Test Drive BMW 7 Series F01-02 Restyling since 2012 Sedan

Patch

In the world of software and computer games, it has long been an ordinary thing to produce products, and then improve them with patches of special patches, eliminating the shortcomings of the original software or adding new features to it. The same story is repeated with cars: restyling is essentially the release of the same patches. Now it's time to disappear and BMW 7-Series.

Unfortunately, in recent times we are increasingly seeing how the product is incoming to the market, not finished by 100 percent. At first glance, everything is in order: Fresh, fashionable appearance, presentable set of consumer characteristics. But it turns out that the product is slightly damp.


The international presentation of the updated seven did not accidentally decide to spend in St. Petersburg: Russia is one of the priority markets along with China and the United States.

When a computer program works crooked or hangs at all, it is not scary. With cars, they are more difficult to show their dampness much more clearly. For example, everyone will surely remember the history of the Swedish journalist Robert Kollena, who turned over in 1997 on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class of the first generation in 1997. You can also recall the Audi TT coupe of the first issues that were unstable at high speeds. There is a more modern example: the first Hyundai Solaris, designed with unsuccessful rear shock absorbers. All this was, and all this was fixed by the corresponding patches.

It is important that today this kind of mistakes will happen completely and nearby, regardless of the premium segment and product price. We are increasingly and more often we get a completely complete thing, and only after restyling it becomes a full-fledged product. All as in the computer world. But the car is not a shooter under the PC. It can not be pro-proposed to the new version and happily live on: you can only purchase a modification updated by the manufacturer. And this is the difference.


Patch released by engineers and BMW designers for its flagship was needed as air. The author of these lines knows about it is not obstacle, because a lot of time spent at the wheel of one of the first new seven (Body F02).

Suspension settings of that car did not knit with two words: Premium and Executive. It was something unbridled and incomprehensible soft and jelly-like in Comfort mode, vague and already unnecessary rigid in Normal, and completely uncomfortable, but at the same time with rolls, in sports mode. It was expensive, powerful, solid, but tasteless.


After restyling, the BMW 7-Series suspension finally found everything that she was so lacked earlier: the harmoniousness, elasticity, silence and most importantly good smoothness.

Suspension seven is the most complex mechatronics. Double transverse levers in front, rear twisting multi-dimensions, active stabilizers in combination with pneumatics (after updating all cars are equipped with a pneumatic suspension in the database). If earlier the driver could choose the chassis settings from four DynamicDrive modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport +), then after updating the modes has already been five: Ecopro, Comfort +, Comfort, Sport and Sport +. Previously, the standard was Normal, and now this is Comfort. But does this mean that the harsh seven became more comfortable?

Yes and no. But in any case, in full breasts, this organism has just been breathing now. The necessary consistency in the actions of all aggregates and systems appeared. The car gathered, Flavy. Razbannost and uncertain sounds on road irregularities disappeared. On the steering action, the machine will respond more, and even ActiveStering steering with variables depending on the speed and conditions of movement of the transfer ratio, which only lazy was not complained, almost not annoying. This is a rare case when the work of a new electric amplifier has become better than the good old hydraul. It allows you to feel the front wheels and provides close to the expected effort on the steering wheel. The only note: Inside the Baranki, small bugs live on the irregularities appear, a slight oppression appears, which, however, can also be considered information for the driver.


All changes of the back are drunk to a thin chrome plate between two cataphoons. Even lanterns did not change.

Having firsthanded for the first 20 minutes with different modes and realizing that they all are good in their own way, you understand that the problem is, or rather its decision, lay much deeper than in simple recalibration of the control electronics. Engineers BMW, of course, could not not understand the fact that the suspension of the previous 7-series did not justify the expectations of many VIP clients. Therefore, the chassis settings were completely changed. Updated seven new shock absorbers and rubber supports, new pneumatics and, of course, the filed brains. The result is obvious the smoothness of the stroke has become much better, the handling is already similar to Baemwash. Almost all blows on the irregularities disappeared, and any of the mechatronic chassis algorithms is useful.


Differences in the behavior of versions with different wheelbase a bit: 750IL is a little smaller, it takes irregularities more rounded, but also the steering action reacts somewhat more lazy, and rolls are stronger here.

