Feature
First Look: 2009 BMW 7 Series
The Big, Bad BMW Is Back
Six years after BMW uncorked a firestorm of controversy with its Chris Bangle-styled fourth-generation 7 Series, an equally brash fifth-generation model has been unveiled at a secret presentation in Munich, and it introduces a fresh look, a range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, and a wealth of innovations, including rear-wheel steering.
Pictured here officially for the first time, the 2009 BMW 7 Series is going to get its first public outing at the Paris auto show in late September. Pricing is yet to be finalized, but BMW officials are already hinting it will edge higher. Higher equipment levels, they explain, but the pesky relationship between the value of a dollar and a euro has a lot to do with it as well.
The 2009 BMW 7 Series will also be remembered as the first car to offer full on-demand Internet access. The new system, which has undergone years of fine-tuning, allows occupants to surf the Web via a heavily overhauled iDrive system, with its reworked rotary controller and color monitor. Apparently drivers don't already have enough to do at 300 km/h (186 mph).
Size Matters
Dimensionally the 2009 BMW 7 Series has changed, although not significantly. At 199.7 inches in length and 58.2 inches in height, it is 1.3 inches longer and 0.5 inch lower than its predecessor. Its 74.9-inch width, meanwhile, is the same.
The biggest increase is reserved for the wheelbase, which at 121.0 inches has been bumped up by a considerable 3.3 inches. This has served to shorten the overhangs, most notably at the rear. The long-wheelbase Li model adds a further 5.5 inches to that figure, taking the wheelbase up to 126.5 inches. At the same time, the front and rear tracks have been taken out by 1.5 inches and 2.2 inches respectively at 63.4 inches and 65.0 inches.
To keep weight in check, the new 7 Series gets plenty of aluminum, which is used for the hood, roof, doors and fenders. Still, at 4,288 pounds, the 750i bound for North America is 77 pounds heavier than before. The body itself is claimed to be significantly stiffer than before with extensive use of high-strength steel within the inner structure.
It is clear the moment your eyes fall on the 2009 7 Series that BMW's appetite for adventurous design has not waned. While sleeker than its predecessor, the car incorporates a number of controversial features that are sure to stir comment — not least its prominent twin-kidney grille. Tauter surfacing helps reduce the awkward visual mass of the old model, providing the new one with a more athletic appearance. You'll also note that the new rear end abandons the controversial fender tuck (since copied elsewhere) for a more conventional arrangement.
The High-Tech Look Returns
Within the cabin of the new car, the designers have abandoned the theme of modern furniture introduced by the old car and gone instead for the style of high-tech electronics. The multilayer dashboard now is now angled ever so slightly toward the driver and includes a much simplified version of the iDrive system. The driver can now select radio, CD, navigation and telecommunications menus simply by pressing a button, rather than scrolling through various menus. The shift lever also now returns to its rightful place on the center console, since 7 Series owners cared more about sporting style than console space-efficiency.
For the first time in a BMW, the entire instrument cluster is a high-resolution Black Panel display, and the four classic circular instruments are complemented by various readouts relevant to driving, including GPS navigation, vehicle-monitoring functions, upcoming service requirements and other information.
In-car entertainment is high on the agenda with hard-drive music storage, multichannel audio amplification, and auxiliary audio input and iPod/USB ports, along with the usual six-disc CD/DVD-A changer. The 2009 BMW 7 Series also serves up the comfort to go with it, offering the option of four-zone climate control, seats with both ventilation and massage functions, and a newly developed glass roof panel.
Other key developments include active cruise control with a new stop-and-go capability, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, head-up display, night vision with pedestrian detection, along with sideview and reversing cameras.
Commanding Power
In Europe, the fifth-generation 7 Series will be launched with a 326-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 for the 740i and a newly developed 245-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel for the 730d. This diesel is expected to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds, reach a top speed of 152 mph and return an impressive 32.6 mpg.
On the other hand, the U.S. will get only the 750i during the initial sales period, and it features the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 launched in the X6 xDrive50i. With 407 hp and 442 pound-feet of torque, it outguns the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 used in the outgoing model by 40 hp and 82 lb-ft, giving the fifth-generation 7 Series the ability to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph. EPA figures are yet to be released but going by its European consumption numbers, we expect it to average close to 20 mpg, just like the former model.
There is no word yet on what other engines the new 7 Series is set to receive. We can confirm that a hybrid version is definitely in the pipeline, although no time frame is being placed on its likely launch date. Set to challenge the Lexus LS 600h and upcoming Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, it uses the two-mode gasoline/electric hybrid system developed by BMW in partnership with General Motors and Daimler. Beyond that, BMW is also looking at following up its hydrogen-propelled 750h with a more advanced model using the latest tank technology.
