7 Series (G70/G71/G73) BMW i7/THE 7 Photo thread.
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The G70/G71/G73 is the seventh generation of the BMW 7 Series, produced since July 2022. It comprises of the following model codes: G70 (short-wheelbase), G71 (long-wheelbase), and G73 (high-security). It has an electric variant, the BMW i7, along with Inline 6 740i and V8 760i models.
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
Servus Mick,
Hello everyone,
I have been driving an M760e for 6 months and 20.000 kilometers and here is my review:
I am extremely satisfied. The car offers outstanding driving comfort and generous space. It is the metal demonstration of outstanding technology and automotive superiority. The sheer size has never been a problem, neither when parking nor in underground garages. And of course it creates an impressive presence on the road and on the Autobahn. The looks are debatable, the car polarizes. Like the Mercedes W223, I like its side profile, but it gets a satisfactory rating at the front and rear.
However, after decades as an extremely satisfied S-Class driver, the new W223, which I drove for a year each as the S500 and S580 4matic, never won me over. The W222 was a quantum leap compared to the W221 predecessor and a fantastic car, the W223 successor was just a stale rehash, with quite a few things cut out. The S500 also lacked the sovereignty of the drive. I was also annoyed by the all-touch operation.
In contrast, the M760e represents the quantum leap that I miss in the new S-Class. As I drive 35.000 km a year, a purely electric vehicle was out of the question. So it became the hybrid, as there is no longer a pure ICE. The six-cylinder engine is clearly superior to the S500 R6 in terms of smooth running and noise levels, and the additional electric motor provides massive torque. The transition from electric to ICE is perfectly smooth; the R6 is usually completely inaudible or noticeable, although its acceleration is minimally restrained in D mode during aggressive acceleration. The hybrid concept is open to debate. As a convinced petrol head, I would have preferred a V8 ICE. However, after six months of driving the M760e, I have to admit that I've become more than accustomed to the absolutely silent electric motor, because it is simply a highly cultivated drive perfection that suits the car perfectly. Once the battery is empty, you are surprised how loud a gasoline engine can be. The electric motor pushes up to 130 km/h, after which the petrol engine takes over, which is fine. The battery capacity is sufficient for 64 km in winter and a maximum of 84 km in summer. A battery capacity of 100 km would be ideal so that you don't have to charge it every day. In the speed range above 200 km/h, the in-line six-cylinder engine lacks the sovereignty and torque of a V8 engine. This cannot be compensated for by the electric motor. Provided that it is charged diligently, the hybrid drive presented here is an extremely comfortable, powerful and also economical type of drive.
In Germany, the tax advantage in the context of company car taxation, which is only half that of a pure ICE, should not be underestimated. Fuel consumption over almost 20.000 km is 7.1 l /100 km, which is 4 l less than my previous W223 S580 4matic. The time you lose when charging is ultimately saved by driving less often to refuel. So would I choose the hybrid drive over a V8 petrol engine? Currently, I can answer the question with a resounding yes.
In my everyday life, I drive practically all routes to and from work and within the city electrically; for longer distances of around 100 km or more, I use the petrol engine and, thanks to electric assistance, I get a range of around 800 km on one tank of fuel. The BMW is also fun, as it also offers a lot for ICE enthusiasts: In Sport mode the BMW shoots forward with a really cool sound, supported by a awake active suspension. It's absolute fun to drive the car in this mode. I've always missed the fact that Mercedes doesn't also offer a Sport mode, which allows a correspondingly thrilling sound. Even with 21" wheels, the suspension is sufficiently comfortable and fluffy, but the same applies to the S-Class. However, the airmatic version of the latter lacks the BMW's active suspension. But honestely, I have never missed active suspension in the Mercedes.
