Test drive BMW 7 series F01 02 since 2008 sedan
Wings, legs ... tail!
Representing the new BMW 7th series on Red Square in Moscow, Chris Bangle first painted his front on paper, then a profile, and then ... He advised to look at the seven as a woman dressed in an evening dress, that is, from behind, at a small angle. Typically, it was the feed that became the main stumbling block in the exterior of the previous generation of the model, but this time the designers tried to improve.
This BMW is closer to the classic BMW. But still, not the cult E-38, which consistently developed for several decades and which Chris and the comrades buried at the turn of the century. However, Bangle was never considered a jealous champion of traditions, as, indeed, a fan of BMW. He is a revolutionary. In addition, a gradual evolutionary ascent today, alas, is not in fashion. The client needs an adrenaline leap, and freedom to stylists. And the previous E-65 simply untied the chief Bavarian architect of the hand. But the whole paradox is that he did not take this opportunity, demonstrating a sequence that was not characteristic to him before. And the new seven turned out to be ... similar to the predecessor. Of course, she was slightly younger, pulled herself up, became more restrained and modest, but at the same time, Bangle did not abandon the stuffed forms and a massive, outstanding lid of the trunk. However, the main surprise was the return to the legitimate places of pronounced side ribs. What is this, formal curtsy towards traditional style or touched for the future? Or maybe the designer lost to the relevant requirements of the company's top managers?
In the second, by the way, one. The first was the return to the system turned to the Central Console, which the designer refused, drawing the E-65 interior. Then he explained this by the need for a stylistic adaptation of the salon to the new IDRive interface. But everything turned out to be not so scary in the current unsymmetric cockpit and the controller, and the monitor fit perfectly. And the front panel of the limousine began to look just great, although in fact serious constructive changes did not require the Bavarians elementarily covered the finished panel with a single visor, which hid a not too presentable display growth. And all! She has a completely different look.
It is a pity that most future owners of the novelty will be observed exclusively from the rear seat, if at all, they begin to bother with such research (buyers of a 750LI car like a test is certainly). Firstly, the gentlemen will have something to do at their disposal adjustable chairs, personal climate control, an optional DVD system with excellent acoustics. And secondly, being constant users of such cars and most likely the previous generation of the Bavarian flagship, they will not learn anything significantly for themselves. Related to comfort changes from a series of nuances, while the seven, I remember, have no problems for fifteen years. The only thing you can complain about is the texture of materials. Note, not to quality, but to texture. This time the Germans, in the opinion of your correspondent, slightly overdo it with brutality, although this interior practically does not spoil.
How does not spoil the picture and Idrive now. Compared to the first version of the interface, the top of perfection, an example of simplicity and logic, installed on the new product. From here they removed all the excess, such as the settings of the ventilation system (from now on, traditional buttons are responsible for them on the central console), and the jeoostik washer is now moved exclusively along the generally accepted coordinate axes, which greatly simplified the work. And this is a huge plus, given that the weighty interface was loaded with a couple of new functions, such as: built -in manual or communication with online services BMW ConnectedDrive, including the possibility of accessing the Internet (this service is still unavailable to domestic customers). Significantly facilitates the life of the driver and the expanded set of direct access buttons responsible for communication with most on -board systems, starting with acoustics and ending with navigation.
Immediately at hand and a pair of new products, one of which includes the camera built into the body panels (side in the front wheels and the rear in the trunk lid), and the second allows you to change the settings of the car.
By pressing the corresponding key, the driver can choose one of four pre -installed modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport or Sport+. Moreover, in the latter case, in addition to adjusting the rigidity of shock absorbers (air suspension in LI modifications are set by default), the sensitivity of the steering wheel, accelerator and the time of switching the transmission of the electronics disables the stabilization system and changes the engine settings. At first glance, this may seem superfluous, especially in the case of a long -drawn version, but at the same time, it was then that the potential of a fundamentally new flagship chassis is revealed. So, the Germans replaced the aluminum double -knuckle in front of the MacPherson model, but the main now equipped with an integral steering mechanism, the limousine turns not only the front, but also the rear wheels (at an angle up to 3 degrees). By the way, this will have to be taken into account in practice, because, despite the original severity, at the top of the turn, the seven sharply changes the nature of the movement, forcing the driver to straighten the trajectory earlier, after which everything returns to his circles. Nevertheless, this BMW provokes a steppe riding. In Sport+ he is frankly uncomfortable, at least on Moscow roads. Ten to fifteen minutes and the steering has an irresistible desire to switch it to the original Normal, which provides the optimal balance between comfort and controllability. As for the characteristics of the motor, then, believe me, the speakers of the 4.4-liter V8 750 Biture-4.4-liter V8 750 will be enough for you in nominal mode, but you will want to continue, take it better for the M5 sedan for this and created. Drive of seven is not hard rock, but a classic opera, albeit in a modern presentation.
Adaptive bixenon is installed on a new seven in mass, however, as an option, the Germans offer a system of distribution of the light flow, which automatically changes the intensity of lighting depending on the speed of movement. So, in the city she highlights the near area, and on the highway raises a bunch, shifting it to the left. Another innovation was a night vision system with a person recognition function.
Competitors
LEADER
Despite the powerful and incessant attacks of competitors, Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the most popular representative class limousine in our country. Last season, for example, he completed with more than a two -time advantage in relation to the closest pursuer. The result of the seven was generally five times more modest. And this year, it seems, the alignment in the premium segment will not change, but to restrain the pressure from the BMW in the future will become much more difficult.
Star of the East
The pathos and by no means the most affordable in the Lexus LS premium class last year quite deservedly occupied the second line of the corrupt rating. Moreover, the base LS460 and the most expensive modification equipped with a hybrid power plant were in decent demand. The starting cost of the LS600H L is 4,912,400 rubles, so the position of the new seven here looks more preferable. But only on condition that the price in this case will be taken into account at all.
LORD OF THE RINGS
The basic cost of the top version of the Audi A8 LONG with a 6-liter W12 and all-wheel drive transmission today is 5,219,500 rubles. The new BMW 750LI BASIC is cheaper than a million. But at the same time, Audi provides customers with greater freedom of choice under the hood of the model one of three gasoline engines or turbodiesel. Also in the arsenal of dealers there is also a loaded S8 sedan with V10 gasoline from Lamborghini Gallardo. In value, it is equal to 750LI long.
Vladimir Zhidkov
Photo author: Armen Meetarjyan
A source: Mkobil magazine [December/2008]
