An all-new Seven that actually doesn’t look like it. It’s a great car but some reservations about the ride and driving dynamics remain. Which is a weird thing to say about any BMW. Engines and gearboxes are superlative though.
Comfort
New suspension that can cycle between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus is a boon, but the big BMW never really settles in any of the modes. There's too much wind noise, too much bobble and far too much tweakery through the steering - the old car was better. Ooops. Still, we're talking about degrees of issues - it's lovely if you've come from, say, a 5-Series, but Merc S-Class owners won't be impressed.
Rated 12 out of 20
Performance
You can't argue with the way any of the variants goes in this generation - there isn't a duffer in this bunch. The best is the 730d - it hits 62mph in 7.2 seconds and 153mph with 41.5mpg economy. If you want the big hitter, then you need the 760Li; 6 litres of twin-turbo V12 power, 544bhp, 553lb ft of torque - it's fast and surprisingly fun - if you really need more than 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a limited 155mph top end, then you're a faster driver than us...
Rated 17 out of 20
Cool
The gadgets on the Seven make it cool in itself, even if it is a bit sober-suited. Side-view cameras, infra-red head-up, speed-limit readers, four-wheel steer - it has it all. And there's something cool in it being quite quiet-looking - you just don't expect what it serves up.
Rated 12 out of 20
Quality
The ride and wind noise issues might bother you if you're a sound-specialist, but otherwise the quality is top end. The cabin has a massive multimedia screen, the iDrive is now properly sorted - it's a very good thing. There's something about sitting in the driving seat of a big BMW that feels right.
Rated 13 out of 20
Handling
Four-wheel steer (a first on a BMW) gives stability at high speeds and a real smile when you try to park - it's got a great turning circle. It does the usual trick of shrinking when you go faster - but the steering is possibly a little too ‘connected'. For this class of car everything needs to be a bit more wafty - the German connection seems to have forgotten.
Rated 15 out of 20
Practicality
The new Seven is biiiiiig. There's space for Playboy Bunnies galore, or hefty business guts. The boot is huge, and you get a massive range from a 730d. Even parking is easy - radar parking sensors and that turning circle work in the real world.
Rated 14 out of 20
Running costs
The BMW 730d is remarkably useful - you'll get 41.5mpg, 178g/km of C02. Ok, so it's a bit expensive and insurance is high, but it's worth it. If you want to simply ignore any credit crunchery, then go for that 760Li - 21.7mpg (which isn't that bad considering the performance) and group 20 insurance.
Rated 0 out of 20
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Comfort
New suspension that can cycle between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus is a boon, but the big BMW never really settles in any of the modes. There's too much wind noise, too much bobble and far too much tweakery through the steering - the old car was better. Ooops. Still, we're talking about degrees of issues - it's lovely if you've come from, say, a 5-Series, but Merc S-Class owners won't be impressed.
Rated 12 out of 20
Performance
You can't argue with the way any of the variants goes in this generation - there isn't a duffer in this bunch. The best is the 730d - it hits 62mph in 7.2 seconds and 153mph with 41.5mpg economy. If you want the big hitter, then you need the 760Li; 6 litres of twin-turbo V12 power, 544bhp, 553lb ft of torque - it's fast and surprisingly fun - if you really need more than 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a limited 155mph top end, then you're a faster driver than us...
Rated 17 out of 20
Cool
The gadgets on the Seven make it cool in itself, even if it is a bit sober-suited. Side-view cameras, infra-red head-up, speed-limit readers, four-wheel steer - it has it all. And there's something cool in it being quite quiet-looking - you just don't expect what it serves up.
Rated 12 out of 20
Quality
The ride and wind noise issues might bother you if you're a sound-specialist, but otherwise the quality is top end. The cabin has a massive multimedia screen, the iDrive is now properly sorted - it's a very good thing. There's something about sitting in the driving seat of a big BMW that feels right.
Rated 13 out of 20
Handling
Four-wheel steer (a first on a BMW) gives stability at high speeds and a real smile when you try to park - it's got a great turning circle. It does the usual trick of shrinking when you go faster - but the steering is possibly a little too ‘connected'. For this class of car everything needs to be a bit more wafty - the German connection seems to have forgotten.
Rated 15 out of 20
Practicality
The new Seven is biiiiiig. There's space for Playboy Bunnies galore, or hefty business guts. The boot is huge, and you get a massive range from a 730d. Even parking is easy - radar parking sensors and that turning circle work in the real world.
Rated 14 out of 20
Running costs
The BMW 730d is remarkably useful - you'll get 41.5mpg, 178g/km of C02. Ok, so it's a bit expensive and insurance is high, but it's worth it. If you want to simply ignore any credit crunchery, then go for that 760Li - 21.7mpg (which isn't that bad considering the performance) and group 20 insurance.
Rated 0 out of 20
Now share it
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