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2008 BMW 7-Series Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

Editors at TheCarConnection.com read road tests about the new 2008 BMW 7-Series to compile this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the BMW 7-Series to contribute opinions and observations that can help you make the right buying decision. This review also compares the 2008 7-Series with other cars in its class to give you the best advice and to help you decide which reviews to trust.

Likes:

  • An engaging character
  • V-8 power
  • Intuitive six-speed automatic
  • Roomy interior
  • Excellent audio system

Dislikes:

  • iDrive interface
  • Confusing seat adjustment controls

Buying Tips:


The 2009 BMW 7-Series will be here before you know it, so if you prefer the look of the current car, you might want to contact your dealer to ensure you can still get one--BMW won't sell too many of these this year.

The 2008 BMW 7-Series returns for the new model year with its formerly controversial shape muted somewhat and a newer, less radical version on the way. The current silhouette has not been well received by the press, but sales of the 7-Series are still strong, and BMW credits the groundbreaking shape with making the 7-Series a stronger competitor for the Mercedes S-Class.

So what does the 2008 BMW 7-Series offer those buyers who must have this year's model? There are two body configurations differentiated by a variation in wheelbase of nearly six inches. Both body styles (identified as the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li) are powered by a 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 engine. The long-wheelbase 7-Series may also be equipped with a 6.0-liter V-12 engine rated at 438 hp; it's teamed with a six-speed automatic that has manual-shift capability. This 7-Series is known as the 760Li. With either engine, the 7-Series performs like a powerful musclecar that has graduated from post-secondary charm school. Both are swift, smooth, and not quite silent (hearing a powerful engine is a good part of driving this BMW)--and neither are miserly with fuel. In general, the big BMWs have sportier handling than the Mercedes S-Class--but they still feel heavy compared to the latest Jaguar XJ and Audi A8.

The generous space inside the 2008 BMW 7-Series is appointed luxuriously and with impressive technologies, though the dash itself is busy and dark. Along with an impressive audio system, the optional luxury seating package includes front chairs that are heated and cooled; in addition, they have a massage feature. Unfortunately, the infamous iDrive system that commands the climate control, navigation, and audio functions is still there--like a bad penny. BMW promised more simplification of the system for 2009.

The front seats are luxurious and comfortable, but it's the backseats that feel almost regal--particularly in the long-wheelbase editions. All manner of safety gear is included as standard equipment in the 2008 BMW 7-Series.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 BMW 7-Series, also consider:

Reason Why:

Look at these competitors--there's not a slacker among them. These are expensive vehicles that all promise some mix of luxury and performance. It is this fluid balance that you must be able to understand before you make your purchase decision. If you value luxury over performance, the Mercedes-Benz models will be for you, although the CLS is more engaging than the larger S-Class. The Lexus LS 460 is also a luxurious isolation chamber of sorts. However, the all-aluminum Audi A8 L and the Jaguar XJ are cars that encourage their pilots to be involved and happy drivers, just like the 7-Series does.

The Bottom Line:

Controversially styled, the 2008 BMW 7-Series still performs like a smaller sedan and carries rear passengers with ease.

Editors at TheCarConnection.com read road tests about the new 2008 BMW 7-Series to compile this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the BMW 7-Series to contribute opinions and observations that can help you make the right buying decision. This review also compares the 2008 7-Series with other cars in its class to give you the best advice and to help you decide which reviews to trust. Likes:An engaging characterV-8 powerIntuitive six-speed automaticRoomy interiorExcellent audio systemDislikes:iDrive interfaceConfusing seat adjustment controlsBuying Tips: The 2009 BMW 7-Series will be here before you know it, so if you prefer the look of the current car, you might want to contact your dealer to ensure you can still get one--BMW won't sell too many of these this year. The 2008 BMW 7-Series returns for the new model year with its formerly controversial shape muted somewhat and a newer, less radical version on the way. The current silhouette has not been well received by the press, but sales of the 7-Series are still strong, and BMW credits the groundbreaking shape with making the 7-Series a stronger competitor for the Mercedes S-Class. So what does the 2008 BMW 7-Series offer those buyers who must have this year's model? There are two body configurations differentiated by a variation in wheelbase of nearly six inches. Both body styles (identified as the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li) are powered by a 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 engine. The long-wheelbase 7-Series may also be equipped with a 6.0-liter V-12 engine rated at 438 hp; it's teamed with a six-speed automatic that has manual-shift capability. This 7-Series is known as the 760Li. With either engine, the 7-Series performs like a powerful musclecar that has graduated from post-secondary charm school. Both are swift, smooth, and not quite silent (hearing a powerful engine is a good part of driving this BMW)--and neither are miserly with fuel. In general, the big BMWs have sportier handling than the Mercedes S-Class--but they still feel heavy compared to the latest Jaguar XJ and Audi A8. The generous space inside the 2008 BMW 7-Series is appointed luxuriously and with impressive technologies, though the dash itself is busy and dark. Along with an impressive audio system, the optional luxury seating package includes front chairs that are heated and cooled; in addition, they have a massage feature. Unfortunately, the infamous iDrive system that commands the climate control, navigation, and audio functions is still there--like a bad penny. BMW promised more simplification of the system for 2009. The front seats are luxurious and comfortable, but it's the backseats that feel almost regal--particularly in the long-wheelbase editions. All manner of safety gear is included as standard equipment in the 2008 BMW 7-Series. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 BMW 7-Series, also consider:Mercedes-Benz S-ClassMercedes-Benz CLSLexus LS460Audi A8 LJaguar XJ8Reason Why:Look at these competitors--there's not a slacker among them. These are expensive vehicles that all promise some mix of luxury and performance. It is this fluid balance that you must be able to understand before you make your purchase decision. If you value luxury over performance, the Mercedes-Benz models will be for you, although the CLS is more engaging than the larger S-Class. The Lexus LS 460 is also a luxurious isolation chamber of sorts. However, the all-aluminum Audi A8 L and the Jaguar XJ are cars that encourage their pilots to be involved and happy drivers, just like the 7-Series does. The Bottom Line:Controversially styled, the 2008 BMW 7-Series still performs like a smaller sedan and carries rear passengers with ease. Editors at TheCarConnection.com read road tests about the new 2008 BMW 7-Series to compile this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's car experts also drove the BMW 7-Series to contribute opinions and observations that can help you make the right buying decision. This review also ...

Other Choices:

Look at these competitors--there's not a slacker among them. These are expensive vehicles that all promise some mix of luxury and performance. It is this fluid balance that you must be able to understand before you make your purchase decision. If you value luxury over performance, the Mercedes-Benz models will be for you, although the CLS is more engaging than the larger S-Class. The Lexus LS 460 is also a luxurious isolation chamber of sorts. However, the all-aluminum Audi A8 L and the Jaguar XJ are cars that encourage their pilots to be involved and happy drivers, just like the 7-Series does.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW 7-Series

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for the 2008 BMW 7-Series

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW 7-Series near you

See the BMW 7-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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