Now to the interior: When you first sit in the car, you can feel the innovative leap that, as already mentioned, the S-Class lacks. The seats are sensational: fluffy and much more comfortable for me. What is unusual the first time is that you sit much higher than usual. The car looks as if it has been milled from a solid block, the interior is of a very high quality. Only the illuminated "interaction bar" is too much bling bling. Even after 6 months, the graphical representation of all displays in the driver's display remains unfamiliar and is better, quicker to grasp and more attractive in the S-Class. This also applies to the display of the selected and active assistance functions. The steering is much smoother, the brake pedal has a better defined pressure point than the S-Class; for me, this is a real advantage that the W223 has given up compared to the W222. Unfortunately, BMW has also gone down the road of touch control, but at least it has retained the iDrive. It makes operation so much easier and I wouldn't want to do without it. For example, it allows you to change radio stations or music tracks on the playlist without taking your eyes off the road, even at high speeds. A clear safety advantage. In the end, changing music annoyed me so much in the S-Class that I did not want to listen to music at high speeds for safeyt reasons. All the main functions can be operated via iDrive. The lack of a switch for the seat heating is bearable, as the algorithm stored in the background has always automatically set the right heat level depending on the outside temperature. Activating the sun blinds is a poor solution, as you always have to navigate through a menu.
However, the wealth of individually adjustable functions and options does not meet the needs of any normal user. But it doesn't matter, once set, it's best to leave it at that. The voice control is significantly worse than in the S-Class and sometimes does not understand the spoken or desired command. The matrix light is really bad. Especially in comparison to the sensational Digital Light of the Mercedes (turns night into day), the highway is only illuminated unsatisfactorily here. The laser light in my BMW M850 from last year was much better.
The "door handles" are immovable recessed grips with sensor switches. I was skeptical at first. In the meantime, I find them far superior to the clumsy pop out handles of the S-Class (multiple blockages or malfunctions): Hand in - door opens. The same applies to opening from the inside: Put your hand on the armrest, unlock with your thumb , i.e. press a button, at the same time and the door opens without having to reach around - nice. At first, I thought that the omission of a mechanical unlocking mechanism and the switch to an electric push button was over-engineering. In the meantime, I have learned that it is not possible to unlock the door when a vehicle or cyclist is approaching just at the moment of overtaking, as the assistance systems block the door opening. This means that the car has already defused a dangerous situation once.
The driving assistance functions are at the expected high level, but appear somewhat smoother and more polished in the Mercedes, where they feel more natural.
The standard sound system is ok, but suffers from a distinct lack of powerful bass and sounds artificial at high volumes. The Burmester sound system from Mercedes is clearly superior here. In the first week of ownership, the car handled a good six-hour drive in the night over 830 km from Germany via Austria to Italy for a winter vacation with ease and confidence. The same applied to the 4 occupants thanks to the spacious interior.
All in all, an outstanding car with excellent driving comfort and for me currently the
preferred alternative to the S-Class.
Best regards
SL
Hello everyone,
I have been driving an M760e for 6 months and 20.000 kilometers and here is my review:
I am extremely satisfied. The car offers outstanding driving comfort and generous space. It is the metal demonstration of outstanding technology and automotive superiority. The sheer size has never been a problem, neither when parking nor in underground garages. And of course it creates an impressive presence on the road and on the Autobahn. The looks are debatable, the car polarizes. Like the Mercedes W223, I like its side profile, but it gets a satisfactory rating at the front and rear.
However, after decades as an extremely satisfied S-Class driver, the new W223, which I drove for a year each as the S500 and S580 4matic, never won me over. The W222 was a quantum leap compared to the W221 predecessor and a fantastic car, the W223 successor was just a stale rehash, with quite a few things cut out. The S500 also lacked the sovereignty of the drive. I was also annoyed by the all-touch operation.
