Vehicle: 2009 BMW 750i with Dynamic Handling Pkg, Sport Pkg, Multimedia Pkg, Technology Pkg and Executive Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$130000

Performance: During initial launch, the new 7-Series will only be available with one engine until the arrival of the flagship V12. Unlike the 7-Series of yesterday, this V8 scores twin-turbochargers which is the same powertrain as X6 XDrive 50i. That explains why its dubbed 750i. However, its not its a 5.0 liter V8 as what its name suggests. This is actually a 4.4 liter DOHC V8 32-valve mated with twin turbochargers, along with BMW’s famed Double VANOS variable valve timing technology. Although it got a whooping 400 horses and equally high 400 lb/ft of torque, latter arrives @ 1800rpm. This twin-turbochargers don’t spool up as quickly and efficiently as what we expect from an V8 with turbo, let alone 2. The single biggest criticism of this engine is the turbo lag at 1800rpm when the 1st turbocharger steps in, below it, this 7-Series feels like a rather ordinary car. Suffice to say, the bottom end of the outgoing 745i and 750i without forced induction feel more enegetic down low. However, when it revs up, its more than make up for what its worth. Its also capable enough to move 750i’s 4564 lb of leather-lined German luxury. When the 2nd turbo spools up, this 7-Series is a very capable car on the freeway. As expected, this car is build on Autobahn. 6-speed Steptronic is the only gearbox mated to this 4.4 liter twin-turbo. It is as smooth and refined as anything else you expect from a car of this caliber, especially the one comes from Munich. Without the short 1st and 2nd gears, especially on manual mode, this 7′s turbo lag would be even more obvious.

Handling: Its hardly doubt BMW always builds some of the most rigid platform in the industry, the same goes for the new 7. However, 7-Series has made its shortfall with their latest redesign. While the ride quality remains sublime and possibly one of the the best riding car in the upper class. Its the driving dynamics that has missed the marks in the latest redesign. The Active Steering feels artificial, to some extent, its completely devoid of any feedback. We always unrecommended this system in both 3 and 5-Series, same goes for 7-Series. However, those 3 and 5 without this system feel very much like a BMW. In the new 7, the standard steering system we tested on the other 750i feels mushy and numb during turn-in. It doesn’t have the typical feedback and precision we once expect from Blue and White propeller emblem. We thought X6′s steering felt terrible, 7-Series feels even worse. Even though our tester comes with sports suspension, it just lacks the sensation of driving any of its predecessors. In the past. When you drive in on Autobahn, its as composed as a 7-Series. In the black top twisties, it feels like a smaller 5-Series with surprising agility. This generation rides like a large car and drive exactly like one. For a luxury car as heavy as 7, the body rolls are there but well-tempted. Its Dynamic Stability Control also steps in at the right time without being instrusive, for controlling both over and understeer.

Brakes: Typical of BMW, 7 provides excellent pedal feel and modulation. Given its pig-like weight, 750i has a commendable braking distance. The brake feels solid and well-modulated. ABS also steps in at the right time without unnecessary intervention.

Interior: So has previous 7-Series’s i-Drive madness finally come to an end in this redesign? The new system has more buttons for radio and miscellaneous instead of relying everything else, including kitchen sake, into a single knob. That makes for a much more user-friendly interface than before. The rest of the interior is wrapped up of high-quality leather and plastic materials that are on par with anything in its class.

Conclusion: So is the new 7-Series a leap forward or a step backward? If you count the styling, its a leap forward thanks to more pleasing lines. Dynamically speaking, its a step forward. It no longer holds the best driving and most agile upper luxury sedan title in its segment. At the end of the day, 7-Series is no longer considered as upper luxury sedan benchmark.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 BMW 750i
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5