BMW 7 Series

An all-new Seven that actually doesn’t look like it. It’s a great car – but some reservations about the ride and driving dynamics remain. Which is a weird thing to say about any BMW. Engines and gearboxes are superlative though.

• Comfort

  New suspension that can cycle between Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus is a boon, but the big BMW never really settles in any of the modes. There's too much wind noise, too much bobble and far too much tweakery through the steering - the old car was better. Ooops. Still, we're talking about degrees of issues - it's lovely if you've come from, say, a 5-Series, but Merc S-Class owners won't be impressed.  

  

• Performance

  You can't argue with the way any of the variants goes in this generation - there isn't a duffer in this bunch. The best is the 730d - it hits 62mph in 7.2 seconds and 153mph with 41.5mpg economy. If you want the big hitter, then you need the 760Li; 6 litres of twin-turbo V12 power, 544bhp, 553lb ft of torque - it's fast and surprisingly fun - if you really need more than 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and a limited 155mph top end, then you're a faster driver than us... 

  

• Cool

  The gadgets on the Seven make it cool in itself, even if it is a bit sober-suited. Side-view cameras, infra-red head-up, speed-limit readers, four-wheel steer - it has it all. And there's something cool in it being quite quiet-looking - you just don't expect what it serves up.  

  

• Quality

  The ride and wind noise issues might bother you if you're a sound-specialist, but otherwise the quality is top end. The cabin has a massive multimedia screen, the iDrive is now properly sorted - it's a very good thing. There's something about sitting in the driving seat of a big BMW that feels right.  

  

• Handling

  Four-wheel steer (a first on a BMW) gives stability at high speeds and a real smile when you try to park - it's got a great turning circle. It does the usual trick of shrinking when you go faster - but the steering is possibly a little too ‘connected'. For this class of car everything needs to be a bit more wafty - the German connection seems to have forgotten.

  

• Practicality

  The new Seven is biiiiiig. There's space for Playboy Bunnies galore, or hefty business guts. The boot is huge, and you get a massive range from a 730d. Even parking is easy - radar parking sensors and that turning circle work in the real world.  

  

• Running costs

  The BMW 730d is remarkably useful - you'll get 41.5mpg, 178g/km of C02. Ok, so it's a bit expensive and insurance is high, but it's worth it. If you want to simply ignore any credit crunchery, then go for that 760Li - 21.7mpg (which isn't that bad considering the performance) and group 20 insurance.