Possibly even more significant than the previously mentioned technologies, at least to those who still haven't learned how to use it, is a thoroughly reworked iDrive. It still relies on a central rotary controller to navigate the various menus, but now features a cluster of "direct select" buttons surrounding it that allow users to jump directly to the various menus from whatever they've got currently selected (radio, CD, telephone, navigation). There's also a "back" button that cancels the current step and returns the user instantly to whatever was previously selected, just like on your internet browser.
The new iDrive also benefits from a large-format graphic display (1280x480 resolution) with a variable layout, including preview maps and full-screen presentation. And its functionality is now further enhanced with the row of eight "favorites" buttons located on the center dash, which can not only store specific radio stations, telephone numbers and navigation destinations, but also specific menu items obtained through iDrive. For example, the driver can now instantly present the nav map in its preferred scale, get traffic reports, activate the audio balance control, or jump to a pre-selected chapter in the vehicle owner's manual, which is now also integrated into the 7's on-board hard drive. Climate controls have been moved out of iDrive and placed in the dash beneath the favorites buttons for instant access should all this excitement begin to make you moist.
Befitting its stature, the new 7 Series also features a list of optional technical doo-dads like BMW Night Vision, which is programmed to detect and display individual persons using a thermal-imaging camera that displays objects present outside of the headlight beams in real time, as well as providing the driver warning if those persons are at risk.
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning are also now available for the first time in a BMW, the latter using radar sensors located at the rear of the car to monitor traffic in adjacent lanes. A triangular LED array embedded at the bottom of the side mirrors will illuminate if there happens to be another vehicle in the way. If the driver switches on the indicator to commence changing lanes, the LED will flash rapidly if an imminent collision is detected. Lane Departure relies on a camera embedded in the windshield near the rearview mirror and actively monitors lane markings, warning the driver when the vehicle's tires kiss said markings by sending a mild vibration through the steering wheel.
One option we won't get, but available in Europe, is the 7's ability to read road signs and alert the driver when he or she exceeds the posted speed limit, indicating a possible impending citation via the optional Head-Up Display. Americans can opt for the Head-Up, which projects driving information like vehicle speed and navigation data on the windshield just above the driver-side dashboard.
Thoroughly refined, and easy on the eyes to boot, it's speculated the new 7 Series will not set you back much more than the current generation. A 2008 750i currently runs you $76,800, the long-wheelbase version about $3,000 more.
2009 BMW 750i
*Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
*Engine
4.4-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve, turbocharged,intercooled
*Transmission
Six-speed automatic
*Suspension
F: Double track control arm strut axle with separate lower track level, anti-dive
R: Integral V-multi-arm axle with steering function, anti-squat, anti-dive
*Brakes
Single-piston swing-calipers, ventilated rotors
*Dimensions
Length/Width/Height (in.): 199.7/84.0/58.2
Wheelbase: 120.9 in.
Curb Weight: 4,288 lb
*Performance
Peak Power: 402 hp @ 5500 rpm
Peak Torque: 443 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
0-62 mph: 5.2 sec.vTop Speed: 155 mph (limited)
Price Tag
$77,000 (est.)
2009 BMW 750Li
Length: 205.2 in.
Wheelbase: 126.4 in.
Curb Weight: 4,365 lb
0-62 mph: 5.3 sec.
Price Tag
$80,000 (est.)