2005 sees the flagship 7 series from BMW get a complete revision despite being commercially the most successful version ever. Chris Bangle’s controversial and bold exterior design remains intact, if a little softened.
This model caused a huge stir when launched as it featured for the first time BMW’s ‘flame’ design. German reunification enabled BMW to work yet again with incredibly gifted metal fabricators whose skill allowed them to manipulate steel as if it were fabric. Take a close look at any BMW these days and you’ll see subtle and clever detailing within panels that will endure.
My test car is the only oil burner in the range for the moment, the 730D. It’s no slouch and has an impressive torque curve. Despite being one of the more modest versions, the 730D badge doesn’t bother me and owners shouldn’t feel the need to remove the telltale numbers from the rear of the car. Years ago a de-badged luxury car was always presumed to be the top of the range whereas these days it is quite the opposite. People know diesels in big cars make sense. Does it sound like a tractor on start up? No. Does it rattle and shake at idle? No. Is it rough around the edges? No.
BMWs are always driver-orientated and the big bus doesn’t disappoint. It feels tight as a nut. Inside the divisive ‘i Drive’ controller remains. This twist and click toy replaces dozens of auxiliary buttons but occasionally needs multiple inputs just when you’re crying out for a single button! It has been given a good going over although I didn’t notice much of a change.
The cabin itself is plush without being too indulgent; okay, I’m being too kind, it could do with more standard kit. I do like the button on the steering wheel that enables the driver to select fully automatic (6-speed), sport-auto or manual gearshifts. The buttons to shift the gears are stainless steel and mounted on the wheel itself. You simply use either of your thumbs to shift down and either of your index or second fingers to change up.
The 730D is a useful tool with - considering its size - a reasonable 231bhp on tap (‘fat’ cats = ‘fat’ cars), but more impressive is the 520nm of grunt the six-cylinder diesel pushes out! Lazy yet instant poke is always on hand. When provoked the 3 litre can be very rapid with 0-100km/h taking just 7.8 seconds.
The 7 series will be thirty in 2007 and it is ageing well. I like Chris Bangle and the revisions to his baby are welcome. The trouble for BMW is the new Mercedes S class is on the way and that is set to be the class leader.
If you want the ultimate 7 series you’ll need €174,650 for the 760Li. Your money gets you a stretched body, 12 cylinders, 445bhp, 600nm of pulling power, plus a 0-100km/h in 5.6. Oh and Christmas cards from every petrol station in the country – for life!
Michael Sheridan