Comfort and Comfort + are really designed for comfort. The current seven is quite capable of providing him with both the owner of the driver and the owner-the inhabitant of the rear sofa (this sofa in version Li is divided into two separate chairs equipped with adjustments and massage). In Comfort, 7-Series goes as it is supposed to be a sedan of the representative class: Chinno, smoothly, noble, with a small Lenza reacting to gas. Hello from the past small rolls, which seven performs when trying to more or less rapid taxi. But if you carry the boss, there is nothing to trim.

The Ecopro mode is the mansion. By title it is clear that this is a disposable to the philosophy of savings of everything and all from BMW called EfficientDynamics is designed to save, while maintaining the comfortable chassis settings. The new, fully electronic instrument panel in this mode changes the color of the backlight on the blue, and the tachometer on the power consumption indicator with the charging sector (Charge, like hybrids). If the arrow is in this zone, then you are watching Ecopro in action and pretty to save fuel. The number of saved kilometers is displayed immediately below.

Optiffered instrument panel
As an option, instead of a classic dashboard on an updated seven, a multifunctional dashboard can be ordered with a 10.25-inch screen. At the same time, the traditional division into four round devices is saved, the truth is now all the devices will be virtual. Depending on the Comfort, Sport or Ecopro movement mode, the display changes its design and color design. The instrument readings are read well in any form, except that the fuel age arrow is almost imperceptible on a red Sport. It is a pity that in general the new panel looks like a toy. Somehow it is strange to see all these cartoons on the sedan of the representative class.

For Russia, this regime is just a toy. It is too melancholic that the car turns out, and in the attempts of the Russian owners of the seven to savely believe with difficulty. But for Europe or America, this is a real opportunity to give less money for gasoline. After all, the declared average consumption for the car with a modernized 4,4-liter bitburbomotor (only versions 750i and 750li are available for the test), which has become more powerful by 43 horsepower and added another 50 nm of the moment, is only 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers. And this is with a mass of two tons and overclocking up to hundreds less than five seconds! Although overclocking is no longer about Ecopro. Three fast pressing on the ceremonic key on the central tunnel and the politically correct ECOPRO is changing to the apparent appliance panel Sport mode.


The version L has an elongated to 14 centimeters wheeled base. If a short modification also implies the presence of the owner behind the wheel, then it is better to transfer to the rear sofa long.

There should be an asking for a personal driver to move to the next chair and go behind the wheel. It is impossible to say that an amazing metamorphosis is happening to the seven and it turns into an extreme sports car. No. It becomes smoothly so much as a representative car can afford: a little sharp gas, a new eight-speed gearbox begins to work (on dorestayling versions the automatic was a six-speed), collected and tougher suspension. The control process of such BMW can be carried away. And let the voice of a powerful motor only break through the well-thought-out and improved noise insulation, but for the pedal, the seven should be much more alive, and in turns and on a speed direct line behaves very worthy.


However, recreated to the back seat, we are surprised that even in sports mode here is still quite comfortable. It is unlikely that, of course, the owner, sitting on the back armor, thumping his leg and relying Financial Times, will often ask her driver to go in sports. But the balance of the updated chassis is so good that you can sometimes.

Sport +? An even more tightened sports option, the main difference of which is to activate the special sports mode of the stabilization system. The presence of this regime on the long-base modification cause a smile. Will imagine the tale of the limousine that rushes in the center of the city? But the presence of an active driver driving a short version is still more likely. For him, Sport + is intended, in which excellent dynamics are really felt, and readiness with easy-to-peeling tires to undergo a protracted speed turn. For more serious sports exercises, the seven is still too hard and great.


Riding quickly on BMW 7-Series nice: the gas is sensitive, the machine is almost flawless, the suspension will not leave. But complete mutual understanding with the car is hampered by a small delay between the turn of the steering wheel and the change of the course, which, besides, at the very beginning is accompanied by a noticeable rhe.

