2006 BMW 7 Series Review

Specifications

BMW Flagship Brings New Meaning to “Hostile Takeover”

It may difficult to spot the facelift BMW has given the 7-Series for 2006, but exterior revisions give the flagship Bimmer a new grille, headlights, front bumper, hood, rear bumper, trunk lid, taillights, rear valance, side sills and wheels. Slight mods also apply to the spacious cabin wherein one will find dashboard tweaking, iDrive improvements and updated trim elements. But probably the most influential yet least visible alteration for 2006 is the increased displacement and output of the V8 powerplant that powered last years 745s, and now powers their replacements, the 750i and 750Li. Its a dream of an engine, but more about that later.

In my mind, the styling revisions for 2006 dont go far enough to eradicate the controversial design cues that have plagued this fourth generation 7-Series since its unveiling in 2002. Continuing to be particularly objectionable to my eye is the vehicles boxy trunk lid arrangement that raised many an eyebrow in BMW circles. Yes its better, and yes Ive become more accepting of the big cars styling quirks day-by-day, but the overall package remains far from equaling the clean symmetrical lines I so admire in Audis A8. Despite my frosty reception, the 7-Series projects a distinctive, bold muscular stance that suggests this is not a sedan to be trifled with.

Putting credence to the cars powerful image is an up-sized, highly sophisticated, 32-valve V8. Now displacing 4.8 liters (293 cu in), the crème-brule-smooth mill develops a magnificent 360 horsepower twinned by 360 pound-feet of torque. Thats 35 more ponies and 30 more pounds of torque than last years 4.4 liter (268 cu in) V8. Like last year, the V8s output flows through a 6-speed autobox featuring steering-wheel-mounted buttons to control BMWs STEPTRONIC manual-mode shift technology. In addition to manual-mode, the transmission has a sport-mode, which allows it to hold a gear longer and shift gears more quickly. This engine/transmission combo is well suited to each other. Within normal driving parameters the engine never has to do anything more than loaf along, but like a good sentry it is always ready to snap to attention. Although its powerband and torque curve feel resilient and broad, the availability of six cogs keeps the revs within this V8s sweet spot, providing brisk acceleration off-the-line and nothing short of startling highway passing performance.

The 750Lis straight-line athleticism is only surpassed by its outstanding handling characteristics - somehow BMW engineers have learned to defy the forces of physics when it comes to managing its 4,552 lbs of mass. The hi-tech aluminum underpinnings perform a Herculean task of deftly managing the weight without sacrificing the cars premium ride quality. BMWs Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) technology contributes greatly to the task by allowing the 750Li to remain dime-flat as it carves through curves with remarkable stability and composure.

Essentially ASR places a hydraulic coupling in the center of each stabilizer bar. When not battling cornering forces the joint is decoupled, maximizing the suspensions compliance. When the car encounters cornering-roll the couplings reconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars allowing them to function as stout anti-roll bars capable of keeping the 750Li parallel to the pavement. This mechanical wizardry operates seamlessly. In fact, its almost eerie how such a colossal sedan can corner so tenaciously and securely, without compromising safety or its luxury-car ride quality. Keep in mind though, my tester was equipped with the optional Sport Package, which firming-ups the spring calibrations and shod it in huge 20-inch Michelin sport rubber.

Slightly out-of-this-world handling dynamics is certainly reason enough to be impressed by Bimmers flag carrier, however, for those whose expectations exceed the 750Lis handling and ride accomplishments, its abundant refinements, luxury and comfort, they are bound to strike a homerun. The ultra-comfortable and infinitely adjustable front sport seats in my tester were both heated and ventilated. Among the usual set of power adjustments, they featured power adjustable side bolsters, head restraints and seat extenders. The drivers seat was also equipped with a massage setting - now thats spoilage to the max!

Like Jaguar, when BMW inserts an “L” into a vehicles moniker it represents extra cabin length, resulting in massive rear seat legroom, which is just what my tester delivered. It would not be unusual for a company CEO to occupy the resplendent rear seat of a 750Li while a chauffeur piloted him or her to the office and back. In such cases, the well-compensated executive could enjoy the benefit of a rear-facing video screen, not only DVD compatible but also “wired” for television and information, all of which can be accessed via a rear seat iDrive control that comes as part of the 750Lis Executive Package. Also enhancing the execs ride is heated, 14-way power adjustable rear seating and power-operated sunscreens for the rear side-glass and the rear windscreen.

The materials in use in the 750Lis spacious cabin are absolutely first rate and tightly assembled. They spoil the eye with beautiful hues and restrained elegance. Hard plastics trying to imitate some form of animal hide are non-existent. Almost all surfaces impart healthy doses of quality when touched, as does the smooth functioning of all switchgear.

That brings me to BMWs “simplified” iDrive, multi-function controller through which a myriad of vehicle settings can be electronically managed. A portion of the settings are of the “set and forget” nature, which is fine, but others such as audio and navigation continue to require a few steps too many to activate. In defence of BMW, most of the audio and navigation settings can be controlled through voice activation, once you memorize the commands and assure your passengers that you are not talking to yourself - again.

Of course, singing to oneself is more socially acceptable and apt to occur in the 750Li thanks to its sensational audio system. Its profusely rich in tone and capable of crystal-clear, concert hall reproduction.

But high-end audio is to be expected in a prestigious vehicle such as the 750Li, and so is a comprehensive array of safety features - here BMW doesnt disappoint. For starters the 750Li is capable of astonishingly brief stops during which vehicular control is never marginalized. Nosedive is negligible when the brake pedal is hammered, engaging the cars massive 4-wheel antilock, fully vented disc brakes. BMWs Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) system aids in shortening emergency stops by speeding-up and reinforcing the braking process. Sensors in this system analyze how rapidly the drivers foot is removed from the accelerator and how forcefully it is applied to the brake. The technology then ensures that maximum brake force is rapidly generated. The only sensation detectable by the driver is instantaneous, eye-popping deceleration.

Should powerhouse braking and BMWs Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) program fail to prevent a collision, a plethora of airbags are in place to soften the blow, including dual front-impact smart airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and BMWs Head Protection System (HPS), which is an inflatable tubular airbag designed to protect the heads of front and rear seat occupants. Optional rear seat side thorax airbags are also available.

In addition to the latest airbag technology, the 750Li is fit with cutting-edge lighting front and rear. Its Xenon headlights are self-leveling and can peek into corners when the steering wheel is turned. Its brake lights will illuminate with greater intensity when the brakes are forcefully applied. Both of these systems are referred to as “Adaptive Lighting” by BMW.

And when it comes to “adaptation,” I would require very little of it to find life behind the wheel of a 750Li most rewarding indeed, only one problem for plebeians such as me - cost. This isnt a vehicle for the faint-of-wallet. It is ultra-expensive to buy and after a week of pumping premium gold into its tank, I can attest to its expense to operate. Nonetheless, for those living large the 750Li is a sweet ride. Its list of technological sophistication is as extensive as any mass produced automobile I can name. It treats its occupants to a very hushed, lavish cabin while not entirely removing its driver from the handling-senses that migrate up through the seats-of-the-pants and the road-feel that emanates from the steering wheel. Add a 5.8 second run from 0 to 60  mph to the vehicles breathtaking handling dynamics and a smile as wide as if brought on by a successful hostile takeover ought to emerge, as James rockets the 750Li toward the estate.