In contrast, the M760e represents the quantum leap that I miss in the new S-Class. As I drive 35.000 km a year, a purely electric vehicle was out of the question. So it became the hybrid, as there is no longer a pure ICE. The six-cylinder engine is clearly superior to the S500 R6 in terms of smooth running and noise levels, and the additional electric motor provides massive torque. The transition from electric to ICE is perfectly smooth; the R6 is usually completely inaudible or noticeable, although its acceleration is minimally restrained in D mode during aggressive acceleration. The hybrid concept is open to debate. As a convinced petrol head, I would have preferred a V8 ICE. However, after six months of driving the M760e, I have to admit that I've become more than accustomed to the absolutely silent electric motor, because it is simply a highly cultivated drive perfection that suits the car perfectly. Once the battery is empty, you are surprised how loud a gasoline engine can be. The electric motor pushes up to 130 km/h, after which the petrol engine takes over, which is fine. The battery capacity is sufficient for 64 km in winter and a maximum of 84 km in summer. A battery capacity of 100 km would be ideal so that you don't have to charge it every day. In the speed range above 200 km/h, the in-line six-cylinder engine lacks the sovereignty and torque of a V8 engine. This cannot be compensated for by the electric motor. Provided that it is charged diligently, the hybrid drive presented here is an extremely comfortable, powerful and also economical type of drive.
In Germany, the tax advantage in the context of company car taxation, which is only half that of a pure ICE, should not be underestimated. Fuel consumption over almost 20.000 km is 7.1 l /100 km, which is 4 l less than my previous W223 S580 4matic. The time you lose when charging is ultimately saved by driving less often to refuel. So would I choose the hybrid drive over a V8 petrol engine? Currently, I can answer the question with a resounding yes.
In my everyday life, I drive practically all routes to and from work and within the city electrically; for longer distances of around 100 km or more, I use the petrol engine and, thanks to electric assistance, I get a range of around 800 km on one tank of fuel. The BMW is also fun, as it also offers a lot for ICE enthusiasts: In Sport mode the BMW shoots forward with a really cool sound, supported by a awake active suspension. It's absolute fun to drive the car in this mode. I've always missed the fact that Mercedes doesn't also offer a Sport mode, which allows a correspondingly thrilling sound. Even with 21" wheels, the suspension is sufficiently comfortable and fluffy, but the same applies to the S-Class. However, the airmatic version of the latter lacks the BMW's active suspension. But honestely, I have never missed active suspension in the Mercedes.
Now to the interior: When you first sit in the car, you can feel the innovative leap that, as already mentioned, the S-Class lacks. The seats are sensational: fluffy and much more comfortable for me. What is unusual the first time is that you sit much higher than usual. The car looks as if it has been milled from a solid block, the interior is of a very high quality. Only the illuminated "interaction bar" is too much bling bling. Even after 6 months, the graphical representation of all displays in the driver's display remains unfamiliar and is better, quicker to grasp and more attractive in the S-Class. This also applies to the display of the selected and active assistance functions. The steering is much smoother, the brake pedal has a better defined pressure point than the S-Class; for me, this is a real advantage that the W223 has given up compared to the W222. Unfortunately, BMW has also gone down the road of touch control, but at least it has retained the iDrive. It makes operation so much easier and I wouldn't want to do without it. For example, it allows you to change radio stations or music tracks on the playlist without taking your eyes off the road, even at high speeds. A clear safety advantage. In the end, changing music annoyed me so much in the S-Class that I did not want to listen to music at high speeds for safeyt reasons. All the main functions can be operated via iDrive. The lack of a switch for the seat heating is bearable, as the algorithm stored in the background has always automatically set the right heat level depending on the outside temperature. Activating the sun blinds is a poor solution, as you always have to navigate through a menu.
However, the wealth of individually adjustable functions and options does not meet the needs of any normal user. But it doesn't matter, once set, it's best to leave it at that. The voice control is significantly worse than in the S-Class and sometimes does not understand the spoken or desired command. The matrix light is really bad. Especially in comparison to the sensational Digital Light of the Mercedes (turns night into day), the highway is only illuminated unsatisfactorily here. The laser light in my BMW M850 from last year was much better.
