For 2012, the BMW 7-Series continues to balance comfort with an engaging driving experience. Three engine choices are available in the 7-Series, including a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine in 740i and 740Li models. While standard V8 powerplants are common among super luxury cars, test drivers say there is no need to avoid six-cylinder 7-Series if you are concerned about power.
Still, if you are interested in a sedan with ample power, BMW offers turbocharged V8 and V12 engines that make the 7-Series accelerate just as well as it handles. Most auto industry players also approve of BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control, which allows ride control and steering adjustments that range from “Comfort” to “Sport+”.
Still, shoppers looking for a car with a posh, serene ride should be aware that the 7-Series is more of a driver’s car than some of its rivals. While most agree that the 2012 7-Series’ exciting driving dynamics make it fun to drive, some auto stakeholder say the car no longer strikes the balance between comfort and sport that they have come to expect. If you are looking for a super luxury car that coddles you with an ultra-smooth ride, competitors like the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class might be more appealing.
The 7-Series’ interior is loved for its quality materials and a decent suite of standard tech features. The cabin, albeit luxurious, is still not as opulent as some of rivals. Features like heated and cooled seats and satellite radio are often standard equipment at this price point, but one will need to add option packages to get them on the 740i. Still, the 7-Series impresses critics with its iDrive system, which is much more user-friendly than earlier versions.
The BMW 7-Series is also roomy; ample passenger space is available front and rear, and choosing an extended-wheelbase Li model increases the 7-series’ back seat comfort, which is good even on standard wheelbase models. Three engines and two wheelbase lengths are available on the 2012 BMW 7-Series. Regular 7-Series models have a 120.9-inch wheelbase, while Li models are 5.5 inches longer.
BMW 740i and 750i models are available in either style, while the 760 is a Li-only model. The 740i comes equipped with a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, push-button start, leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, navigation, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker stereo with 12 gigabytes of music storage, iPod adapter and HD radio.
The 750i comes with all of the features listed above, as well as interior items such as upgraded leather on 20-way adjustable heated front seats, a power trunk lid and soft-closing automatic doors. A more powerful 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 is also under the 750i’s hood.
All-wheel drive is available on 750i and Li models for an additional cost. The top-rung 760Li competes in an elite class of super luxury cars like the Mercedes S600 and comes with a powerful, twin-turbo V12 engine, top- and side-view parking cameras, heated and ventilated seats at all four corners and power rear sunshades. Performance Auto stakeholders say that the 2012 BMW 7-Series is agile for a super luxury car, and its numerous engine options also make it stand out from the competition. BMW offers the 7-Series as 740i and 740Li models, which feature a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine.
While these cars compete in a class that is filled with V8s, the new six-cylinder mill provides competitive acceleration –a turbocharged V8 comes in the 750i and Li, while the 760Li offers even more thrust thanks to a turbocharged V12 engine.
BMW also allows 7-Series owners to tailor their driving experience with the Driving Dynamics Control system, which allows users to adjust their suspension and steering with Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings. Interior The 2012 BMW 7-Series’ roomy cabin and high-quality materials comes equipped with a suite of cabin tech that includes standard Bluetooth, navigation, iPod/ USB connection and a 10-speaker stereo. Many test drivers are pleased that BMW’s iDrive, which controls navigation and entertainment settings, has become easier to use than it was in previous models. Still, with the exception of the 760Li, the 7-Series skimps on features such as ventilated front seats, requiring buyers to add option packages to get these items.
Rivals such as the Lexus LS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class offer these as standard equipment, as well as cabins that are more luxuriously appointed. Features BMW’s latest version of the iDrive system, which controls most navigation and entertainment functions, generally gets good reviews from the automotive players.
The system uses a single knob to adjust settings, and although it frustrated most players when it was first introduced on the 7-Series, the newest generation of iDrive is much easier to use.
While the 7-Series also features an interior wrapped in top-notch materials, some stakeholders comment that competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS seem more luxurious inside. An impressive list of tech features round out the 2012 7-Series’ interior.
All models come equipped with fourzone climate control, push-button start, leather, navigation, Bluetooth and a 10-speaker stereo with a 12GB hard drive to store your MP3s. If you decide to spring for a 750i or 750Li, you will also gain soft-closing automatic doors, upgraded leather and a power trunk lid.
