2002 BMW 7-Series: Road Test
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2002 BMW 7-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $67,850 -$71,850
- Invoice: $61,905 -$65,545
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Our road test for the 2002 BMW 7-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2002 BMW 7-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 BMW 7-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 BMW 7-Series help you decide if a 2002 BMW 7-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Standard-length 745i only model made available for test so far. BMW quotes 5.9 sec 0-60 mph, and acceleration is robust, though traction control intrudes to take some steam out of starting-stop sprints. And two examples tested also suffered stuttering movement from a stop or walking pace. Effortless high-speed cruising.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 8 |
A model of smooth discipline. Less-isolated than Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement, but never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19-inch tires slap into sharp bumps, but detract only slightly.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 6.6 |
Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. With 19-inch tires, steering feels even more alert, turn-in crisper, grip tenacious.
QUIETNESS
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 7.5 |
Wind a murmur on highway. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes rivals.
CONTROLS
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
Unfamiliar design of important controls compels reorientation to new world of driving. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with spring-back movement and push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Anything more than simplest climate and audio adjustments forces interaction with iDrive. It accesses a daunting range of communication, navigation, and entertainment tools; it even adjusts suspension firmness and deactivates antiskid control. But learning its ways and coordinating its joystick movement while driving takes hours of practice and diverts attention from the road. At least controls are easy to reach, though iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and power-seat cluster is awkwardly mounted on console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 7.8 |
Firm, roomy seats with fine contour and support. Tall drivers, however, may wish for more seat travel. And you must order the "Comfort" or "Luxury" seat option to get independent adjustment of side bolsters and headrest height. Front headrests block some over-the-shoulder vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 7 |
Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Some testers say the doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.
CARGO ROOM
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit transversely. Optional power lid opens and closes at push of button. Cabin storage good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Smooth, powerful, athletic, the new 7-Series is virtually without dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-cabin travel by any standard. How you accept iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology.
Total Score
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 71 | 71 | 62.4 |
Total Score: 71
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