The "door handles" are immovable recessed grips with sensor switches. I was skeptical at first. In the meantime, I find them far superior to the clumsy pop out handles of the S-Class (multiple blockages or malfunctions): Hand in - door opens. The same applies to opening from the inside: Put your hand on the armrest, unlock with your thumb , i.e. press a button, at the same time and the door opens without having to reach around - nice. At first, I thought that the omission of a mechanical unlocking mechanism and the switch to an electric push button was over-engineering. In the meantime, I have learned that it is not possible to unlock the door when a vehicle or cyclist is approaching just at the moment of overtaking, as the assistance systems block the door opening. This means that the car has already defused a dangerous situation once.
The driving assistance functions are at the expected high level, but appear somewhat smoother and more polished in the Mercedes, where they feel more natural.
The standard sound system is ok, but suffers from a distinct lack of powerful bass and sounds artificial at high volumes. The Burmester sound system from Mercedes is clearly superior here. In the first week of ownership, the car handled a good six-hour drive in the night over 830 km from Germany via Austria to Italy for a winter vacation with ease and confidence. The same applied to the 4 occupants thanks to the spacious interior.
All in all, an outstanding car with excellent driving comfort and for me currently the
preferred alternative to the S-Class.
Best regards
SL
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
Love the detailed report.Servus Mick,
Hello everyone,
I have been driving an M760e for 6 months and 20.000 kilometers and here is my review:
I am extremely satisfied. The car offers outstanding driving comfort and generous space. It is the metal demonstration of outstanding technology and automotive superiority. The sheer size has never been a problem, neither when parking nor in underground garages. And of course it creates an impressive presence on the road and on the Autobahn. The looks are debatable, the car polarizes. Like the Mercedes W223, I like its side profile, but it gets a satisfactory rating at the front and rear.
However, after decades as an extremely satisfied S-Class driver, the new W223, which I drove for a year each as the S500 and S580 4matic, never won me over. The W222 was a quantum leap compared to the W221 predecessor and a fantastic car, the W223 successor was just a stale rehash, with quite a few things cut out. The S500 also lacked the sovereignty of the drive. I was also annoyed by the all-touch operation.
In contrast, the M760e represents the quantum leap that I miss in the new S-Class. As I drive 35.000 km a year, a purely electric vehicle was out of the question. So it became the hybrid, as there is no longer a pure ICE. The six-cylinder engine is clearly superior to the S500 R6 in terms of smooth running and noise levels, and the additional electric motor provides massive torque. The transition from electric to ICE is perfectly smooth; the R6 is usually completely inaudible or noticeable, although its acceleration is minimally restrained in D mode during aggressive acceleration. The hybrid concept is open to debate. As a convinced petrol head, I would have preferred a V8 ICE. However, after six months of driving the M760e, I have to admit that I've become more than accustomed to the absolutely silent electric motor, because it is simply a highly cultivated drive perfection that suits the car perfectly. Once the battery is empty, you are surprised how loud a gasoline engine can be. The electric motor pushes up to 130 km/h, after which the petrol engine takes over, which is fine. The battery capacity is sufficient for 64 km in winter and a maximum of 84 km in summer. A battery capacity of 100 km would be ideal so that you don't have to charge it every day. In the speed range above 200 km/h, the in-line six-cylinder engine lacks the sovereignty and torque of a V8 engine. This cannot be compensated for by the electric motor. Provided that it is charged diligently, the hybrid drive presented here is an extremely comfortable, powerful and also economical type of drive.
In Germany, the tax advantage in the context of company car taxation, which is only half that of a pure ICE, should not be underestimated. Fuel consumption over almost 20.000 km is 7.1 l /100 km, which is 4 l less than my previous W223 S580 4matic. The time you lose when charging is ultimately saved by driving less often to refuel. So would I choose the hybrid drive over a V8 petrol engine? Currently, I can answer the question with a resounding yes.
