First Drive: 2009 BMW 7-Series

The flagship Bimmer 7-Series is better than ever, offering improved performance and power.

The 2009 BMW 7-Series is now in showrooms, redesigned from the ground up and sporting a brilliant new engine. While this fifth-generation model still doesn't exactly scream sex appeal, the appearance is undeniably less controversial than its predecessor. Despite the previous car being the best-selling 7 ever, the Bavarian automaker seems to have taken a step backward to move forward: This new generation seems to have evolved more from the 7-Series of the '90s than the model it replaces.

Model Lineup
The new 7-Series is arriving at dealerships in two trims, the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li. Unlike previous generations, you won't have to wait for the 750Li, which will be available at launch. Predictably, both models share most of the same componentry, including the drivetrain — although opting for the long wheelbase adds a unique roofline and 5.5 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers.

The list of standard equipment is impressive, including a two-stage brake light system, 3-D navigation, 4-zone climate control and countless other features. There are plenty of available extras as well, perhaps most importantly the Sport Package, which includes a clever new 4-wheel steering system. The 750Li model continues to offer fully adjustable rear seats with ventilation and massage functions.

Under the Hood
While the previous 750i/750Li had an impressive, naturally aspirated V8 engine, BMW is raising the bar for 2009. The new car is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 that is actually smaller than its predecessor by nearly half a liter. It makes up for its smaller size by adding direct injection and nestling a pair of turbochargers inside the "V" between the cylinder banks. This boosts horsepower up to an even 400 from 5500 to 6400 rpm, and torque skyrockets to 450 lb-ft in an even plateau from 1800 rpm up to 4500 rpm. This is quite an improvement over the previous V8. In fact, the new engine practically matches the output of the previous-generation V12. Despite the increase in power, BMW says the latest V8's fuel mileage has actually improved slightly over its forebear's.

View Pictures: 2009 BMW 7-Series Photo Gallery

The new engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the only transmission available. Thankfully, the E-Shift lever is now back on the center console, and can still be used to shift gears manually. The ride control system has been updated, and its settings control the firmness of the suspension, as well as throttle response, shifting patterns, steering assistance and DSC (stability/traction control) mode. Additionally, the new 7-Series has an updated suspension system that sends information from front to rear quickly enough to allow the rear shocks to react to the very same potholes and bumps registered by the front end.

Inner Space
The interior of the new 7-Series is every bit as luxurious and well-equipped as you'd expect from the car BMW touts as its flagship sedan. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and their controls are back in the traditional location between door and seat. The dashboard now features a black panel display, which creates an instrument cluster out of what is actually a high-resolution screen — there isn't a single traditional needle, gauge or dial to be found.

BMW's trademark iDrive control system is now in its fourth generation, and this latest iteration couldn't have come soon enough. When iDrive was introduced, it consolidated dozens of buttons into what was essentially one big button, and was said to be a leap forward in user friendliness. Several years and countless complaints later, the company says it has made the system much easier to use, thanks to the addition of some buttons. Irony aside, it's finally usable, and features a larger (10.2 inch) high-resolution display and 80 GB hard drive to store navigation maps and music files.

Discuss: Is BMW's new flagship good enough to stay afloat in the current economic climate?

BMW Night Vision continues to be an option as well, and adds a new pedestrian-detection feature. By utilizing the far infrared spectrum rather than near infrared, the system nets a 1,600-foot range (as opposed to headlight range), giving it a considerable advantage over its competitors.