BMW 7 Series

The 2009 BMW 7 Series model is on sale since November 2008. The price of the cheapest version (730d) is € 78,400 and the most expensive (750 Li) € 108,900 (all prices). Version of the 760i, the latest BMW that has been submitted, there is still no price.

The BMW 7 Series is considerably cheaper than an Audi A8 equivalent and almost as much as a Mercedes-Benz S Class

There are four engines available in the range of Serie7, three petrol and one diesel, which correspond to the versions 740i, 750i, 760i and 730d (table of performance and consumption of all models). All are sold with the body normal (5,072 mm in length) or a 14 cm longer.

Throughout 2009 it is expected the emergence of a hybrid version with a V8 petrol engine and electric.

BMW 7 Series. 2009El BMW 760i model, introduced in April 2009, is the most powerful version with 544 hp. With this engine, the 7 Series accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 s, and consumes 12.9 l/100 km (these data are not yet final). Furthermore, the 760i premiered a new automatic gearbox eight relations (more on the V12 engine and gearbox). His appearance is slightly different (the grille is different and the two double exhaust and tires 19 "-specific) and has some unique equipment.

We tested the 750i version. After I ride it has been at the forefront both. The first is that, with respect to its alternatives, is recommended for driving because its dynamic qualities are excellent. However, if you are looking for a car to travel in the rear seats, driven by a chauffeur, a Lexus LS or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class may be preferred because they are more comfortable in the broadest sense: its better isolate suspensions the passengers, appear to have quieter and more comfortable for some solutions developed.

The other is that this version is on engines. I say this because we have measured the benefits are striking, then, that almost equals the acceleration from 80 to 120 km / sports as an Audi R8, BMW M3 or a Lexus IS-F. And it is well above those we obtained with other cars of its kind, as the Mercedes-Benz S 500 and the Lexus LS 600h (table provided). I guess the power of the unit tests we have had far exceeded the approved (408 hp).

There are a number of important issues in the new BMW 7 Series. The first is that some engines have excellent performance and efficiency (low consumption to have their benefits in relation to other similar cars).

The second is that the new model is more flexible than the former in a broad sense: it needs less space to maneuver and better road curves. All 7 Series have, optionally, a steering system to the rear wheels, which improves the ability to maneuver in this model.

BMW 7 Series. 2009La third model is that it may take a number of outstanding equipment underlining security systems that control the body near the camera and radar sensors. Also important is the regulatory system chassis' Dynamic Driving Control, which controls the adjustment of the dampers, throttle, the gearbox and management. You have many items not to say that we all have similar useful.

The latest is that there is a substantial improvement in ease of use compared to the previous model: the central command "iDrive" (image) is much easier to handle and less agglutinates functions.

Information engines

The three petrol engines have a system of two turbochargers arranged in parallel and direct injection. The 760i is a V12 with 544 hp, the 750i is a V8 that provides 408 hp and the 740i is a six-cylinder in-line 326 hp.

The diesel engine is a supercharged 3.0 liter used in other BMW models, but with some modifications. This version has a maximum power of 245 hp (235 hp instead of giving in the 530d, for example).

All Series 7 spent less fuel than previous models and also have more power. Best for consumption are the 740i and 730d (comparison table): no other car of its features with the lowest consumption.

All three engines meet the Euro 5 emissions regulations. All are coupled to an automatic gearbox torque converter and six relationships. The shift lever is located between the two passengers (not the column address, as in the previous Series 7) and a selector is electronic rather than mechanical, which shows the gear engaged.

Some items of equipment

BMW 7 Series. Model 2009Todas versions of normal battle with coil springs, while the long battle (730Ld, 740Li and 750Li) pneumatic springs carry a feature that automatically regulates the height at the rear axle.

The cushions have a system of automatic hardness (BMW calls it "Variable Damper Control).

Like the previous 7 Series, the system can also have active stabilizer bar ( 'Dynamic Drive') to reduce body roll.

The 7 Series debuts a steering system ( "Active Integrated Management) to the rear wheels, optional for all versions. This device has the address of variable gearing on the front wheels. The assistance of the address is hydraulic (not electric).

The 'Dynamic Driving Control' allows the response of the buffer accelerator, the gearbox and management. There are four programs: 'Comfort', 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Sport +' (the latter considerably slows down the performance of the control system stability). In each program, the system regulates all variables together, with good result. Moreover, the stability control off, or you can select a mode "winter" to facilitate the driving snow.

Are new to BMW's new features adaptive lighting (more information) or notice of the speed limit, this device tells the driver what the speed limit where the stretch drive. Sometimes failure is not one hundred percent reliable, so I do not think a recommended (more information).

In addition, you can now have an active developer of speed with stop function and automatic, with a warning of danger of collision ( "Collision warning ').

The night vision system ( "Night Vision") is able to detect pedestrians and cyclists (the difference from other objects or animals) in the path of the car and warn the driver of that. Detects and represents the figures on the screen as yellow. If you believe there is a risk of abuse, also displays a warning signal of danger (yellow), also in the information projected on the windshield, if you have this option.

BMW 7 Series. Model 2009También is possible to mount two cameras (Side View), placed on the front bumper, next to the wheels so you can see the movement perpendicular, can be very useful to leave some garages or at intersections with poor visibility (it is a different system that has the Corolla Verso, but with the same purpose).

Available objects in a detector of the blind spot by radar later. When another car is moving toward us by one of the adjacent lanes, bright lights in a triangle of side exterior mirror, this triangle of light, day just is. If at that time put the intermittent turn lane to the next the other car, the system also notifies a vibration in the steering wheel. The system detects objects up to 60 m behind the car.

Other items of equipment that may have already been available in the range of BMW. These are warning of unintended lane change, information projected on the windshield (HUD), but with more features (more of the "Head-up display), automatic connection of beam headlights (more of" smart beam ") or rear chamber to facilitate parking