2009 BMW 7 Series

For many BMW buyers the 7-Series range of cars has always meant superb levels of luxury, refinement and comfort, and also something not generally associated with this near-limousine-class of large luxury sedan; a certain and impressive level of drivability.

The 7-Series wasn’t just built to cruise the motorways at 120kph; this big BMW will enjoy a bit of a hustle through the more twisty stuff, too. And this is thanks to a top-notch basic chassis and some of the smartest computer-controlled suspension systems available today. Oh yes, and some very big engines, too.

As with all BMWs, with that trademark rear-wheel-drive platform, the handling, even with the big 7-Series, is impressive. The basic chassis is stiff and direct, add to that the computer-controlled suspension system that is constantly kept working to its optimum by the car’s very intelligent brain, those powered rear wheels and you have what BMW are happy to announce as the ultimate driving machine – and many long-term customers would tend to agree.

Hauling the 7-Series along are some serious engines, with the towering 6-litre, V12, petrol unit making the most horsepower and torque at 439bhp and 600Nm, respectively; more than enough to fire this fast-lane-bruiser into triple speedo figures with extreme ease and little drama.

There is also a very useable and smooth 4.8-litre, V8 petrol engine, as found in the tried and tested X5, that makes a very useful 362bhp and 490Nm of torque, which is still enough grunt to really get the 7-Series shifting along with plenty of urgency, without guzzling nearly as much gas along the way.

The 7-Series styling was refreshed in 2006, bringing the car slightly more up-to-date with the current BMW style-sheet, but, as BMWs go, their biggest is probably their least intense in terms of exterior style; when it comes to this class of car, the owners generally want more in the way of understatement, rather than shouting loudly about the car they are driving, or more importantly, the amount of money they have spent on it. The real high-class opulence is, instead, reserved for the interior.

Vast amounts of inner space (especially with the ‘L’ models that boost an even longer wheelbase and more rear legroom) with all the luxury and comfort demanded by this high-end segment is to be expected; the finest quality leather and wood finishes complemented by the very best handiwork from the Germany’s best interior specialists – a fantastic place to be for every high-level executive and an easy rival for the likes of Audi and Mercedes.

The overall interior style could be described as minimalist, but when you look closer there will be no end of tiny finishing touches that really set this level of interior above the rest. A great driving machine no doubt, but even better to be driven in.

Specification

Price Range (AED) 240,000-500,000