2016 BMW 7 Series Review: Luxury Redefined

Well, this is something new. I finally got myself a BMW to test – and that too the latest and extreme 7-Series ever made. The only other BMW I had tested was the BMW X6 long back. So, it is obvious that I was pretty excited to test my second BMW. Let’s have a look at the car.

Key Features

Exterior

The exterior of the new 7-Series is not much different from the previous generation. It looks more refined and less sporty than before. The new model looks wider and longer, giving it a more executive look for the businessmen who prefer luxury and premium feel over dynamism. In my opinion, the new design language for the front bumper can be improved. I prefer the front bumper of the previous generation. The side and rear profiles look elegant and classy, and the multi-spoke wheels are the cherry on the cake.

Also See: BMW 7 Series editions

Interior & Safety

The interior design clearly shows where the BMW 7-Series engineers really worked on. All the cabin materials are of utmost high quality, and the amount of tech in the car is just too hard to list down. So, I will just focus on the highlights:

• Smart Keyfob: This keyfob is big and heavy, but it has a touchscreen that allows you to monitor the car’s info with the key. It can also be used to open and close the car.
• Gesture Control: Though more of a gimmick, this feature allows you to use hand gestures to increase/decrease volume.
• Samsung Tablet: BMW uses Samsung Tabs to control various functions of the car for rear seat passengers, and the whole operation is just sublime.

Regarding safety, the use of carbon fiber makes the car stiffer and safer than ever before. I can go on, but the important thing is that BMW has raised the bar for luxury.

Drive

The one area where the S-Class lags is the drive. It is heavy and not a driver’s car at all. This is where the 7-Series beats the competition. The use of carbon fiber and plastic reduces the overall weight, which shows in the corners. The 7-Series is the most agile premium saloon I have driven. It truly wants to play and is not shy of being thrashed around. The 4.4 liter turbocharged V8 is zippy and has almost zero lag. Add to that an AWD option, and you have enough traction and control to cut through traffic with ease. The steering, though giving less feedback than a sports car, is dynamic and gives you the confidence to push the car. Overall, the only thing I miss in luxury cars, i.e., fun, is present here.

Verdict

BMW has finally created a direct rival to the Mercedes S-Class. It has oodles of tech to play around with, and this one drives better than the Merc.

Check out Car Prices and Specs for BMW 7 Series and Competitors

• BMW 7 Series
• Mercedes S-Class
• Audi A8

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