BMW 7 Series Review & Road Test
July 3, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 BMW 740i Review & Road Test
The 7 Series still sets the benchmark in large car luxury
Model Tested:
- 2009 BMW 740i; 3.0-litre, twin turbo, six-cylinder; six-speed automatic; sedan – $203,000 (RRP)
Options (As Fitted):
- Dynamic Drive $5250; Comfort Seats $4300; Professional Hi-Fi System $1900; Lane Departure Warning $1300; Side View Camera $900; Sports Leather Steering Wheel $600
Smooth powertrain; quiet cabin; economical engine
Rear leg room; luggage capacity; option pricing
CarAdvice Rating: 
By – Matt Brogan Pics – Paul Maric.
For more than three decades now the 7 Series has set itself atop the BMW range as the German marque’s flagship model.
Today the fifth-generation 7 Series retains this illustrious position while at the same time continuing to prove itself as the benchmark car of its segment in terms of technical innovation, passenger comfort and driveline capability.
The model tested this week, the 740i, comes to us at an important juncture for in the 7 Series in Australia coinciding with the launch last week of the diesel variant, the 730d.
But as far as petrol powered models go, the vehicle as tested is the most economical – and the cheapest – in the current 7 Series line-up, making it an interesting variant to look at when you consider how close the competition is on price.
Stylistically the latest 7 Series is unmistakably BMW with enlarged kidney grilles and halo headlamps fronting a long, streamlined bonnet. An elegant yet subtle side profile with smooth flowing lines and high shoulders sit neatly above that broad, muscular stance that could only be unanimous with a top-shelf German luxury saloon.
But, perhaps strangely, these impressive outward proportions do not entirely justify the internally availed space. Rear leg room is rather tighter than expected when the front seats in their normal position, making the 7 Series iL (or stretched) versions a far more appealing prospect. Similarly boot space is also less than you’d expect in a car this size at a mere 500 litres.
Otherwise the cabin is suitably comfortable, as you’d well expect at this end of the price scale, and offers an incredibly quiet ride that is now also a great deal smoother than its predecessor thanks to a change in the front suspension set-up from MacPherson struts to a double wishbone arrangement.
The rear end features a multi-link arrangement that in conjunction with four driver adjustable settings (comfort-normal-sport-sport plus) can transform the car from a comfortable cruiser to capable tourer in an instant.
From a driver’s standpoint this makes the car surprisingly enjoyable, and while perhaps that isn’t the specific aim of this car, smooth power delivery and strong torque availed from the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder makes it feel very much more alive than its appearance would have you believe.
The engine’s entire 450Nm of torque is available from just 1500rpm and with 240kW on tap from 5800rpm, the car performs well across its entire rev range, a situation bettered by the super sharp ZF six-speed transmission.
An added bonus comes in the form of remarkable fuel economy with this week’s return of 11.7 litres per 100km an acceptable one given the car’s near two-tonne weight. It’s almost two litres more than that claimed in ADR testing, but given the size of the vehicle and the performance on hand, I think you’ll agree the balance is very acceptable.
The steering too is delightfully well balanced and very precise with a near perfect level of feedback, but the driving experience isn’t all this car is about for inside the 740i lies a wealth of technological achievement and just about every modern convenience available.
Standard options including cruise control, power windows and mirrors, electrically operated seats, self-dimming mirror, electric tilt and slide sunroof, six-stack CD tuner with TV reception, satellite navigation, dusk sensing bi-xenon headlamps, fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto wipers, four-zone climate control and heated leather trim the 740i certainly offers enough standard kit, but in case that’s not enough, a vast amount of ‘at cost’ kit is also available – even if it is quite expensive.
This particular vehicle, as an example, had some $14,250 worth of extras – or roughly a Holden Barina – on top of the $203,000 asking price. Thankfully should the price cause you to have a panic attack during your test drive the 740i also offers a full packet of airbags, ESC, Traction Control, ABS with CBC, EBA & EBD that afford the 7 Series top safety points as well.
