2006 BMW 7 Series Review

There's no "Bangle Butt'' to kick around anymore with the arrival of BMW's revised 7-Series flagship sedan.

The fourth generation BMW 7-Series sedan arrived for 2002, replacing the 1995-2001 model, with offbeat styling and complicated controls. The car drove beautifully and had the industry's first six-speed automatic transmission. But critics jokingly called its bulky looking rear end the "Bangle Butt'' because it was styled under the direction of BMW design chief Chris Bangle, who was out to give BMW a new look.

The new iDrive control system was also criticized because it was too complicated for easy use by many drivers -- adjusting audio, climate, navigation and other functions involved a control knob and dashboard screen.

BMW was proud of the new 7-Series and pointed to increased worldwide sales of the model. BMWs are so numerous that any model is almost an automotive cliche in America, and top-line BMWs sell well in the growing luxury car market here.

However, criticism of the new-generation 7-Series styling and iDrive system was so loud, widespread and long-lasting that BMW has given the car a mid-product-cycle revamp for 2006 that provides it with a more traditional BMW look. To pun, you could call it a happy "ending.''

The trunk still has a bustle appearance because BMW wasn't about to give its 7-Series a new body, but the car looks leaner.

Providing a slimming rear-end effect are larger taillights that extend into the trunk lid and a new bumper that sweeps into the back wheel wells to expose more of the large tires, enhancing rear styling.

Other changes that improve the car's appearance are a new front bumper/spoiler ensemble, larger grille and more conventionally shaped headlights. The re-contoured hood is slightly higher. A new longitudinal groove in the rocker panel area beneath doors visually lengthens the car and causes less of a slab-sided look. Thinner trim around windows "lightens'' the side view.

The iDrive has been partially simplified, enabling occupants to change radio and climate settings via conventional controls. Not that iDrive still won't be a pain in the, ah, butt for some drivers.

The upcoming debut of the revised rival Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class sedan prompted installation of a new 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 for the 750 versions of the 7-Series. The engine replaces a 4.4-liter, 325-horsepower V-8. The mighty 6-liter, 438-horsepower V-12 is carried over.

Both smooth, advanced engines provide fast acceleration for a big sedan loaded with comfort and convenience features and work with a generally responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The V-8 version does 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, while the V-12 hits 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. That's not a big difference, but acceleration with the V-12 seems especially effortless -- although most 7-Series buyers get the V-8.

The latest 7-Series has a 750 designation with the V-8 and a 760 designation with the V-12. There are standard "i'' and longer-wheelbase "Li'' versions, and both come with either the V-8 or V-12.

The long-wheelbase models are only 66 to 143 pounds heavier, but no 7-Series model is light, weighing 4,486 to 4,905 pounds.

Fuel economy is OK for such a powerful, heavy sedan. The V-8 delivers an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 25 on highways, while the V-12 provides an estimated 15 and 23. Putting things into perspective, old American V-8 luxury sedans provided about 15 mpg on highways and usually less than 12 in the city.

The regular length 7-Series model has a 117.7-inch wheelbase and overall length of 198.4 inches. It's a bit easier to park or maneuver than the L, which has a 123.2-inch wheelbase and 203.9-inch length.

The longer version has limousine-like rear room, and BMW says it accounts for approximately two-thirds of 7-Series sales in America. The quiet interior has easily read gauges and lots of storage areas. However, the turn signal lever and cruise control levers can be easily confused because they're close together to the left of the steering wheel, which has a thicker rim for a firmer grip.

Prices as of Sept. 1 for the regular-length model are $71,800 with the V-8 and $111,500 with the V-12. The extended-length version costs $75,800 with the V-8 and $118,900 with the V-12.

Despite its size and weight, the new 7-Series has nearly sports car handling. BMW's typical precise steering is quick, and the firm-but-supple suspension easily erases bumps.

Standard are antiskid/traction control and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization system, which virtually eliminates body lean in fast curves. Also enhancing handling are big 18- to 20-inch tires, revised suspension and a wider rear track -- or distance between wheels on the same axle. The brake pedal is a little sensitive, but stopping power is impressive.

An Adaptive Ride Package that is standard on 760 models and a $1,900 option for 750s features automatically adjusting shock absorbers and self-leveling rear air suspension. There's also a $3,200 Sport Package for V-8 models that contains a sport steering wheel, sport seats, sport suspension, 19-inch performance tires and high-gloss dark wood interior trim.

There are a wide variety of options, despite a wealth of standard equipment even for the regular-length V8 model. They include $2,200 Adaptive Cruise Control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, a $2,200 rear-seat DVD entertainment package that lets rear passengers use certain iDrive functions and $595 Sirius satellite radio. A $1,100 Cold Weather package has a heated steering wheel, heated front/rear seats and a $1,000 keyless entry and start system.

Standard safety items include anti-lock brakes, front knee air bags, front torso side airbags (rear ones cost $385) and head-protecting side air bags. Adaptive headlights that swivel as you steer to illuminate corners are handy -- as is a front-rear obstacle detection system because it's impossible to see what's directly behind the car and it's hard to judge where the front of the car ends.

All 7-Series models have plenty of room, but the center of my regular-length 760i V-12 test model's rear seat was too hard for comfort. Also, the standard-wheelbase model's rear doors should open wider to allow better foot clearance for those with large shoe sizes.

The huge trunk has a low, wide opening and a power lid that opens and closes at the touch of a button in a $1,000 Convenience package.

The new 7-Series remains fast, posh and athletic. Such things as its revised styling and added power might attract more buyers and strengthen its position in the luxury sedan market. 

2006 BMW 7-SERIES 

PRICES
$71,800-$118,900

LIKES
Improved styling. Luxurious. Fast. Roomy. Exceptional engines. Superb handling.

DISLIKES
Control system still complicated. Brake pedal a bit sensitive. Turn signal and cruise control levers are too close.