Redesigned 2009 BMW 7 series luxurious, quick, user-friendly

Any company’s flagship model is going to get close attention, especially when changes result. After all, a flagship is by definition “the finest, largest, or most important” vehicle in a company’s arsenal.

That model at BMW has been the 7 series, launched more than two decades ago to compete with such established luxury sedans as the eminent Mercedes-Benz E Class.

While not the top-selling BMW, the 7 series is the head of the class in terms of fine design, comfort and style. The four-door, from 2002-08, offered popular, praised models that nonetheless took some barbs for a complicated navigation system and a wide, less-than-streamlined look.

BMW went to work and introduced the 2009 version this spring. A late arriving ’09 model, the first editions were the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li.

“The all new 7 Series sets benchmarks not only for BMW but for an entire class of automobiles,” said Bill Gironda, general sales manager for Rick Hendrick BMW in Charleston.

The dealership received its first cars, featuring twin-turbo eight-cylinder engines producing 400 horsepower, about four months ago.

“The response to the completely redesigned 2009 7 series in the Charleston area has been excellent,” Gironda said. “The 7 series has traditionally been a very strong performer in the high-end luxury market. We expect the fifth-generation 7 series to bring us even greater sales success.”

BMW is bringing out the retooled 7 series in progression. New for 2010 will be the 760Li version to include a V-12 engine generating 535 horsepower, and a four-wheel xDrive on 750i and 750Li. Those models will be available in mid fall. Plans also call for a 7 series diesel version.

“Often times I hear customers come in and say ‘Just when you think BMW can’t raise the bar any higher, they find a way to do it,’” Gironda said. “BMW has raised the bar once again.”

In a moderate-length test drive Wednesday, the BMW upheld its flagship rating. It was a revelation to drive, exuding comfort yet providing a passel of conveniences from mirrors that fold in as protection in narrow spaces to rear and side cameras that show what’s behind and alongside the car.

The 750Li’s motor unleashes power, particularly in short spurts, as needed, a sign of the vehicle’s wide ranging torque — its get-up-and-go factor — from slow speeds to highway driving.

Handling is crisp, responsive and visibility top-notch. The innovative suspension system has four levels: comfort, normal, sport and sport plus. On a cobblestone street in downtown Charleston, the 750 Li test model in comfort mode glided along with just a hint of the bumpiness. Then on one stretch of Savannah Highway, the luxury car in sport mode fired to 60 miles per hour, then reduced speed firmly with a push on the brakes.

Unexpectedly, the BMW was a head-turner with motorists and pedestrians taking a look. Not that the 7 series is unattractive; it’s just that the vehicle isn’t a sports car or exotic that usually brings out interest. Engineers provided the new model with a sleeker look, with an oversized kidney-shaped grille and styling that makes the car look ample without appearing oversized.

The interior, in which the test model carried about $15,000 in options, showcases safety benefits such as a lane departure warning system and perks such as a heads-up display that shows the speed limit with orange numerals in the driver’s windshield and sunshades on the rear and two side windows.

During a rainstorm, the wipers adjust their speed based on the intensity of the precipitation. The model had a sizable trunk that, as an option, can open and close automatically.

The navigation system, roundly criticized in its earlier iDrive form, is intuitive and not hard to use. In the redesign, the shifter was moved from the steering column to the center console. A six-speed automatic transmission can be transferred with a flick of the shifter to clutch-free manual mode.

Leather interior, cushy yet firm headrests and power buttons to move seats in or out and adjust the leg positioning make the ride pleasant.

There are a few foibles on the new BMW. The test car rocked slightly when the car came to a full stop. The location of buttons aren’t immediately obvious, such as the interior lock and unlock knob just under the emergency flashers on the dashboard.

Yet BMW scores points by making the 7 series more user friendly. It’s not inexpensive, but then again, you are getting a whole lot of car for the money.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com

2009 BMW 7 series

Type: Four-door full-size sedan

Base price: $84,200

Models: 750i, 750 Li for 5.5 inch longer wheelbase

Engine: Twin-turbo eight-cylinder generating 400 hp

Transmission: Six-speed automatic with clutchless manual feature

Fuel economy: 14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway

Suspension: Driving Dynamic Control has four modes: comfort, normal, sport and sport plus.

Safety: Front side, impact and knee; and front/rear head protection airbags, heads-up display, night vision with new pedestrian direction and side-view and back cameras.

Standard: Redesigned iDrive auto control system that governs navigation and telecommunications equipment, leather seats, four-zone climate control, sunroof.

Options: Sport package including 19-inch aluminum wheels and leather dash, convenience package with automatic opening and closing trunk, driver-assistance package with lane departure warning, active blind spot detection.