In my everyday life, I drive practically all routes to and from work and within the city electrically; for longer distances of around 100 km or more, I use the petrol engine and, thanks to electric assistance, I get a range of around 800 km on one tank of fuel. The BMW is also fun, as it also offers a lot for ICE enthusiasts: In Sport mode the BMW shoots forward with a really cool sound, supported by a awake active suspension. It's absolute fun to drive the car in this mode. I've always missed the fact that Mercedes doesn't also offer a Sport mode, which allows a correspondingly thrilling sound. Even with 21" wheels, the suspension is sufficiently comfortable and fluffy, but the same applies to the S-Class. However, the airmatic version of the latter lacks the BMW's active suspension. But honestely, I have never missed active suspension in the Mercedes.
Now to the interior: When you first sit in the car, you can feel the innovative leap that, as already mentioned, the S-Class lacks. The seats are sensational: fluffy and much more comfortable for me. What is unusual the first time is that you sit much higher than usual. The car looks as if it has been milled from a solid block, the interior is of a very high quality. Only the illuminated "interaction bar" is too much bling bling. Even after 6 months, the graphical representation of all displays in the driver's display remains unfamiliar and is better, quicker to grasp and more attractive in the S-Class. This also applies to the display of the selected and active assistance functions. The steering is much smoother, the brake pedal has a better defined pressure point than the S-Class; for me, this is a real advantage that the W223 has given up compared to the W222. Unfortunately, BMW has also gone down the road of touch control, but at least it has retained the iDrive. It makes operation so much easier and I wouldn't want to do without it. For example, it allows you to change radio stations or music tracks on the playlist without taking your eyes off the road, even at high speeds. A clear safety advantage. In the end, changing music annoyed me so much in the S-Class that I did not want to listen to music at high speeds for safeyt reasons. All the main functions can be operated via iDrive. The lack of a switch for the seat heating is bearable, as the algorithm stored in the background has always automatically set the right heat level depending on the outside temperature. Activating the sun blinds is a poor solution, as you always have to navigate through a menu.
However, the wealth of individually adjustable functions and options does not meet the needs of any normal user. But it doesn't matter, once set, it's best to leave it at that. The voice control is significantly worse than in the S-Class and sometimes does not understand the spoken or desired command. The matrix light is really bad. Especially in comparison to the sensational Digital Light of the Mercedes (turns night into day), the highway is only illuminated unsatisfactorily here. The laser light in my BMW M850 from last year was much better.
The "door handles" are immovable recessed grips with sensor switches. I was skeptical at first. In the meantime, I find them far superior to the clumsy pop out handles of the S-Class (multiple blockages or malfunctions): Hand in - door opens. The same applies to opening from the inside: Put your hand on the armrest, unlock with your thumb , i.e. press a button, at the same time and the door opens without having to reach around - nice. At first, I thought that the omission of a mechanical unlocking mechanism and the switch to an electric push button was over-engineering. In the meantime, I have learned that it is not possible to unlock the door when a vehicle or cyclist is approaching just at the moment of overtaking, as the assistance systems block the door opening. This means that the car has already defused a dangerous situation once.
The driving assistance functions are at the expected high level, but appear somewhat smoother and more polished in the Mercedes, where they feel more natural.
The standard sound system is ok, but suffers from a distinct lack of powerful bass and sounds artificial at high volumes. The Burmester sound system from Mercedes is clearly superior here. In the first week of ownership, the car handled a good six-hour drive in the night over 830 km from Germany via Austria to Italy for a winter vacation with ease and confidence. The same applied to the 4 occupants thanks to the spacious interior.
All in all, an outstanding car with excellent driving comfort and for me currently the
preferred alternative to the S-Class.
Best regards
SL
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
@sl123 thanks my friend for your extended, thorough review. I’m glad the 7er is to your satisfactory and was apparently the right choice. I wish you many more safe and enjoyable miles.
