|
10-07-2015, 12:57 PM | #1 |
Contributor - Editor
304
Rep 79
Posts |
BIMMERPOST BMW 7 Series with Autobahn Package review
We review the all new BMW 7 Series with Autobahn Package at the Monticello Motor Club.
Most reviews focus on the new 7 Series' technology, of which there is plenty to be impressed by, but we bring you some deeper impressions on what's most important in a BMW - how it drives. The New BMW 7 Series I recently travelled to NYC to sample the new BMW 7 Series. In the contemporary driving world, we are sold primarily on technology and features with driving experience often taking a back seat. After all, with every passing model year and every technological advance we inch closer to fully autonomous driving. The new 7 is no exception in this technological march, with driver aid systems that hint at our fully automated future. Through its Active Driving Assistant Plus package that includes active cruise control and active lane keep with side collision avoidance, the 7 now has the ability to steer and drive itself at up to 130 miles per hour. You can take your hands completely off the steering wheel but this luxury is limited to 15 seconds at a time. BMW is quick to remind us that this feature is simply a driver aid for brief moments of inattention (like retrieving your sunglasses from the glovebox) but make no mistake -- the new 7 has the technological brainpower to drive on its own. Consider this a preview (or a warning?) of things to come. In spite of this marvellous demonstration of future tech, I was overjoyed to discover that the 7 maintains a level of driver focus and mechanical involvement that belies its technological independence. In fact, despite its emphasis on prestige, technology and the lavish rear seat experience, there are genuine driving thrills to be had behind the wheel of the new 750i with Autobahn Package. While I was only allowed to enjoy a truncated version of the expansive circuit at Monticello Motor Club, it was a highly technical arrangement with lots of camber and elevation changes and a genuine test of the 7’s dynamic character. This limousine controls its mass exceedingly well and has a turn-in that made me think of a much smaller car. Like all great BMWs, it shrank around me once I had more seat time in it. It may be big and it may be covered with gadgets, but the 7 can dance. In my view, the Autobahn Package is a must. In addition to the usual wheel, brake and suspension improvements, this option also comes with active rear wheel steering. This is an exceedingly cool, driver-oriented technology that contributes to the feeling of a shorter wheelbase. If I have to sum up my Monticello experience with the new 7 in one word, then that word is agility. Steering response felt razor sharp, feedback from the front axle was excellent by modern standards, and the chassis maintained absolute composure even under hard braking or over undulating surfaces. The 7 felt wholly satisfying and always predictable. In other words, it drives the way an enthusiast spec BMW ought to drive, albeit with a bit more weight and girth. That a technological tour-de-force like the new 7 has not sacrificed ultimate driving thrills in the name of progress says a lot about the engineers working at BMW and the thinking behind their approach. We may be inching ever closer to fully autonomous redundancy, but in this age there are still satisfying, human-driving experiences to be found. As BMW’s flagship, the new 7 is a car that is advanced yet approachable, comfortable yet involving, and complex yet pure. It is a space ship that has not yet left the astronaut behind. It is lovely. Check out the video below for more on the new BMW 7 Series. |
10-07-2015, 02:34 PM | #4 |
Major General
5381
Rep 5,824
Posts |
The Standard wheelbase in M Sport is just the perfect mix of Sporting Luxury.
__________________
The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
|
Appreciate
6
|
10-07-2015, 02:50 PM | #6 | |
Banned
151
Rep 481
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 04:43 PM | #8 |
Major
148
Rep 1,315
Posts
Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 2018 Mustang GT
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NJ
|
|
Appreciate
3
|
10-07-2015, 04:47 PM | #9 | |
Brigadier General
2252
Rep 3,622
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
BMW CCA Member #516012
2016 340i, Estoril Blue, Manual Transmission, MPE, MPBBK, HRE FF04 Instagram: @brandons340i |
|
Appreciate
2
|
10-07-2015, 06:18 PM | #11 |
Captain
330
Rep 823
Posts |
I got to drive the new 7 and it handles better than the 5 IMO. Similar agility to the 3 I feel, since it has carbon core technology with a lot of weight no longer above your head. Definitely surprising handling.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 06:36 PM | #12 |
A family of bimmers
2796
Rep 7,754
Posts |
looked like fun and a great review. did you notice the chase car go off the road at 4:10
__________________
2018 PB/Black G01 X3M40i | 699M | ZDA | ZPP | ZPX | Maxton front lip | X3M vents | 15mm Spacers | Diamond G20 style grills |
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 07:17 PM | #14 |
Lieutenant
786
Rep 492
Posts |
Standard WB will be the new G30 5 series :-)
__________________
Current: 2024 540i MSport
Prior: 2021 540i MSport, 2018 540i MSport, 2015 BMW 528i MSport, 2012 BMW 528i |
Appreciate
1
|
10-07-2015, 08:27 PM | #15 |
Second Lieutenant
84
Rep 295
Posts |
10 seconds into this video and I realized this car is not for me.
Unless it comes with a 2000hp package to make up for 4500 plus curb weight. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 09:28 PM | #16 |
Private First Class
53
Rep 199
Posts |
Haha. "...feedback from the front axle was excellent by modern standards". I love how OP dances around the fact that the latest BMWs have abysmal steering and handling.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 10:37 PM | #17 |
Brigadier General
1079
Rep 3,229
Posts |
Is it just me. Or is the new 7 look like a Jetta with a nicer package lol. When I see the rear. I see Jetta. Maybe it's just me.
__________________
e92 ///M3 |
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 11:13 PM | #19 |
Lieutenant Colonel
359
Rep 1,762
Posts
Drives: Porsche Panamera
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: USA
|
I'm sure it's a hell of a car but it just doesn't look that special.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 11:28 PM | #20 |
Captain
371
Rep 769
Posts |
Agree!
The front end of the car really bites and body control with the all the handling pack options really sets the car apart.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 11:29 PM | #21 |
Retired BMW Genius
2932
Rep 3,404
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-07-2015, 11:45 PM | #22 |
Captain
371
Rep 769
Posts |
The right setting
We got to drive it in the Bavrian countryside.
This is the kind of road you need to drive the 7' to really appreciate all its true qualities. I believe the track is not correct enviorment for this car. Either way it really delivers in this area and driven back to back against the new S Class it really shines. Last edited by N & M; 10-07-2015 at 11:48 PM.. Reason: Picture did not upload! |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|