The fifth generation F01/F02 BMW 7 series sedan is everything I’d hoped it would be. From the first glance you can tell BMW planned to make major changes to the 7 series both inside and out, but I’m glad to see they kept the focus on performance and an instinctual, fun driving experience.
I enjoyed the previous styling, but the 2009 look is definitely an improvement. The latest visual upgrades include a taut new visage, accented by sleek, sexy headlamps and aggressive hood ridges. I’ve driven 7 series BMW’s for most of the past decade, and the visual aesthetic of the fifth generation 7 is easily my favorite. It’s strong yet classy, and worthy of the M package now available for the 2010 model year.
In addition to the visual upgrade, BMW made some other important design changes. The iDrive is completely retooled to deliver the seamless navigating experience it always promised; integrating voice commands with the manual device makes accessing real-time traffic updates, the owner’s manual, and other functions a breeze. Smaller changes, like returning the transmission shifter to the center console and angling the center stack back towards the driver, demonstrate how committed BMW was to making the 7 series driving experience more intuitive and enjoyable. BMW has returned to a classic driver display cluster featuring 4 circular instruments for added convenience. With added side view and backup cameras, pedestrian detection and active blind spot detection, I was able to put more focus into enjoying the open road.
The new 7 series preserves BMW’s signature balance between elegance and power, but now offers the all-wheel drive xDrive option for improved cornering and safety in treacherous conditions. Performance is always foremost in BMW’s design, and now the handling matches the 400lbs-ft of torque generated by the twin-turbocharged V8.
The aesthetic and functional design changes to the fifth generation 7 series come together to create a driving experience that is at once luxurious and exhilarating. From the major upgrades to the smaller tweaks, it’s evident that BMW was committed to enhancing the driver’s everyday interaction with the vehicle. If you find yourself wondering about the new 7 series, I recommend scheduling a test drive today.
Previous 7 owner? Changes you’ll notice during your “New 7” test drive:
- iDrive & Navigation – A simplified iDrive, with more menu buttons and easier controls. Plus, an electronic operating manual, real-time traffic, and on-board cameras
- Gear Selector – The gear selector has moved back to the center console area.
- Smooth Rocket- 400hp brings you from 0-60 in 5.1 secs(vs. 5.8 in the 2008 7)
- Electronic Suspension – Sporty? Floaty? Normal? The ’09 features a standard adjustable suspension feature that creates a noticeable change in the 7’s handling and ride.
- AWD – Optional for 2010, is BMW’s AWD feature dubbed X-Drive.
Many thanks to Derick Gross for greatly contributing to this post, and an honorable mention to Howie Schulman.