In all the 7 Series is an absolutely lovely car to drive, and is with the few exceptions I’ve noted incredibly hard to fault. However, given that this is more likely a car in which you’re driven, rather than one you drive, I’m not sure it has quite hit the mark.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2979cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)
- Power: 240kW @ 5800rpm
- Torque: 450Nm @ 1500-4500rpm
- Induction: Twin-turbo & direct injection
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, CBC, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: 250km/h (Electronically Limited)
- 0-100km/h: 5.9 seconds (Claimed)
- CO2 Emissions: 232 grams per kilometre (Combined)
- Fuel Consumption: 9.9 litres per 100km (ADR combined)
- Fuel Consumption: 11.7 litres per 100km (as tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 82 litres
- Fuel Type: 98RON petrol
- EuroNCAP Rating: Five star
- Airbags: Dual front, side & curtain
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: None (Run Flat Tyres)
- Suspension: Wishbone (F) / Multi-Link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 500 litres
- Tow Capacity: 2100kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 12.2 metres
- Warranty: Three Year / Unlimited Kilometre
- Weight: 1935kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.0-inch
Road Test the Rivals:
Tags: BMW 7 Series
Wait so this car has less rear leg room than an Aussie Caprice and less boot space than an Aussie Falcon. I though Germany were the masters of this class of “a u t o m o b i l e”. Still its a very good car for the plutocrats, and it can also hustle when you want it to. But id still have the 730d, just for that mountain of Diesel torque.
What the, this fails pretty badly on a couple of key points, looking at that photo that rear legroom is ridiculous, you get more in a Jazz?!
I really like this new 7-series. Give me the new 740d please anyday! Maybe in black, with black leather and the aluminium interior trim, and the 20′ 6×2 spoke wheels please.
I don’t like the rear’s overall look, especially because it’s very similar to the 3-generations ago 7-series. The rear legroom doesn’t look very generous (as said above, a Caprice would have more, as well as other big saloons) but if that’s a problem then I suppose someone would buy the 7-series L version (longer wheelbase etc).
If I was a HC-registered car driver (maybe Sydney-only I dunno, these are like posh taxis but you book them and they’re alot more exxy) I’d have a Superb 4×4 V6 with every option (it’d probs be only 70k) as a number of UK mags put it against A6, 7 and Flying Spur for chauffeur duties and it won! 7-series would be second on my list though.
I know this is the short wheelbase version, but how does such a large car end up with appalling rear legroom like that? I remember seeing a 1 series beemer mocked on Top Gear because of the lack of room in the back, the grand-daddy of the range (albeit in SWB form) does’nt make the grade either!
Good point Jake02, id probably go for the Superb V6, itd have similar quality at 1/3 the price.
Ive been in the last 7 series and found it more than adequate in the rear for leg room so its hard to believe it got smaller.
Matt you say the front seat is situated at its normal positioned there is little leg room,is it just the angle the photo is taken ? When Paul is seen in the back the front seat looks further back than normal .
0-100 in 5.9 sec for a car that weighs 1935kgs and all from a twin turbo 3.0 litre six .Thats pretty bloody good!
Shak,the Superb V6 ,isnt in the same class which is why its cheaper. Next time your at a motor show do yourself a favour and go sit in one and see!
BM thats my point. Although it not in the same class, it is the same length and does offer substantially better boot and rear leg room. I sat in it at the Melbourne show, and compared it to the A8, 7 Series and Caprice, it eclipsed all but the caprice when it came to interior space.
Interesting points made about rear legroom. Its sad that the top of the line German cruiser is put to shame in the legroom and luggage capacities. Seems to be a common thing with new BMW’s though that they look after the driver and front passenger and seem to forget about the B-pillar backwards.
Still a nice car and I wouldn’t complain if someone gave me one, as long as I was driving.
There is no way that front seat is in it’s normal seating position. The Back rest on the front seat is behind the B pillar. I have sat in the back seat of the F01 many times and the leg room is more than adequate. That said, the LWB/F02 is like a lounge room.
Must be the angle then Matt Im looking at it from.I was just looking at the front seat in the Skoda Superb and its position in this story and thought the BMs seat looked further back .
http://www.caradvice.com.au/33.....rst-steer/
i really dont see the point of reviewing $200k plus limos.
in my view the average person will never be able to afford these cars and will be mostly sold to limo companies.
also doubt that people with that money will have the time to go online and read reviews of a BMW worth over $200k.
im probably going to be told of by these comments but im sure alot people will agree with me.
