There's been much written about the BMW 7-Series, especially by yours truly. My overall sentiment was that a car starting around $80,000 should not have some of the flaws I found so annoying on previous 7s. Just fix it and let me know when I can drive the next version.
Well, the new version came. I did drive it. And consider the problems fixed.
I don't want to dwell on past BMW 7-Series models, but to know the past is to appreciate the present. The 2009 750i I recently drove is the driving machine you expect from BMW - it's an electronic juggernaut you learn to enjoy. It's the ultimate driving machine.
For a starting price of $80,300 - and options that can push that bottom line to $94,270 - expectations for the 2009 750i are understandably high. For those things that money cannot buy, I'll write another column at another time - this is about what money CAN buy and it is pretty darn exciting.
For starters, the 750i has the expected aura of sophistication.
This is a world-class sedan and it looks it from first glance. Although it looks sleek and stark from the side, that is not a negative.
On the contrary - less is arguably more.
There are only two distinct character lines apparent from the side. The first one runs nose to trunk; this draws your eye across the entire length of the car and you see just how big it is.
The second styling line is much more subtle, gently sweeping out of the front fender flares and down along the bottom of the doors.
Signature cues are more pronounced in the front with the huge BMW grille serving as the center of attention while the rear exhaust diffusers in back hint at the power available on demand.
Both elements are functional components that feed and service the heavy-hitting twin-turbocharged horsepower hidden under the hood.
The 7-Series has one engine, a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 offering 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The power plant is mated to an electronic six-speed automatic with manual shift modes.
The twin-turbo V-8 exhibited a little bit of lag off the line, but it is nothing to dwell on - this sedan will pull up to and pass just about anything out there. Certainly most anything with four doors.
As technology often does, the new 7-Series offers more by offering less - weight that is. Because of aluminum in the front fenders, doors and roof, this new version is only a few pounds heavier than its predecessor while being a whole lot faster.
Let's see, more powerful engine, similar weight - this is going to be fun.
Inside, the 750i is lush and comfortable. The quite cabin elicits feelings of safety from the exterior elements while the interior materials surround driver and passengers in warmth and a willingness to accommodate.
The interior design is stark, but not without thoughtful application to the complete control of the driver. Ergonomics are vastly improved over the previous model and the movement of the shifter back to the center console is much appreciated.
It is a tiny shifter that is more a reminder of the high-tech stratosphere this 7-Series reaches rather than the power under the hood.
Gauges and the dash are presented for functionality first and foremost. The big 10-inch screen in the center stack is easily seen and, thanks to the "adjusting" of the new iDrive operating system, easy to interface with.
As someone who has been critical of the iDrive system, I think it has come a long way from the previous models. I still struggle a bit using it while keeping my attention on the road, but I'm certain over the time period afforded an owner (or lessee), I'd have it down quite nicely. One of the best parts of the change was the elimination of the climate controls from iDrive. They are now located conveniently in the dash, where they belong.
Heated and cooled leather seats are firm and bolstered to hold passengers in place when the capable BMW slaloms down mountain roads at higher-than-expected speeds. Of course, this may simply equate to great handling in the grocery store parking lot or while getting on and off the Interstate 94 ramps. Either way, this 750i is made to accelerate and accommodate passengers in absolute comfort.
Ride quality is outstanding. The 750i is firm and forgiving in aggressive maneuvers while remaining a big sedan that at times feels as sprite as the 5-Series.
That's impressive. This is the first non-crossover BMW to use a multilink front suspension (all previous sedans used a strut-type front suspension).
A host of top-line accoutrements - such as rear- and side-view cameras, soft-close automatic doors and trunk, an amazingly crisp audio system with six-disc DVD changer and night vision with pedestrian detection system - all seem to take this BMW where it needs to be: to the top of the class.
There is no denying this is an expensive vehicle for an exclusive level of buyer. Premium fuel feeds the twin-turbocharged engine that allows for a driving experience that one would expect to be at the top of the food chain. For my $94,270, this is a wonderful way to get about town in comfort and class.
2009 BMW 750iENGINE: 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8
TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: rear-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 15 city/22 highway
BASE PRICE: $80,300
AS TESTED: $94,270
WEB SITE: www.BMW.com