Much of what you’ve written about the differences between W222 and W223 is very recognizable. Really missing it…
Much of what you’ve written about the differences between W222 and W223 is very recognizable. Really missing it…
Zgeronkill
Das Erste Gear
I unfortunately didn't read your post, but could you in a nutshell about the differences that don't appear in this thread?@sl123 thanks my friend for your extended, thorough review. I’m glad the 7er is to your satisfactory and was apparently the right choice. I wish you many more safe and enjoyable miles.
Much of what you’ve written about the differences between W222 and W223 is very recognizable. Really missing it…
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
@sl123 thanks my friend for your extended, thorough review. I’m glad the 7er is to your satisfactory and was apparently the right choice. I wish you many more safe and enjoyable miles.
Much of what you’ve written about the differences between W222 and W223 is very recognizable. Really missing it…
What aspects do you miss Mick? Do you not think the advancements made in other areas make up a bit/enough, for the deficiencies you have observed?
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
Most of all the interior. The look and feel of the W222 interior is more pleasing imo. What I am missing for instance are real push buttons inside. I still like it’s exterior more than that of the W223.
I’ve said before and say it again, the W223 is the better S class. More refined drive, better sound insulation, fuel economy is extremely good et cetera.
Mr. Mercedes
Premium
Thank you. Completely understand your point of view, but I do prefer the W223 in most respects.
Zgeronkill
Das Erste Gear
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
Thanks for sharing. I have only driven the i7 and the drive train is outstanding. How do you rate the drivetrain software of your car? How noticable are the transitions from EV to ICE and ICE to EV? When you press the accelerator in the default mode, do you have anxiety over which propulsion will be engaged?Servus Mick,
Hello everyone,
I have been driving an M760e for 6 months and 20.000 kilometers and here is my review:
I am extremely satisfied. The car offers outstanding driving comfort and generous space. It is the metal demonstration of outstanding technology and automotive superiority. The sheer size has never been a problem, neither when parking nor in underground garages. And of course it creates an impressive presence on the road and on the Autobahn. The looks are debatable, the car polarizes. Like the Mercedes W223, I like its side profile, but it gets a satisfactory rating at the front and rear.
However, after decades as an extremely satisfied S-Class driver, the new W223, which I drove for a year each as the S500 and S580 4matic, never won me over. The W222 was a quantum leap compared to the W221 predecessor and a fantastic car, the W223 successor was just a stale rehash, with quite a few things cut out. The S500 also lacked the sovereignty of the drive. I was also annoyed by the all-touch operation.
In contrast, the M760e represents the quantum leap that I miss in the new S-Class. As I drive 35.000 km a year, a purely electric vehicle was out of the question. So it became the hybrid, as there is no longer a pure ICE. The six-cylinder engine is clearly superior to the S500 R6 in terms of smooth running and noise levels, and the additional electric motor provides massive torque. The transition from electric to ICE is perfectly smooth; the R6 is usually completely inaudible or noticeable, although its acceleration is minimally restrained in D mode during aggressive acceleration. The hybrid concept is open to debate. As a convinced petrol head, I would have preferred a V8 ICE. However, after six months of driving the M760e, I have to admit that I've become more than accustomed to the absolutely silent electric motor, because it is simply a highly cultivated drive perfection that suits the car perfectly. Once the battery is empty, you are surprised how loud a gasoline engine can be. The electric motor pushes up to 130 km/h, after which the petrol engine takes over, which is fine. The battery capacity is sufficient for 64 km in winter and a maximum of 84 km in summer. A battery capacity of 100 km would be ideal so that you don't have to charge it every day. In the speed range above 200 km/h, the in-line six-cylinder engine lacks the sovereignty and torque of a V8 engine. This cannot be compensated for by the electric motor. Provided that it is charged diligently, the hybrid drive presented here is an extremely comfortable, powerful and also economical type of drive.
In Germany, the tax advantage in the context of company car taxation, which is only half that of a pure ICE, should not be underestimated. Fuel consumption over almost 20.000 km is 7.1 l /100 km, which is 4 l less than my previous W223 S580 4matic. The time you lose when charging is ultimately saved by driving less often to refuel. So would I choose the hybrid drive over a V8 petrol engine? Currently, I can answer the question with a resounding yes.
