The New BMW 7 Series

[ymsin]

Having checked this new toy out, I was informed that this car has several new features:

1. on board computer, which informs the service centre - online - of anything that goes wrong with the car without the driver even knowing in some cases!

2. air suspension - where taking corners will never be the same again as the passengers will not be tilting as before.

3. cruise control with a difference, where the car is able to calculate a distance of 2 seconds stopping time from the car ahead despite having set-cruise.

4. push button brake handle and tranmission set.

and the list goes on.

But the above was the more impressive.

[akry]

There are more....

1. Car Key/Remote unit serves as basic info/data unit.... when you hand over your key to the dealer for service.... all they will is run a scan on your car key, and they will have VIN/Exterior Color/Interior color/Equipment/Build Date info right the way..

2. There are NO door stops/steps/traps for doors... the door(with parking brake engaged)will hold it's position, even on incline/decline surfaces

Andy Kuo

[ymsin]

I wasn't quite keen on the added features as I was totally impressed with my discovery. I was thinking that when the time comes for a new purchase, its going to be a tough call between the S280 and the 730iA.

My preference lies with the S280 primarily of its heritage. But the technical quality and frequent-complains-reputation puts me off.

The 730 looks great from all aspects but I don't quite agree with the not-so-sleek shape. And the rate of depreciation worries me a little as I would like to keep the car for at least 10 years .....

[Snowman]

A car like that is nice. However once the warranty is up on that one, I would trade it in very fast. I can't even begin to imagine all the gadgets that go wrong in that car and how much they would cost.
Anyway when I sat in it at the Chicago Auto Show, I must say that I was impressed with it. Very comfortable seats, and the dial to move the seats was very intuitive also.

[bobbyv]

it's one thing to argue that one can learn about the car's operation after enough time at the wheel (and owner's manual).

but it's a different thing to have its operation generally known by a critical mass of people, for example, for an owner to confidently hand over the keys to a valet (and the target demographic for this car would typically have the car valet-parked).

the same goes for exotics that have those manumatic transmissions, where it is not obvious how to select neutral or reverse. Same with those with racing-pattern manual transmissions, where Reverse is where 1st gear normally is, and 1st gear is where 2nd normally is (you can imagine a valet who has mistakenly selected Reverse, with full throttle applied and about to let go the clutch )

it's about the standardization of driver-car interfaces, which allows one to hop in into any car, and after a few minutes of familiarization and adjustment, drive away (this works for the car rental business, valet parkers, and designated drivers)

i wouldn't have anyone drive my 5spd 190e if only because they might not know how to find reverse - the pattern on the shift knob does not indicate that you have to pull up the shift knob before moving it into Reverse, and you can mistakenly select 2nd gear. If a (non-Benz) mechanic has to handle it, i post instructions on my dashboard.

my $0.02

[Kuan]

This kind of car is normally parked where the valets can keep an eye on it. Right at the door! At least here in Minnesota where these are quite rare.

Kuan

[Ashman]

I don't believe anyone has had any doubts as to how it drievs.

tHe doubts have all been in its gawd awful exterior appearance.

I didn't like the S class when it first came out, I thought what has MB done. but now I look at it and see it really is beautiful.

But every time I look at that BMW, I say not bad, then I see the rear and go WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING?

It seems to me like they had a different trunk lid int he original design, but then realized they had removed a good chuck of trunk storage space, so they chaned the lid to what it is. I just don't understand how they decided it looked good like that?

The car does drive nice, I had the chance to try out one myself, but all the gadgetry in the world, just can't make up for its ugly body design...

Alon

I wonder if the new 7-series will be a service bay whore (e.g. paragon of UN-reliability) like the Aston Martin Lagonda was.....

-Sam

[suginami]

I was reading in one of the car magazines I subsrcribe to in an interview with some BMW engineer guy, that one of the reasons for the strange height of the trunk was to improve aerodynamics and handling at high speed.

I saw one on the freeway last week, flying past me in the carpool lane on the 60 freeway through Pomona. It must have been going 85-90. I immediately took action, broke the law and quickly merged in the carpool lane to get a better look. I have to admit the rear styling is a far departure from traditional BMW styling. I didn't care for the styling, but to my suprise I thought it looked better than what the critics are saying in the press.

What was the most "weird" were the two thin red horizontal lights in the center of the trunk lid. I don't know what purpose they serve. They look like a set of squinting eyes.

I strongly believe the styling will grow on people and won't hinder sales at all.

I also feel the same way as Ashman about the W140. I thought it was a slab-sided, ungainly whale when it was released. Hated it. Didn't feel evolutionary at all, couldn't find MB DNA at all in the styling, except for the hood / grill. I still don't like it as much as the W126 (the best S class design), but now I like the W140 styling a lot, and would even consider owning one.

I guess it's true that time heals all wounds...

Very nice technology in one package that is sure to raise the bar.

But with the exterior, whats the word I am looking for, oh yah ..... Fuggly, thats it.

[Ashman]

My dad's rolls can't fit more than 3 sets of clubs int he trunk. believe me we've tried.

My benz can't fit more than two, and thats because of the subwoofer.

I think BMW could have just made the trunk look better. The sides being lower than the lid just looks plain wrong if you ask me. if the sides were at least the same level, it would definately look better.

either way, I'd pick the good looking benz over the ugly assed BMW. hehe

Like I said, they dirve nicely, and all the gadgetry is cool and all, but to me it doesn't make up for the horrendous rear end.

Alon