2002 BMW 7-Series

Body style(s): 4-door sedan

Notes

    BMW brought out their astonishing new 4th-generation 7-Series as a late 2002. It was introduced in both short- and long-wheelbase variants, but only the new 4.4-liter V-8 engine was available; the V-12 debuted for 2003. The car was an impressive technical exercise, crammed with all of the electronics that the Munich engineers could find, from electrochromatic rearview mirrors to rain-sensing windshield wipers. While these features had all been in use for some time, the E65 7-Series packed them in a state-of-the-art wrapper, that felt more cutting-edge, somehow, than an S-Class. The car's biggest technical innovation was the introduction of the automotive industry's first 6-speed automatic gearbox. Smooth and supple, the slushbox allowed the car to stay in its optimal rev range, while an ultra-tall sixth gear permitted efficient cruising. The new 745i gained 3mpg on the EPA's highway cycle, despite being somewhat larger and heavier (and notably taller, as well). The new Seven's exterior styling was deeply polarizing. Websites sprang up decrying the work of chief stylist Chris Bangle. While the front fascia raised a few eyebrows, the criticism mainly focused on the tail, with the raised decklid that did not match the lines of the rest of the car, and the rear light treatment with strip LED lighting across the trunk. However, the styling served a functional purpose: the 745's trunk was one of the largest in its class, trailing only the Lexus LS 430 and Cadillac DeVille (the latter barely qualified to compete in this category). Overall, the effect made the 7-Series look massive, but not ungainly: one British magazine called it the "cyborg killer limo." And, while distinctly new, the Seven preserved most BMW styling cues, such as the quad headlights under twin bezels and the famed Hoffmeister kink at the base of the rear window. Rear-drive only, the new eight-cylinder flagship sedans could crack 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, just behind the lighter Benz S500. In the twisties, however, the tables were turned. While slightly firmer-riding than the Mercedes, the new BMW was extremely fleet, beating the S-Class by more than .1 g's on the skidpad. The interior was at once the best and worst part of the E65 experience. Fabulous seats cossetted riders in the midst of a very upscale cabin, with leather, wood, or rather convincing imitation brushed steel coating most surfaces. A CD player was in the dash, and a 6-disc CD changer could be added next to the glovebox. Interior storage was good, and BMW created an excellent sort of "ambient lighting" with pillar-mounted LEDs. However, the iDrive controller was the centerpiece of the new cabin. Meant to simplify the exponential growth of buttons and dials on a modern sports sedan, iDrive concentrated most functions into a sort of joystick, which navigated the various menus and sub-menus of the Seven's electronic labryinths. However, the setup was confusing to most new drivers, and a nuisance to use when all one wanted was to change the radio station. Still, iDrive aside, the new 7er was an excellent successor to the old 7-Series, and sales took off accordingly.

Series: 2002-current

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Other vehicles

BMW 7-Series sedan (shown w/ optional 19-inch wheels) [photo by Scott Jacobs, courtesy Edmunds.com].


BMW 7-Series sedan [photo by courtesy Bent Tree Imports, benttreesports.com].


BMW 745Li sedan (shown w/ optional 19-inch wheels).


BMW 745Li sedan (shown w/ optional 19-inch wheels).