In a surprise move, BMW has decided against equipping the new 7 Series with its yet-to-be-unveiled eight-speed automatic transmission developed in partnership with ZF, even though it's ready for production. Instead the former six-speed is in place.
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Steer
As tradition dictates, the new 7 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive. But with Audi and Mercedes-Benz scoring big with all-wheel-drive versions of the A8 and S-Class — most significantly in the U.S. — plans do exist for a new four-wheel-drive version of the 7 Series, likely to be called the 750iX. BMW is remaining tight-lipped on when it is likely to join the new lineup, but our sources suggest it has already been approved and should begin rolling from BMW's production line in Dingolfing, Germany, before the end of 2009.
As a consequence, there have been some dramatic departures from the longstanding specification of the 7 Series suspension. The front MacPherson struts have been replaced by cast-aluminum double wishbones, improving geometry control while fostering compatibility with all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the multilink rear suspension features more aluminum components, plus air springs for the 750i.
At the same time, BMW has thoroughly reworked its DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) system. In what it claims is a world first, it now alters the compression and rebound characteristics of the dampers independently for what BMW describes as improved ride comfort.
The knockout technological punch, however, is reserved for the steering. As well as equipping the 7 Series with its existing AFS (Active Front Steer) system, BMW has given this car a new rear-wheel-steer system that goes under the name IAS (Integrated Active Steer), as part of an optional Sports package. The new arrangement uses a concentrically arranged motor and is capable of turning the rear wheels by up to three degrees.
And Now for Something Completely Different
As familiar as the 2009 BMW 7 Series might seem in concept, the folks in Munich have dramatically changed the fifth-generation car.
It abandons the most controversial elements of style that introduced the new era of Chris Bangle-led design for a sleeker presentation that expresses speed, not just style. The engine choices reflect BMW's decision to go forward with turbocharged power plants and anticipate a diesel that might soon be on its way to the U.S. And all-wheel drive, double-wishbone suspension, rear-wheel steer and sophisticated damping control suggest the car might go down the road in a new way.
And finally, the 2009 BMW 7 Series appears to be the first European prestige sedan to finally join the electronic revolution, both in substance with Internet capability, and in style with its Black Panel instrument display. This is a car that wants to lead, not just run with the pack.
Pictured here officially for the first time, the 2009 BMW 7 Series is going to get its first public outing at the Paris auto show in late September. Pricing is yet to be finalized, but BMW officials are already hinting it will edge higher. Higher equipment levels, they explain, but the pesky relationship between the value of a dollar and a euro has a lot to do with it as well.
The 2009 BMW 7 Series will also be remembered as the first car to offer full on-demand Internet access. The new system, which has undergone years of fine-tuning, allows occupants to surf the Web via a heavily overhauled iDrive system, with its reworked rotary controller and color monitor. Apparently drivers don't already have enough to do at 300 km/h (186 mph).
Size Matters
Dimensionally the 2009 BMW 7 Series has changed, although not significantly. At 199.7 inches in length and 58.2 inches in height, it is 1.3 inches longer and 0.5 inch lower than its predecessor. Its 74.9-inch width, meanwhile, is the same.
The biggest increase is reserved for the wheelbase, which at 121.0 inches has been bumped up by a considerable 3.3 inches. This has served to shorten the overhangs, most notably at the rear. The long-wheelbase Li model adds a further 5.5 inches to that figure, taking the wheelbase up to 126.5 inches. At the same time, the front and rear tracks have been taken out by 1.5 inches and 2.2 inches respectively at 63.4 inches and 65.0 inches.
To keep weight in check, the new 7 Series gets plenty of aluminum, which is used for the hood, roof, doors and fenders. Still, at 4,288 pounds, the 750i bound for North America is 77 pounds heavier than before. The body itself is claimed to be significantly stiffer than before with extensive use of high-strength steel within the inner structure.
It is clear the moment your eyes fall on the 2009 7 Series that BMW's appetite for adventurous design has not waned. While sleeker than its predecessor, the car incorporates a number of controversial features that are sure to stir comment — not least its prominent twin-kidney grille. Tauter surfacing helps reduce the awkward visual mass of the old model, providing the new one with a more athletic appearance. You'll also note that the new rear end abandons the controversial fender tuck (since copied elsewhere) for a more conventional arrangement.
