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Likes:
- Much improved, aesthetically
- Startling V-8 power
- Syrupy V-12 option
- Sharper handling than expected
- Huge backseat
Dislikes:
- Electronic aids can overwhelm
- Improved iDrive still isn't Playskool-easy
- Not sure the V-12 is necessary
The 2010 BMW 7-Series has come in from the cold. Last year brought the newest edition of the bigger Bimmer-and in its fifth generation, the luxury sedan got a style-ectomy that reversed the awkward proportions and surfaces of the 2002-2008 model. The quintessential BMW driving feel remains intact, despite a horde of new electronic interventions and a big uptick in size. This year, with the addition of a V-12 version, the 2010 7-Series is priced from about $82,000 for the V-8-powered 750i. The price tag rises to more than $132,000 for the V-12 760Li. The most frequently named competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, and Lexus LS; we'll add the new Porsche Panamera to that list.
Last year, the 7-Series went from being one of our least-favorite luxury sedans to one of our most coveted. Mostly it's because of the styling. BMW had a mission to make the 7er look different-and that 2002-2008 7-Series took it to extremes. The greenhouse grew tall, the fenders drooped, and the trunklid sprouted a vestigial double deck. Now, the newest 7-Series looks much more relaxed and much happier. The glass areas are slimmer, the shoulders are tailored just right, and the decklid's been smoothed over, with the trunk and taillights more tightly integrated. The Hofmeister kink, at the junction of its D-pillar and rear doors, is sublimely sporty. Even the grille looks pleased-it splits into a wider grin, and the front aero dams dip low for a grounded look. The long-wheelbase versions don't tip the shape out of balance at all, with a small stretch in glass areas in the rear doors.