In my everyday life, I drive practically all routes to and from work and within the city electrically; for longer distances of around 100 km or more, I use the petrol engine and, thanks to electric assistance, I get a range of around 800 km on one tank of fuel. The BMW is also fun, as it also offers a lot for ICE enthusiasts: In Sport mode the BMW shoots forward with a really cool sound, supported by a awake active suspension. It's absolute fun to drive the car in this mode. I've always missed the fact that Mercedes doesn't also offer a Sport mode, which allows a correspondingly thrilling sound. Even with 21" wheels, the suspension is sufficiently comfortable and fluffy, but the same applies to the S-Class. However, the airmatic version of the latter lacks the BMW's active suspension. But honestely, I have never missed active suspension in the Mercedes.
Now to the interior: When you first sit in the car, you can feel the innovative leap that, as already mentioned, the S-Class lacks. The seats are sensational: fluffy and much more comfortable for me. What is unusual the first time is that you sit much higher than usual. The car looks as if it has been milled from a solid block, the interior is of a very high quality. Only the illuminated "interaction bar" is too much bling bling. Even after 6 months, the graphical representation of all displays in the driver's display remains unfamiliar and is better, quicker to grasp and more attractive in the S-Class. This also applies to the display of the selected and active assistance functions. The steering is much smoother, the brake pedal has a better defined pressure point than the S-Class; for me, this is a real advantage that the W223 has given up compared to the W222. Unfortunately, BMW has also gone down the road of touch control, but at least it has retained the iDrive. It makes operation so much easier and I wouldn't want to do without it. For example, it allows you to change radio stations or music tracks on the playlist without taking your eyes off the road, even at high speeds. A clear safety advantage. In the end, changing music annoyed me so much in the S-Class that I did not want to listen to music at high speeds for safeyt reasons. All the main functions can be operated via iDrive. The lack of a switch for the seat heating is bearable, as the algorithm stored in the background has always automatically set the right heat level depending on the outside temperature. Activating the sun blinds is a poor solution, as you always have to navigate through a menu.
However, the wealth of individually adjustable functions and options does not meet the needs of any normal user. But it doesn't matter, once set, it's best to leave it at that. The voice control is significantly worse than in the S-Class and sometimes does not understand the spoken or desired command. The matrix light is really bad. Especially in comparison to the sensational Digital Light of the Mercedes (turns night into day), the highway is only illuminated unsatisfactorily here. The laser light in my BMW M850 from last year was much better.
The "door handles" are immovable recessed grips with sensor switches. I was skeptical at first. In the meantime, I find them far superior to the clumsy pop out handles of the S-Class (multiple blockages or malfunctions): Hand in - door opens. The same applies to opening from the inside: Put your hand on the armrest, unlock with your thumb , i.e. press a button, at the same time and the door opens without having to reach around - nice. At first, I thought that the omission of a mechanical unlocking mechanism and the switch to an electric push button was over-engineering. In the meantime, I have learned that it is not possible to unlock the door when a vehicle or cyclist is approaching just at the moment of overtaking, as the assistance systems block the door opening. This means that the car has already defused a dangerous situation once.
The driving assistance functions are at the expected high level, but appear somewhat smoother and more polished in the Mercedes, where they feel more natural.
The standard sound system is ok, but suffers from a distinct lack of powerful bass and sounds artificial at high volumes. The Burmester sound system from Mercedes is clearly superior here. In the first week of ownership, the car handled a good six-hour drive in the night over 830 km from Germany via Austria to Italy for a winter vacation with ease and confidence. The same applied to the 4 occupants thanks to the spacious interior.
All in all, an outstanding car with excellent driving comfort and for me currently the
preferred alternative to the S-Class.
Best regards
SL
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BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, abbreviated as BMW is a German multinational
manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced
from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945.
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
Official website: BMW (Global), BMW (USA)