Talking about the improved 3-Series running qualities, we deliberately left the conversation about the appearance and interior of the seven for later. The fact is that the patch mainly touched on exactly the filling of the car, and the cosmetic changes in the design are much less significant. The renewed car has new headlamps, the nostrils of the radiator now with seven slats instead of 12, and the bumper received slots-wings on sides, improving aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. Mirrors are also new with implanted turn signals. By the way, these minor, it would seem, the external changes and the optimized form of the bottom of the machine made it possible to throw three tenths from the level of aerodynamic resistance (CX \u003d 0.28).


The amazing ability of designers to refresh appearance with just a few strokes. The seven is now new headlights, front bumper, radiator grille, and repeaters of turn signals in mirrors appeared.

An enhanced requirements are always presented to the interior of the sedan of the representative class. But they satisfy them the previous seven: she was originally luxurious and rich. However, in the updated version, quality is elevated to the absolute soft leather with an ideal line, a thick pile of carpets, cold aluminum, natural wood. True pain for Greenpeace activists. And a real paradise for the owner.

Interior


Premium in a square: almost the entire salon is tightened into high-quality skin, wood or aluminum. On the floor, soft carpets, on the rear windows, sliding curtains with an electric drive.


Traditionally, for the BMW cars, the central console, which is crowned with a 10.25-inch display and the retractable dynamics of Bang & Olufsen music, slightly deployed to the driver.


The elongated version amazes the reserves from the back. Behind there is also a separate climate, and screens on the backs, and chairs with adjustments and massage (optional), as well as a music control panel.

The royal expanse of the rear row of the long-base Li is supplemented by separate climate control, idrive joystick, chairs with adjustments and massage, as well as the ability to raise electrical curtains on the rear hemisphere glasses. On the floor, a special footrest. On the back of the front armchair, a 9-inch monitor. Want to rest in a cozy twilight, you want to work on the Internet.

From the driver view of the driver, the seven traditionally for BMW is very friendly to its owner regarding landing, the location of government agencies or ease of use. The multi-functional chair can be bent so that a person of any complexion and growth will be comfortable. The steering wheel, pedals, easy-to-hand lever of an eight-speed automatic transmission, deployed to the left central console, Joystick Ai-Drive on the central tunnel All this is so organically that it does not require addiction.


For the rear passengers there are two 9.2-inch screens, on which you can follow navigation, manage music or compensate for Internet spaces


What is a full joystick IDRIVE, mounted in the rear armrest


Optionally, the seven can be equipped with adjustable rear seats (with memory into two positions) and massage. On the door armrest of sunscope control buttons in the rear hemisphere


Pads on the speakers made of aluminum, pleasantly cool hand


Door handle is very high, under the glass. With unaccustomed to close the door, constantly grab it for the armrest and the ashtray


The road sign recognition system determines the speed limit (in this case, 40 kilometers per hour). In case of exceeding the sector on the speedometer is painted red


Side chambers allow you to estimate the sides of the sides from the front of the car - for example, when departing from the arch


And you can withdraw and top view

The huge display in the center of the face of the new complex ConnectedDrive: the intellectual communication system between the driver, the car and the rest of the world. It combines a multimedia installation under its wing, car setup management, Internet access, the last generation navigation system, a night vision system with pedestrian recognition feature, road marking tracking system and active cruise control with the STOP & GO function, as well as the speed limit indicator. It is based on a powerful processor (1.3 gigahertz), working paired with a separate video card. It is thanks to them that the display shows the magnificent 3D graphics with a beautiful animation.


Splatik 750i slightly deception. Under the hood, the seven is only 4.4 liters of volume, but with double turbocharging. 450-Strong motor is always lucky and from any speed. A 250 kilometers per hour maxima are gained in one breath.

Improved mobile office and voice recognition system allow you to record short voice messages, notes and, for example, send them by mail or save on a flash drive. Beginning, you can control the vote by the majority of even secondary functions.


The volume of the luggage compartment BMW 7-Series 500 liters. The trunk is very deep, decorated with a mild premium pile. A little did not like the organization of space on the sides: quite large protrusions of the wheeled arches.


Also, like on VW Passat, the trunk door can be opened with a pink for the rear bumper.