Did i mention these are GREAT buying…..used/2nd.hand.
$100,000k+ tear-up in less than 3 years.
Not something to own when it goes pear-shape though, $5k exhaust system for a 750il anybody….
Very complicated and expensive to fix, be warned!
Cheers
F-0
FrugalOne ,your going to have to wait a looooooooong time before the whole exhaust system needs replacing.Most of its stainless and by the time it will need replacing in sections you will find after market or you local Exhaust Workshop can mandrel bend one cheaper still than $5,000.
Gearbox in my M3 is 10k from BMW doesnt mean Im going to buy one from them if it needs it, plenty of other options to choose from first.
I do agree with the second hand option though ,mad buying new !
I enjoy looking through the ads by some of the Prestige Euro dealers who advertise in Unique Cars. As FO says, 04/05 7 series/S Class and A8’s are selling at roughly 30% of original price!!!
Makes great pictorial reading!!!!
Great cars at an even greater price!
Bavarian Missile:
If you take a quick look at the driver’s seat (Matt was driving at the time), he sits with his seat very far forward.
I was in the front passenger seat and set it up so that I was in a comfortable position. I then jumped in the back and that was the end result.
I had to collect my girlfriend’s family from the airport and they had to have some luggage on their laps due to the limited boot room. They also didn’t have much leg room, especially behind the driver’s seat when I was driving.
Paul Maric,
Im also interested in your view of the glovebox and centre console.
At the recent Melbourne Motor Show I was very surprised by all 3 of teh large Germans lack of storage space in these areas mainly due to being full of electronics and stereo/gps gear I believe.
You would have been lucky to fit your sunnies in some of the consoles!!
AB:
From what I recall there was barely any room in the centre console at all, was quite disappointed with that.
Thanks Paul for clearing that up,explains everything .
Perhaps you could tell those that dont know how tall you are.
AB storage in BMWs has always been dismal,my car has “NO” cup holders at all then again I dont allow drinks in it anyway so doesnt bother me.
If I didnt have the “optional fold down arm rest you wouldnt have anything to rest your arm on .
Love this car. Beautiful interior.
The ‘M-Sport’ version I’ve seen looks good too.
Bavarian Missile:
I’m about 6′1″. We had a Honda City on loan at the same time and I had far more leg room than the 7-series, likewise with head room.
$200,000 for a very nice BMW OK,but $210,000 could buy a Nissan GTR,and a G6E Turbo,with more leg room.
Didn’t win lotto so if I start saving now……………
I will be dead before I can afford one.
Great review. Have to agree though, boot and rear cabin space alittle disappointing. Especially this is treated as a VIP/Limo vehicle.
200k for a car n u have to pay for a leather steering wheel? whats the go with that.
LOL at BM and damage control. “But its a BMW….”
i can’t think of single positive thing to say about this car
for about half the price you can get a Jaguar XF diesel
200kW,600Nm, similar gearbox and the looks are incomparable (did BMW tune for power? 240kW/450Nm)
this BMW still has Bangle cues
granted the XF will probably have an assortment of electrical issues but i’d be happy to wake up every day to go to work at the CEO with the XF
can’t say the same thing about this car (or the new Mercedes E-class for that matter)
Yup much rather a XF Diesel S than this, but I think the XJ was meant to be the competition for 7 series. Can’t wait to see how the new XJ turns out, right now the current model isn’t exciting at all.
Interior space has always been quite lacking in the back for alot of German sedans. So it’s not that surprising. Long wheelbase version of this car looks just wrong, it looks pretty much like a boat.
What the, this fails pretty badly on a couple of key points, looking at that photo that rear legroom is ridiculous, you get more in a Jazz?!
great desine , beautiful system
thank’s caradvice.com.au fur alll this information
Nice car but at $200K+ you’d have to have be a millionaire to buy one. For that amount I could get a G6E Turbo and pay off the mortgage.
Welcome to the exclusive world of elite motoring Stevothedevo. If rich people didn’t exist, neither would the industry! ps, “A million dollars” ain’t considered “rich” anymore… people buying new 7-Series BMWs have plenty more, I assure you.