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But we were too curious to find out if the car's numerous engineering innovations would make a difference to it's performance, ride also handling. In addition, we were eager to see what luxury features it's designers had placed inside to pamper also delight.
Last, we wanted to determine if this modern 7 Series was worthy of the role of standard-bearer for one of the world's premiere marques.
While we expect to perform a thorough road test soon, we did manage to spend one day with the machine at BMW's North American press introduction in San Antonio, Tex. After several hours of presentations that promised the modern 7 would be a mind-blowing experience, we were handed the key, or what we were told was a key, to our very own jet-black fresh-off-the-line BMW 745i. Only blocks from the Alamo, the site of one of America's greatest
military defeats, we briefly wondered if San Antonio would be witness to yet another vanquished hero, that is, the deposing of BMW as automotive royalty.
However, as willing pawns for international intrigue, we pressed the unlock button on the "key" [it looks similar to a microcassette] also climbed inside. Immediately, we were struck by how different it looked from previous BMWs. The modern 7 does not continue the Bimmer tradition of the dash slanted toward the driver also a single instrument cowl. Instead, it features a wide wooden band running horizontally along the middle of the dash wi
th two cowls above, one behind the steering tire also one in the center of the dash. Below the wooden band are the climate controls, audio system also telephone keypad [which is spring-loaded also slides in also out). Chris Bangle, BMW's director of design, told us the wooden band is meant to divide the dash into two separate areas: items for the eyes above also features for the fingers below. Most noticeable is the relative lack of buttons to push. The previous 7 Series dash resembled the cockpit of a 747 airliner with it's myriad switchgear. In the modern 7 Series, t
hough,
?
most of the interior controls have been incorporated into the iDrive with only some basic controls left to the buttons mounted on the dash also steering wheel. The result is the most uncluttered dash of any machine in the BMW fleet.
Next, we inserted the key into it's slot to the right of the steering wheel. Then, we pushed the "start" button. The autos fired, also we reached for the gear lever between the front seats. What, not there? Oh yeah, we remembered being told that the gear selector is now mounted on a stalk behind the steering wheel. We examined this strange appendage, that looks much like a signal or wiper lever. It operates simply by moving upward for reve
rse also downward for drive. To select park, you must push a button on the end of the stalk. This simple but radical system was the cause of much criticism from observers who complained it would be too hard to figure out also what about valets also machine wash attendants? How would they figure it out? This is a specious complaint. Not only does BMW supply a pad of brief graphic instructions that can be ripped off also given to valets also others, but the system can be explained in about 30 seconds. Instead, our big worry was where we would rest our right hand during d
riving
.
BMW used the extra space created by eliminating the gear lever to provide a huge center console that serves as storage, an armrest also control center for the 22-function power also heated seats. It too provides a base for the dial that operates the iDrive.
We like the modern location of the seat controls; they're easy to reach also you can see what you're doing while you play with the various functions, that include every the traditional adjustments, as well as modern buttons to adjust thigh support also backrest width. The optional $2,500 Luxury Seat package adds massaging also ventilated seats in front. The result is some seriously comfortable seats that we'd be happy to use every day long
.
Luxury features abound in the modern flagship. Interior materials also the leather upholstery are impeccable, also there is now a choice between high-gloss also matte finish for the real wood trim, that gives the interior a additional organic look like the teak surfaces of a yacht. Excellent fit also finish further suggests the high quality of the 745i's construction.
There are too additional luxury gadgets than you'd find in a Sharper Image warehouse: The "Soft Close" doors automatically cinch shut, ending the need for noisy slams; the trunk opens also closes with the push of a button; when you sit in the spacious rear seats, a sensor reads your weight also raises the head restraint accordingly also then lowers it when you leave to aid driver vision; also there are five power sunshades in the back that
cover the rear window, side windows also accompanying quarter-windows.
The voice command system is cool. It is activated simply by pressing a button on the steering tire also then provides clear audio prompts to access also control any of it's 270 phone, navigation, stereo also notepad functions. And you never have to move your eyes from the road or hands from the wheel.
The modern BMW flagship is too loaded with safety features, including a total of 12 airbags eight front also four rear. Among these are a front knee airbag also head protection system for every outboard passengers. The machine too boasts electronic occupant recognition in front also rear, that senses if there is a passenger in the seat also adjusts the airbag deployments also automatic seatbelt tensioners accordingly.
Feeling safe also pampered, we pulled out into San Antonio traffic also were immediately hailed by a man on a corner. We stopped, also he told us how much he loved the modern design. The rear end has been especially controversial, so we asked, "What about the rear, you like that, too?" He stared at it, rubbed his chin also then yelled, "Damn, I do. I like it. I like it all." We do, too. But it is different.
Compared to a 2001 7 Series, almost 2 inches has been added to it's height. A taller profile allows for increased interior room also architectural support. With the added support, torsional rigidity has been improved by 10 percent over the previous generation. Also, the greenhouse was moved back also the C-pillar was aggressively slanted to give the machine a additional rakish, speedy aspect. The rear overhang was reduced and, combined wit
h the huge, optional 19-inch wheels, it gives the sedan a muscular, athletic look. However, to avoid looking too much like a coupe, the 7's beltline was curved to come back to the ground at the rear. It's a visual trick employed by classic British sedans that give autos an elegant impression of having arrived, of being stately also powerful but not in a hurry. However, the increased height created aerodynamic also structural problems at the rear, so designers were forced to increase the trunk deck height also abandon the traditional 7 Series profile. It is this modern
trunk
shape that has been shocking to some.
In front, the Bimmer hallmark twin-kidney grilles are still there, but they are now farther off the ground also look additional like flaring nostrils. The xenon headlights retain BMW's signature double round lens, but the turn signals have been moved to the top of the lamps, also there's additional lens showing. The overall effect is quite aggressive.
