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The 7 Series is BMWs luxury executive saloon. In the short time since its last design overhaul, it has become a symbol of status and success. Chris Bangle, the American Design Director at BMW is said to have created a masterpiece in designing this car. For me, this car is the benchmark from which the entire BMW range evolves; sharp bold angles, large perfectly

sculpted panels and a lean muscular profile. When it was first launched, it immediately cut a swathe through market. Many critics fell in love with the futuristic, ground-breaking design; others simply didn't get it. I remember seeing the concept for the 7 Series a few years ago and thinking that I'd never see anything on the road that looked quite so bold or innovative.

The 7 Series has broken free from a jaw-dropping design concept and is now a mainstay of the executive market segment, a popular company car and has become accepted by thousands of successful business people. Priced between around 51,000 for the 730 Diesel and 84,000 for the range-topping 730 Li with its six-litre, 442 BHP V12 petrol engine, the 7 Series competes directly with the Mercedes S Class, the Jaguar SJ and the Audi A8. The big BMW has always needed to be something special to run with this pack.

The latest generation is brimming with advanced technology,including adaptive cruise control, MP3 compatible audio system, keyless entry and ignition, an advanced management and trip computer, satellite navigation, active suspension control, self adjusting Bi-Xenon headlights. There is an inexhaustible array of extras and options available for this car that I just
don't have the room to list.

The tested car was the 730D - striking in a highly polished metallic black finish, with black leather interior and dark windows; it drew envious looks from other drivers and pedestrians.

Strong torque is present throughout the rev range; thanks to the big diesel powerhouse and coupled with a distant growl - enough to make me grin a few times. This was harnessed and transmitted by a multiple-setting six-speed automatic/sequential gearbox, complete with discretely placed shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Cornering was impressive for a car which weighs two tonnes and would still have been great for a car half its size.
On-road dynamics are exceptionally good.

The interior has the feel of a director's office or a boardroom tastefully bedecked in leather, wood and modern styling. All of the displays and controls are oriented towards the driver and with the combination of power and grown-up, expensive and spacious surroundings the driver and passengers can't help but feel important.

This car is not merely a means of transport and as with every car in the BMW range; this is a serious machine - a driver's car. The 7 Series is not only a symbol of success, it's a success in itself. Those designs which court controversy during their inception are invariably the ones which remain fresh in our minds for the longest time. The latest generation 7 Series
is a fine example of innovative design and one to which other manufacturers
should aspire.

Learn more about this author, Damian Doyle.
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