Touch the Future Now at Staples
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 9 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
5.0 stars
"Best Luxury Car I've ever driven"
Pros: Handling, Technology, Upgraded Sound System
Cons: All the bad reviews from people who don't understand the car
Summary: I've owned some of the top performance cars in the world. Currently I have a 7 series as a day driver, A Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and a Maserati Coupe. I've owned Mercedes, Audi's and other BMW 's in the past. In terms of German Luxury and sport vehicles, I'm no stranger. I've also driven dozens of cars in different driving challenges that I've been invited to, so my experience with the cars in this segment is actual and hands on.
One thing I'd like to mention is how irked I get to see people review cars that have either never owned them, nor driven them. The 7 series is a prime example and there are people all over the internet, CNET included that love to give you their 2 cents, but have no experience with the vehicles they review. With that said, let me talk about the 7.
The car drives phenomenially well for such a large vehicle. It exibits virtually no body roll, can pull .88g on the skid pad and accelerates quickly. It also gives you a great comfortable ride when you want it and will turn in a sporty performance when pushed (especially if you get the sports package, which I have).
In terms of i-Drive, don't listen to the reviews. In 2002 when the car came out, i-Drive did have it's problems. The biggest complaint was that a driver would get lost in the sub menus and couldn't get back to the main screen. In 2004, BMW corrected this, by putting a Menu button right next to the iDrive nob. Now, to go to the home screen, just hit the Menu button and you are there.
iDrive took me about 10 minutes to master. I did it while parked, so I wasn't trying to navigate while driving. This is something I would strongly recommend. If you are at all proficient on a computer, you should have no difficulty mastering iDrive. If you are older, and adverse to technology, then this car may not be for you.
I personally love the iDrive system. It actually has become easier to use than the buttons on the dashes of most cars once you get the hang of it. It does keep your eyes up and on the road, rather than searching for the right button to push on the radio, etc. This is especially true if you get Satellite radio. The iDrive makes it simple to view stations and make selections.
The iDrive is different, and some people are adverse to change. But then again, if you are reading this review online, you've obviously bought in to computers, the internet and websites like CNET to get information, so why not accept a new way to control the additional host of features that cars come with today?
If you purchase this car and like music, I highly recommend getting the Upgraded stereo package. The Harmon Kardon Logic 7 system is one of the best I've experienced outside of Lexus Levinson's system. The car also drives much better than any Lexus I've driven and in terms of looks, I've always liked it. Even in 2002 when it came out. In a world where all cars are starting to look the same, what's wrong with a little individuality?
This 7 series has become BMW's best selling 7 ever and for good reason. The car is simply awesome. And with BMW's included maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles, it's cost of ownership boils down to just worrying about buying new tires. Can't beat that!!!
