BMW 730i: Ready for double duty

NO car of this size rides as well, and steers as sharply.

A generation ago, car choices, let alone variants of these specific cars, were far and few, very limited and rather boring. Fast forward to this day and we have a huge model range of cars to choose from, and from these cars, a huge range of variants available as well.

Case in point, the current BMW 7-Series. I had the opportunity to drive the 730i and was amazed, but quite differently from what I was expecting. The F01/F02 &-Series was unveiled in January of 2009 and was launched locally in the end of the second quarter of the same year. It was a huge car to begin with especially in long wheelbase trim, and the design had morphed gracefully into something more modern and less hideous with the departure of the infamous Bangle-butt. Power comes from the familiar 3.0-liter straight-six engine, BMW being the last car manufacturer to continue producing a straight-six engine. It is difficult to design a straight-six engine, get it balanced properly and rev smoothly, plus fitting it into an engine bay that will provide enough crash protection is difficult as well. Power is a decent 258 PS and 299 Newton-Meters of torque sending the power to the rear wheels (where else of course, right?) via a 6-speed automatic Steptronic transmission courtesy of ZF.

Suspension up front is now a double-wishbone design, moving away from the familiar Macpherson strut suspension which, despite the Siebener’s heavy 2010-kg curb weight, helps give better suspension and steering response, not to mention sharp handling quite alien in a proper luxury limousine. A new, more intuitive iDrive system is supposedly fitted, and in some countries with the right mobile network, has full web-browsing capability. More distractions perhaps? Thankfully, the audio system is pretty impressive, fitted with BMW’s Logic-7 Surround Sound System, perhaps the only fancy kit installed. Though covered in leather, the interior lacks the suppleness of its rivals. The seats are might impressive, powered and adjustable in more ways than I can imagine. Higher-end variants have seats that can automatically tighten under hard cornering to prevent you from falling off your throne, but this 7’s seats were just fine. Everything’s powered of course, with the 14-way adjustable seats and windows.

EVERYTHING’S powered of course, with the 14-way adjustable seats and windows.

But otherwise, the interior felt rather plain. No cool ambient mood lighting, no fancy piano/bird’s eye/maple wood trim, carbon-fiber accents, or brushed aluminum inserts to liven up an otherwise drab interior. They say elegance is simplicity, but this interior’s just plain boring, lacking any visual treats. 8 airbags pop up, including dual front, side curtain, side seats and knee airbags, plus ABS-EBD brakes with dynamic traction and stability control to keep the hulking 7 on the straight and narrow when the road temps you to unleash its fury.

And that’s where the BMW surprised me the most. I knew that being a BMW, it would have pin-sharp steering, super strong brakes and a very progressive and responsive throttle, thanks to the long-travel gas pedal. But I never expected the 7 to be a serious sports sedan alternative. It drives really well, too well for a luxury limousine. Sure, the ride is smooth, and the 17-inch tires no doubt help when all of its competitors sport 18- to 20-inch wheels with licorice thin low-profile rubber. The 7’s thick sidewalls help give it compliance when cornering hard, reducing kickback through the turns and helping it plant itself more securely on the rough stuff. Quite frankly, the driving experience just doesn’t seem to fit with its image. BMW’s Active Steering system truly works, keeping the steering ratio big at high speeds for a less sensitive feel, and really tight at parking lot speeds to help ease into tight spaces the huge bum of the 730i. At night, adaptive headlights swivel in conjunction with the steering wheel to light up corners better and improve visibility and safety.

It’s a great car, this 730i. No car of this size rides as well, and steers as sharply. And the entire driving sensation feels organic, thanks to hours spent by BMW’s boffins honing the steering, suspension, brakes AND keeping it rear-wheel drive. It would probably be even better if it were a diesel as the diesel’s effortless punch would propel the 7 to greater speeds, and the diesels come with the fantastic 8-speed automatic from ZF, offering more manic acceleration. And it would sip less fuel. Add in larger 19’ wheels (one of the few times I have to admit being a sucker for big wheels and low-profile tires in exchange for some loss in compliance) and you’ve got a perfect double-duty car: somber limousine for the week, and raving sports sedan on weekends.

The problem is, I don’t see many 30-something rushing out to buy a 7-Series. Perhaps the perfect antidote for people going through midlife crisis then?