The High-Tech Look Returns
Within the cabin of the new car, the designers have abandoned the theme of modern furniture introduced by the old car and gone instead for the style of high-tech electronics. The multilayer dashboard now is now angled ever so slightly toward the driver and includes a much simplified version of the iDrive system. The driver can now select radio, CD, navigation and telecommunications menus simply by pressing a button, rather than scrolling through various menus. The shift lever also now returns to its rightful place on the center console, since 7 Series owners cared more about sporting style than console space-efficiency.
For the first time in a BMW, the entire instrument cluster is a high-resolution Black Panel display, and the four classic circular instruments are complemented by various readouts relevant to driving, including GPS navigation, vehicle-monitoring functions, upcoming service requirements and other information.
In-car entertainment is high on the agenda with hard-drive music storage, multichannel audio amplification, and auxiliary audio input and iPod/USB ports, along with the usual six-disc CD/DVD-A changer. The 2009 BMW 7 Series also serves up the comfort to go with it, offering the option of four-zone climate control, seats with both ventilation and massage functions, and a newly developed glass roof panel.
Other key developments include active cruise control with a new stop-and-go capability, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, head-up display, night vision with pedestrian detection, along with sideview and reversing cameras.
Commanding Power
In Europe, the fifth-generation 7 Series will be launched with a 326-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 for the 740i and a newly developed 245-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 diesel for the 730d. This diesel is expected to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.2 seconds, reach a top speed of 152 mph and return an impressive 32.6 mpg.
On the other hand, the U.S. will get only the 750i during the initial sales period, and it features the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 launched in the X6 xDrive50i. With 407 hp and 442 pound-feet of torque, it outguns the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 used in the outgoing model by 40 hp and 82 lb-ft, giving the fifth-generation 7 Series the ability to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph. EPA figures are yet to be released but going by its European consumption numbers, we expect it to average close to 20 mpg, just like the former model.
There is no word yet on what other engines the new 7 Series is set to receive. We can confirm that a hybrid version is definitely in the pipeline, although no time frame is being placed on its likely launch date. Set to challenge the Lexus LS 600h and upcoming Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, it uses the two-mode gasoline/electric hybrid system developed by BMW in partnership with General Motors and Daimler. Beyond that, BMW is also looking at following up its hydrogen-propelled 750h with a more advanced model using the latest tank technology.
In a surprise move, BMW has decided against equipping the new 7 Series with its yet-to-be-unveiled eight-speed automatic transmission developed in partnership with ZF, even though it's ready for production. Instead the former six-speed is in place.
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Steer
As tradition dictates, the new 7 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive. But with Audi and Mercedes-Benz scoring big with all-wheel-drive versions of the A8 and S-Class — most significantly in the U.S. — plans do exist for a new four-wheel-drive version of the 7 Series, likely to be called the 750iX. BMW is remaining tight-lipped on when it is likely to join the new lineup, but our sources suggest it has already been approved and should begin rolling from BMW's production line in Dingolfing, Germany, before the end of 2009.
As a consequence, there have been some dramatic departures from the longstanding specification of the 7 Series suspension. The front MacPherson struts have been replaced by cast-aluminum double wishbones, improving geometry control while fostering compatibility with all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the multilink rear suspension features more aluminum components, plus air springs for the 750i.
At the same time, BMW has thoroughly reworked its DDC (Dynamic Damping Control) system. In what it claims is a world first, it now alters the compression and rebound characteristics of the dampers independently for what BMW describes as improved ride comfort.
The knockout technological punch, however, is reserved for the steering. As well as equipping the 7 Series with its existing AFS (Active Front Steer) system, BMW has given this car a new rear-wheel-steer system that goes under the name IAS (Integrated Active Steer), as part of an optional Sports package. The new arrangement uses a concentrically arranged motor and is capable of turning the rear wheels by up to three degrees.
And Now for Something Completely Different
As familiar as the 2009 BMW 7 Series might seem in concept, the folks in Munich have dramatically changed the fifth-generation car.
It abandons the most controversial elements of style that introduced the new era of Chris Bangle-led design for a sleeker presentation that expresses speed, not just style. The engine choices reflect BMW's decision to go forward with turbocharged power plants and anticipate a diesel that might soon be on its way to the U.S. And all-wheel drive, double-wishbone suspension, rear-wheel steer and sophisticated damping control suggest the car might go down the road in a new way.
And finally, the 2009 BMW 7 Series appears to be the first European prestige sedan to finally join the electronic revolution, both in substance with Internet capability, and in style with its Black Panel instrument display. This is a car that wants to lead, not just run with the pack.
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