BMW 7 Series (2012)

Exterior

At first glance, the all-new models in the BMW 7 Series seem to be designed on the conservative side. The previous models excited great controversy for a range of features, but most notably the flame surfacing design. By contrast, the new models look almost plain, with some subtle differences. The nose of the car is higher and more vertical, for a more authoritative look, and the entire shape of the vehicle has been subtly modified for a softer, sleeker appearance. While it isn’t the most beautiful of cars, the 7 Series comes with the classic features, with smoothed down styling and taut surface lines. The return to a more conventional boot shape and a strong, muscular shoulder line give a more solid, cohesive and dominating look.

Interior

The newly designed interior is generally good, with the simplification of the iDrive system, simplified dashboard, and more space in all directions for each occupant. It’s been redesigned with style in mind, and while the results are aesthetically pleasing, some are slightly baffling – such as the door handles, and now concealed within the door caps. The standard model comes with lavish full-leather Dakota upholstering and a choice of finishes for the interior wood trim, such as high-gloss Anthracite.

Comfort and Convenience

There is plenty here to keep drivers comfortable. The seats are wide and offer excellent support for the back and shoulders, with ample foot room in the front and back. There is a range of features to enhance convenience. Drivers will need to select parking spaces with care due to the enlarged size of the 7 Series, but its in-built camera system is very useful and the minimal turning circle that is part of the Integral Active Steering system (allowing all 4 wheels to be steered) is a useful optional extra.

Dashboard and Storage

The reworked dashboard is a pleasing design attribute – far easier to use than that of the previous model, even though it offers more buttons and gadgets than ever before. Most importantly, the air-conditioning has been fully separated from the car’s iDrive system. Everything has been refined and simplified, and it’s one of the major strides forward on this car. It also includes some truly revolutionary digital additions, such as its unique and very useful night-time vision system, which allows the driver to ‘see’ oncoming pedestrians or animals using thermal imaging – very handy on blind Indian highways. There is lots of storage, particularly in the 750i thanks to its expanded wheelbases, and the needs of most drivers should be met by the 500 litres of luggage space in the rear.

Music System

Most of the gadgetry is to be enjoyed in the back: large screens embedded in the front seats for movie watching, controlled by the iDrive console in the middle armrest. The improved iDrive system includes a digital TV with ports for external consoles to be connected. Audio devices can be connected via USB to the dashboard, and the LCD screen allows the driver to browse music files or local radio stations. The Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound music system is optional, but offers outstanding sound quality.

Engine and Gearbox

BMW 7 Series is available with 4 engine options: 1 diesel and 3 petrol. The 2979cc, V8 petrol engine generates maximum power of 326 bhp with maximum torque of 450 nm. The 4395cc, V8 petrol engine develops maximum power of 407 bhp with maximum torque of 600 nm. The 5972cc, V12 petrol engine generates maximum power of 533 bhp with maximum torque of 750 nm. The 2993cc, V6 diesel engine develops maximum power of 244 bhp with maximum torque of 540 nm.

Mileage

Thanks to the well-regarded BMW Efficient Dynamics system, the running costs of the 7 Series are kept remarkably low for a vehicle of this power. Features such as regeneration of brake energy mean that the car offers a claimed return of roughly 14kpl, although the 740Li and 750Li are slightly harder on the wallet, returning around 10kpl.

Safety Features

The 7 Series comes fitted with Dynamic Stability Control, plus a range of safety features such as Brake Assist, Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Speed Limit Display. The cameras come with Lane Departure Warning, and the Night Vision system does an admirable job of warning the driver about oncoming obstructions during night time.

Suspension and Braking

The car’s suspension can shift between Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, which is a major plus. Keeping to the classic BMW design, it’s equipped with front strut suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear. The 7 Series cars are equipped with front disk and rear disk brakes – a good ventilated all-round disk-braking system, but it struggles on uneven road surfaces, and at high speeds on bumpy carriageways. At times, the car can feel over-sized, cumbersome and poorly controlled. Without the optional Dynamic Drive system, the car’s body moves around quite significantly, and the steering doesn’t feel as dynamic or capable as it could.

Ride and Handling

With the new addition of four-wheel steering, the 7 Series models offer great stability when moving at high speed, and an excellent turning circle. The 7 Series is a very refined ride: its performance feels effortless thanks to the low level of noise, whether at low or mid-range of revs. Its response is immediate and very clean, with only a very low hiss to suggest any kind of induction. The 7 Series offers a comfortable ride – on the average highway, it’s a smooth and refined experience.

Shades

The 2012 7 Series models are available in a range of these shades: Alpine White, Cashmere Silver, Azurite Black, Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Citrin Black, Deep Sea Blue, Deep Green, Dark Graphite, Dark Graphite II, Jet Black, Mineral White, Milano Beige, Moonstone, Ruby Black, Space Grey and Titanium Silver.

Warranty

The car comes with a basic warranty of 4 years and 50,000 miles, with 4 years roadside assistance and 12 year rust coverage.

Reasons to Buy and Value for Money

Perhaps the biggest selling points of the car are its performance and fuel economy, both superb for vehicles in this class. Not many people will be able to afford to splash out on it, but for a luxury car, the BMW 7 Series represents a surprisingly frugal investment – with high performance and low running costs, each of the variants justifies itself well.

Verdict

In many ways, the new BMW 7 Series is a highly impressive vehicle, particularly in terms of fuel economy and performance, with plenty of extra features and smart gadgets; but it isn’t the ground-breaking car hoped for, and it lacks the edge that we’ve come to expect from BMW.