Control the functions of the car using voice commands easily in the cabin is almost absolute silence. As soon as you were inside, a little leaning the door to the way, and the rest tried a powerful, but delicate closer, the world outside the windows becomes dumb. Everything that the owner remains muffled, but the deep sound of the eight is somewhere under the hood and whisper of rolling tires, which is easy to remove high-quality music from a 1200-watt audio system Bang & Olufsen.

Ideal conditions for the one who earned these conditions: comfort, silence, dynamics, luxury. It can be easily removed from life, which runs behind the windows, but on which the owners of the seven are just most often affected. The car, which, and before the update, could emphasize the status and charm the decoration and exposure of the interior, but, unfortunately, could not meet the requirements of both the active driver and a high passenger. Now, with a new patch for 7-series, everything fell into place.

8-speed automatic
On all seven after restyling, an eight-propelled automaton produced ZF 8HP90 is installed. It has a third of the smaller friction losses than the old six-speed 6HP90. The range of gear ratios is large (on the eighth transmission at 2200 revolutions per minute, the car rides at a speed of 150 kilometers per hour), which gives a decrease in fuel consumption to six percent. In addition, he has excellent smoothness and speed of switching.

Alternative
Audi A8. From 3 950,000 rubles are asked for a short-passage A8 with a 250-strong motor 3.0 TDI or 290-strong 3.0 TFSI. A8 with a V8 - 4.0 TFSI engine (420 horsepower) or 4.2 TDI (350 forces) cost more than 4,650,000 rubles. Similar long-base versions will cost another 50,000 rubles more expensive. The flagship modification of A8 L W12 is the mansion (6.3 liters, 500 forces, 6,438,300 rubles) and sports S8 (4.0 TFSI, 520 forces, 5,338,800 rubles). And for 4,050,000 rubles, you can order A8 Hybrid with a 2.0 TFSI motor, which is a pair with an electric motor produces 245 forces.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The bottom plan of prices is set at the turn of 3,500,000 rubles per 231-strong S 300, which is only available in the long-base version. With a short and long base, S 350 4Matic modifications are supplied (306 forces), S 500 (435 forces) and S 500 4Matic. Prices for short versions, respectively, 3,900,000, 4,700,000 and 4,900,000 rubles. Long 200,000 rubles more expensive. Only with a long base S 600 (517 forces, 8,100,000 rubles), S 63 AMG (544 forces, 7,600,000 rubles), S 65 AMG (630 forces, 12,000,000 rubles) and S 400 Hybrid (299 forces, 4,700,000 rubles).

Jaguar XJ. The basic XJ in the Luxury configuration with a three-liter gasoline engine (238 forces) costs from 3,450,000 rubles. The Premium Luxury Equipment level also features a three-liter 275-strong turbodiesel (3,860,000 rubles) and atmospheric 385-strong eights (4,600,000 rubles). Long-base versions are more expensive by 220,000 rubles. The PORTFOLIO XJ is equipped with V8, but already with a supercharger (470 forces, 5,375,000 rubles). XJ SuperSport is only with compressor V8: short-passable with a 510-stronger option (5,890,000 rubles), and a lengthy one in 510 and in 470 soles (6,360,000 and 5,610,000 rubles, respectively).

Specifications BMW 750i (L)
Engine type Gasoline - Burbo V8
Working volume 4395 cm
Max. Power, hp / rpm 450/5500
Max. Moment, nm / rpm 650 / 2000-4500
Type of rear drive
Transmission 8-speed ACP
Front suspension independent, on double transverse levers
Rear suspension pneumatics, independent multi-type
Brakes disc ventilated front and rear
Dimensions (DHSHV), mm 5079x1902x1471 (1481)
Wheel base, mm 3070 (3210)
Curb weight, kg 1940 (1960)
Max. Speed, km / h 250
Acceleration 0-100 km / h, from 4.8
Fuel consumption (combo), l / 100 km 8.6
CO2 emissions, g / km, ek. Class 199, EURO 5
Fuel tank volume, l 80
Volume of luggage compartment, l 500
Tire size 245/50 R18
Price, rubles N / D
In brackets are indicated data for a car with a long base.
 

A source: Motor magazine [August 2012]