Last Cars Reviews Blog: bmw 7-series

The next generation 7-Series has officially arrived, though if you've been paying attention you've already seen the 2009 BMW 7-series and therefore know that the design team has gone to great effort to correct the car's awkward-looking posterior. A new twin-turbocharged, direct-injection 4.4-liter V8 manages 400 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque, which should make the chauffeur happy. If you find yourself behind the wheel there's a plethora of technology to keep you from killing yourself including Active Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Detection, BMW Night Vision and cameras on the side and rear of the luxo-yacht. The new 7-series is also the first BMW with a multi-link double-wishbone front suspension. It's something to think about on the way to the appointment with your increasingly distressed stock broker.

Check out more on the BMW 7-Series from CarandDriver.com

BMW 7 Series again sets the benchmark
The all-new fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series radiates a natural presence, inherent sportiness and an elegance born of precision in concept and execution. A new V-8 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers expresses BMW EfficientDynamics at the highest level of performance. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 delivers 400 hp and 450lb-ft of torque. New, exclusive BMW driver-assistance systems and comfort-related features further add to a truly exceptional driving and riding experience.

Inside the new 7, the ambiance is luxurious, of transcendent quality and - most important of all - inviting. The driver-oriented control center features Black Panel technology. More functions than ever are conveniently accessible to the driver from the multi-function steering wheel.

The new 7 is BMW's first passenger car with multi-link double-wishbone front suspension. The new Integral V rear suspension incorporates extensive use of aluminum. On the long wheelbase 750Li, self-leveling air suspension is standard. Also new, and a world premiere: Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering. With the standard Driving Dynamics Control, the driver can choose between four settings for shock-absorber firmness, transmission shift characteristics, engine-throttle response and power-steering assist.

An array of innovative driver-assistance options unique in the luxury segment includes Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Head-up Display, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View and Back-up Cameras.

All of this will make the new 7 once again the benchmark for performance, luxury, efficiency and safety when it arrives in the US in early 2009.

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Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Green, BMW

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

While we were visiting with BMW at the LA Auto Show, the automaker made a big deal about its diesel engines, suggesting that the oil-burners would be an alternative to hybrids in the United States just as they are in European countries. Although it wasn't initially in the plans for the U.S. market, BMW of America is getting some pressure from its dealerships to bring a diesel version of its range-topping 7 Series sedan, completely redesigned for 2009 and equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8. That's an impressive engine no doubt, but after getting a drive in the Euro-market 730d, some dealers didn't even realize there was a different powerplant underhood. That bodes well for future diesels from BMW.

Soon, the Bavarian automaker will import diesel versions of its 3 Series and X5 utility vehicle with a twin-turbo six cylinder engine. On average, a diesel-powered Bimmer is about 20-25% more efficient than its gasoline-fed sibling, so diesels make sense both for consumers looking to lower their fuel bills and also manufacturers needing to adjust their CAFE fuel mileage statistics. In other words, it may be more surprising if an automaker like BMW didn't announce that it was working on more diesel engines for America.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 750Li