.

Nobody manages to combine cutting-edge technology and comfort in a luxury saloon in quite the same the way as the Germans seem to be able. Consider the options; the Mercedes Benz S Class or the Audi A8. Both are loaded with goodies and house large but efficient engines under elongated bonnets, but with the new 7 Series, BMW have gone that little bit further.

Clearly, a large car, the BMW 7 Series boasts the longest wheelbase in the luxury performance segment, and that is just the 'regular' version - the long wheelbase model adds 140mm to the wheelbase for even more legroom in the rear of the cabin.

In either case, the car exudes an air of prestige along with a sense of sleek dynamism. The long wheelbase means that there is a short overhang ahead of the front wheel, which features the famous BMW kidney grille, almost seamlessly integrated into the nose moulding. Below this, the air intake, with its distinctive chrome bar above, stretches the width of the car ending at either side with the front foglamps.

Dual, round headlamp clusters with daytime corona rings and borders across the top edges flank the grille and mark the leading edge of the large, broad bonnet and the start of a contour line that stretches back to the rear taillights. New for this generation are the LED indicators, front and rear, along with LED light bars within the main rear cluster and high-level third brake light.

The chrome trim bar across the soft-close, boot-lid emphasis the width and bulk of the car's rear end, which doesn't appear so vast when viewed from the side - all you see is the sleekness.

BMW 7-Series