Last Cars Reviews Blog: The Magnificent Seven: 2009 BMW 7 Series

Details about the new 2009 BMW 7 series recently hit the internet along with a whole slew of pictures and video. The new fifth generation 7 series looks like it’s trying extra hard to make up for some of the design shortcomings of the current model.

The 2009 definitely has a sleeker look than the current, fourth generation BMW 7 series, with more elegant, flatter lines. The front end is more robust as well, with larger “nostrils”, aka the two distinctive kidney grilles. Those changes add up to a sports car look that seems to sit lower and look meaner than the current series. It may seem to sit lower, but the overall dimensions are almost exactly the same, except for the wheelbase, which has been bumped up by 3.3 inches.

The 2009 7 series has more power too. The 750i and the extended wheelbase 750Li that the US will be getting both have BMW’s new twin-turbo, direct-injection 4.4L V-8. They’ll put out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque (between 1750 and 4500 rpm); which is an improvement of about 40 hp and 90 lb-ft over its predecessor.
According to BMW, the fifth generation 7 series will also have class-leading fuel economy.

Add the power increase with the increased wheelbase, the improved suspension, and the fact that BMW shaved 121 lbs off the fifth generation 7 series by using aluminum for the hood, fenders and suspension, and you’ve got a real driver’s car.

Being the high end flagship that it is, the 2009 BMW 7 Series has a laundry list of extras too, such as active, radar-guided cruise control with the ability to come to a complete stop, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, night vision with pedestrian detection, sideview and backup cameras all over the place, and the famous BMW heads-up display.

The most important option though, is the internet. The fifth generation 7 Series is the first production car in the world with internet access on board via ConnectDrive. Thank you BMW.

All that starting at $76,800, which is not really that bad. Once I make it big and get my book of science fiction haiku published, I might get one.