 2009 BMW 750i. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 BMW 7 Series
Abbotsford, British Columbia – For 2009, the BMW 750i (also available in long wheelbase form as the 750iL) features several ground-breaking technologies that have been designed to elevate its level of safety; as well, my test vehicle came equipped with all the niceties one expects in a high-end executive sedan – GPS navigation, satellite radio, advanced climate control systems and an incredible audio system – there were several new gizmos on board that impressed me so much, that I found myself giving all my known associates roadside demonstrations.
BMW’s iDrive system has finally evolved into a user-friendly interface, allowing the operator to control parameters of the car’s mechanical and computer systems, as well as audio, heating, ventilation and navigation systems. User specific settings for many of the car’s comfort and lighting settings can be set using this control as well. The extra-wide, centrally-mounted system screen doubles as a viewing device for a plethora of camera systems, and can be used to watch DVDs as well.
   2009 BMW 750i. Click image to enlarge |
One technology, that being BMW’s Night Vision System, is an attention getter. The car is fitted with an infrared camera that transmits surprisingly detailed images of people, animals, and other warm-bodied things to the iDrive Control Display atop the dash. I found myself going for late night rides in the car just to do some nocturnal exploring. The Adaptive Xenon headlights offer great reach and follow the curvature of the road as you steer (and cornering lights illuminate when making a turn), but there are still things hiding out in the darkness that could pose a problem should they cross paths with the car. For example, on one occasion I came across a pair of individuals riding scooters (with inadequate lighting) in the middle of a back country section of highway. They were travelling at half the posted speed as they struggled to climb a significant grade. The Night Vision System alerted me to their presence soon enough that I was able to reduce my closing speed and not put the scooter riders’ lights out permanently.
The system has been programmed to recognize the human form, and will send a visual alert to the screen if it predicts that the being is moving closer to your path of travel. On another occasion I was able to spot a reckless skateboarder careening through traffic under the cloak of darkness. He would have been invisible to me otherwise. Having this degree of visibility was truly enlightening.
I was amazed at the incredible reach of the infrared camera system. BMW literature claims that it can only detect people and animals up to 300 metres away, but I think that number may be in reference to its ability to pick out the human form (Pedestrian Detection), as I could see the entire support structure of a local bridge that was well over a kilometre away, and the bridge has no lighting below its top deck. That is impressive!
If the Executive Package is part of your build sheet you gain two cameras that will simplify your daily safari through the urban jungle. A rear-view camera, with proximity and directional indicators projected on the dash-mounted display screen, makes parking a stress-free task. The innovative `Side View’ camera system utilizes two cameras mounted just forward of the front wheels, which when activated, project live images on a split screen. If you have a blind driveway, or tend to frequent city alleyways, this system will pay for itself in no time.
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at 5:33 am
“Unlike the often ridiculed hind quarters and odd nose of the 2001 edition, the new 7 Series is pretty enough to appeal to the masses, which is always a plus when the goal is to sell a lot of automobiles. If this car is an indication of the brand’s styling direction forward, BMW fans should find very little to complain about.”
BMW’s last ‘7′ outsold the S-Class, A8 & XJ combined. Yes, combined. Worldwide. Cars were sold, money was made, dealers were happy. That’s the legacy of the 2001 Bangle design and BMW’s marketing genius. Will this one keep pace? Maybe, but not likely in a post Madoff world. That’s the real hurdle for these barges to overcome, and not the Bangle butt — even though it wasn’t an issue to me.
Last I heard, these were already being offered at $10k off to start.
at 10:10 am
@ Russel
I think whoever is looking for a BMW 7 series wants the “brand” image more than just bang for the buck kind of thing. With your logic, which is perfectly fine for people who just want a car to commute. But if everyone thinks like that, most of the luxury brands will be gone, if not all.
at 1:57 pm
I think CCCP is bang on.
at 6:07 pm
BMW has made impressive strides in its car navigation system.
I still look at BMWs because they’re so dang pretty, of course.
at 10:14 pm
I think this rear 3/4 view is nice but the profile does not appeal to me personally (front end/hood is too long). Although I think the stretched out Li version looks much better.
Ima huge fan of BMW but not feeling the current 3 series (I think it is the rear-end and tail light treatment where it still needs work). The 5-series a great car tho and looks nice (better in M-sport trim).
at 11:34 pm
Am I wrong or not? But that rear end looks like the Lexus LS.
at 12:07 am
I think this car definitely improves upon the previous 7 in the looks dept, although successful the Bangle Butt was a design blunder that seemingly its owners either overlooked or didnt care too much for, the same cannot be said for the BMW “purists”. Same thing happened with the Cayenne IMO.
@ Richard
You’re right, the back end does look a bit like the new Lexus LS.
at 11:31 am
An incredible vehicle!
at 9:55 am
B.M.W. The 7 series “lang”. I would prefer the Diesel version. Here at CarSanook we recently tested the 320d.
Fuel consumption 16,7 kilometer per liter – that’s not
fuel consumption that’s fuel economy. Do you have any Diesel ‘Beemers’ in Canada/ au Canada?
John K. Lindgren
CarSanook
Bangkok