2009 BMW 7-Series: Road Test

FUEL ECONOMY

No opportunity to measure. Premium-grade gas is required.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

With the optional Sport Package, Integral Active (rear wheel) Steering combines with BMW's excellent Active Roll Stabilization to make a 7-Series so-equipped among the best-handling large sedans available. Integral Active Steering turns the rear wheels slightly in the opposite direction of the fronts at low speeds to aid maneuverability and cut 2.5 ft from the turning radius, and in the same direction as the fronts at higher speeds to benefit stability. While handling is impressive even in Comfort or Normal modes, it sharpens somewhat in Sport and Sport . Steering is nicely weighted and the brakes confidence-inspiring.

CONTROLS

The new iDrive system is worlds better than that in the previous-generation 7-Series. While a separate audio system would still be preferable, a row of eight programmable buttons that can be set for radio stations, map destinations, or shortcuts to an iDrive screen greatly ease everyday use, as do redundant steering-wheel controls. However, the optional 6-disc CD changer is inconveniently mounted in the upper glovebox. Also added are separate buttons for suspension adjustments and a few iDrive functions that previously required using the joystick controller. Climate controls are mounted low on the dash but are easy to reach. The navigation system is relatively simple to program, and the large, 10.2-inch dashboard screen shows a very clear image. Guidance instructions can be set to appear on the right-hand side of a split screen and on the available head-up display on the windshield. The shift lever retains its electronic "pattern" but moves from the steering column to a more conventional placement on the center console.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

Plenty of headroom and legroom for even the lankiest occupants. The driver seat can be fitted with ventilation, an extendable thigh support, and an articulated backrest. The optional massage function doesn't so much "massage" as adjust pressure points every few minutes, something we find of somewhat dubious value. Lane Departure Warning works well; it "shimmies" the wheel a bit if the driver switches on the turn signal or the car drifts toward the side where another car is detected. Night Vision 2 is also impressive. Like most night-vision systems, its infrared camera can see far more clearly at night than the naked eye, and it displays a black-and-white image on the dashboard screen. But this version also incorporates Pedestrian Detection, which not only "paints" people with a yellow tint in order to make them stand out, but also flashes a warning on the instrument panel or on the available head-up display. Active Cruise Control allows the driver to set one of four following distances, and it worked as advertised in our test. So did the Collision Warning System, which beeps if you're closing on a car too quickly. The optional camera package includes the traditional rearview camera along with cameras mounted in the front wheelwells that look to both sides; each of the sideview cameras displays an image on half the navigation screen, useful when pulling out of an alley or from between two cars.

CARGO ROOM

The trunk is spacious and nicely trimmed but the opening isn't particularly large. Inside, there's a roomy console box along with two covered cupholders, a small dash tray, and upper and lower gloveboxes. However, the optional 6-disc CD changer takes up most of the upper glovebox.

Total Score