ShareThisWhen BMW rolled out the fifth generation of its flagship 7-Series sedan last year, there was a bit of defensiveness about one of its most sophisticated features, the iDrive controller on the center console.
Introduced in 2001, the iDrive was designed to replace a panoply of controls for systems such as climate, audio, navigation, diagnostics and other automotive functions with a single rotating toggle on the console.
Critics of the previous generations of 7-Series hated the Microsoft system, calling it a distraction from the road and counter-intuitive, sort of like working on your laptop computer while driving. Reports indicated that learning to operate the system took about an hour.
To quiet the critics, BMW simplified the system in the new model with a larger, 10.2-inch. high-resolution color display. The menu is easier to use, and a new controller allows choices of function via turn, push and tilt motions, direct-select keys and eight programmable Memory Keys. Designers also placed more controls on the steering wheel to avoid the iDrive.
The sedan also offers a "head-up display," which projects relevant driving information onto the windshield in front of the driver.
You can also bypass the toggle by simply using the voice command system if you feel comfortable talking to your car.
Despite the adjustments, the BMW 7-Series remains a highly sophisticated car, requiring drivers who love technology and gadgetry. This is a compliment, not criticism. For a car to earn a place in the stratosphere of luxury, it must far exceed the typical $30,000 model that provides every feature that most drivers could possibly want.
In all likelihood, someone willing and able to pay $80,300 for a 750i expects a challenge from the latest technological advances. Indeed, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have rightfully earned their reputations as leaders in virtually every category of automotive function, most notably safety and security. Most of those luxury features that have made their way down-market originated in a BMW or Mercedes.
Underneath it all, the 750i remains a brilliant performer on the road, riding on a new suspension with the first double-wishbone, multi-link front end and powered by a 4.4-liter, turbocharged V8 that produces 400 horses and take the rear-drive sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Want to get away?
BMW also builds on the Active Steering concept introduced in 2004 with Integral Active Steering offered in the Sport Package. The new system adds rear-wheel steering to the variable power assist front steering for greater ease of handling ease, maneuverability and stability.
Driving Dynamics Control offers four progressively sporty driving programs that adjust the shock absorbers, transmission shift characteristics, engine response to the accelerator pedal, steering assist and traction control level.
Boosted by twin turbos, the 4.4-liter V8 engine develops 400 horsepower over a range from 5,500 to 6,400 rpm and 450 foot-pounds of torque from 1,750 to 4,500 revolutions per minute.
The downside of the high performance is fuel economy that earns a $1,000 gas guzzler tax. The 750i is rated at 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway for an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,793.
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control, with Stop-and-Go capability, allows the car to adjust to the speed of a car in front of the sedan. This is truly an amazing breakthrough in recent years, allowing the driver to stay in cruise control, even in rush-hour traffic. BMW is not the only maker to offer this feature.
Active Blind Spot Detection, another important safety advance, warns drivers of a nearby car or obstacle by vibration in the steering wheel plus a blinking LED on the exterior mirror. The system takes action if you use your turn signal and are preparing to change into an occupied lane. The system even detects vehicles not yet in the blind spot- but closing in at a rate that could result in a collision if you changed lanes.
Another feature that comes with the blind-spot detection system, High Beam Assist, automatically dims the headlights for oncoming traffic and returns them to high beams when the way is clear. Lane Departure Warning, which alerts the driver to unintended drifting out of his or her lane, comes with the optional Driver Assistance Package.
The 7-Series went on sale last spring in the U.S. in short or long wheelbase versions. The long wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer.
WHAT'S NEW: All-new fifth generation, new suspension, new luxury features.
PLUSES: Performance, styling, comfort, safety.
MINUSES: Cost, gas guzzler tax.
BOTTOM LINE: A new benchmark.
(E-mail Richard Williamson at motorfriend(at)sbcglobal.net)
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