BMW

7 Series/M

Boasting such innovative technology as full internet connectivity and cameras that point every which way, the 7-Series is a luxury car with a price tag to match. But with the incredible equipment level throughout, it has to be worth every penny.

Test Drive

BMW 730Ld M Sport

BMW’s luxurious executive car, the 7 Series, really does offer the very best of both worlds.

It boasts all the pure unadulterated luxury you could dream of in the back of the car so you can work on the move, but the awesome driving dynamics and blistering pace will mean the chauffeur will be treated to plenty of days off.

It is often the case that back seat passengers are overlooked when manufacturers develop a luxury saloon, but that’s definitely not true with the lavish BMW 7 Series.

In fact, there are almost as many refinements and techno treats to be explored in the back as up front in the 730Ld M Sport model which rolls in at a few pounds shy of £85k.

For example, there are comfort seats in the back which can be individually heated with electrical adjustment for the seat position, back angle and head restraint.

There are also three memory settings so your favourite position can be stored.

There is an angled footrest, overhead vanity mirrors and individual colour screens to make the most of your multi-media devices on the go. And should the sun put in an appearance the back seat passenger can lower side window and rear screen blinds at the push of a button. Of course, each back seat occupant has their very own air con system.

From the outside, the car oozes premium quality with its sleek, streamlined profile, 20-inch alloys, M Aerodynamic styling and soft-close doors, but it’s the overall handling that will make even the busiest of executives want to spend time behind the wheel.

Powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine the car can reach 62mph from a standing start in just 6.2 seconds and redlines at an electronically-limited 155mph.

Acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission is blisteringly quick and very slick. But it’s the manner in which such stats are achieved that cannot fail to impress. The 7 Series actually seems to glide along. All the bumps and dips are ironed out along the way and it offers one of the smoothest rides possible.

Even at pace, the road-holding is exemplary and there is barely a sound from either the road surface or engine.

For added excitement there are five driving modes to select from – ECO Pro, Comfort, Comfort+, Sport and Sport+.

The latter mode makes the dynamics much edgier and more responsive.

And the ECO Pro is the most efficient mode. According to BMW figures, the car can achieve a creditable 50.4mpg on a combined run with carbon emissions of 148g/km.

And, as one would expect, there are plenty of techno treats up front to be explored along the way along the way.

Yhese include the superb sound system with DAB radio, head-up display to keep a watchful eye on the speed, a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, four-zone air con, Bluetooth and plenty more besides.

All in all, the new 7 Series is the perfect car for the business executive who works hard but likes to play hard too.

Test Drive

BMW ActiveHybrid 7 L SE

When a company introduces hybrid technology into its flagship model then you know its dedication to cleaner motoring is without question – that is the case with BMW.

For the German marque has just launched a Series 7 model which performs exquisitely and also features a comprehensive hybrid system.

The entire 7 Series range has a new look and although the cosmetic changes are fairly minor there has been plenty to shout about beneath the bonnet.

The latest design tweaks mean improved aerodynamics and increased efficiency – vital factors when taking on the likes of Audi, Mercedes and Jaguar.

Instantly recognisable as a 7 Series with its sleek, sweeping lines the model also boasts new LED lighting, a more prominent kidney grille, newly shaped bumpers, indicators that are housed in the door mirrors and a dark housing around the rear lights.

The interior features only the best. BMW has utilised the very finest leathers and wood veneers to create a cabin atmosphere fit for a lord. Comfort levels are exceptionally high and rear seat passengers can really stretch out with their own individual seats that can be electrically adjusted and heated. They can even have their own DVD player too.

And buyers can choose from a range of diesel or petrol engines as well as the newly-introduced ActiveHybrid 7 model which skillfully combines the 2,979cc petrol engine from the 740i model with a 55hp motor and a lithium-ion high performance battery.

The end result is a car that bursts from 0 to 62mph in just 5.7 seconds and tops out at 155mph. It boasts an impressive combined fuel economy of 41.5mpg and carbon emissions of 158g/km – also notable for car of its size and capabilities.

It always seems a little strange when a car as imposing as the 7 Series pulls away in complete silence and the ActiveHybrid 7 model can complete two to three miles in pure electric mode before the more conventional power systems kick in.

During a test drive consisting of winding country lanes, motorways and busy town centres, the car performed beautifully. Acceleration was smooth and efficient and handling faultless.

The cabin noise was almost non-existent and even the bumpiest road surfaces were tackled with ease.

The level of on-board technology and build-quality cannot fail to impress and the test model featured ivory white Nappa leather upholstery with flashes of chrome and smart wooden trim.

Technical treats included a 3D sat nav system with 10.2-inch colour screen, four-zone climate control, reversing cameras, a glass sunroof, ambient lighting, follow-me-home headlights and plenty more besides.

The new 7 Series has a revised chassis and improved insulation which contribute to a smoother and quieter ride as the vehicle really appears to glide through the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Being a hybrid model, there are a few additional readouts highlighting the car’s electric driving performance and power regeneration. The boot is also slightly smaller as it houses the battery pack and elsewhere there are ActiveHybrid 7 emblems to help distinguish it from standard models.

BMW has fitted a comprehensive range of safety specifications to the car and one inew innovation is the High Beam Assistant. This system works the main beam lights at night shaping and modifying the beam so it doesn’t cause any glare to oncoming drivers but still maintains a brightly-lit path ahead.

The test car was priced at £69,140 although this was bumped up by more than £20k with all the additional optional extras.

Hybrid technology may not yet appeal to the masses but this model is a real eye-opener as to how good clean, green motoring can be without any compromise on performance.