Luxury cars

  • 2023 BMW 7 Series First Drive: A Fascinating Exercise in Contrast 2023 BMW 7 Series First Drive: A Fascinating Exercise in Contrast

    Disparate attributes unite to make the new 7 Series an intriguing flagship luxury sedan.

    "But" is a theme in the 2023 BMW 7 Series. Its exterior makes the Chris Bangle-design era seem idyllic, but its interior is elevated to a level that makes all BMW 7 Series before it seem like a 3 Series in comparison. It covers ground with tranquility but does not forsake engagement; indeed, its driver's seat is a great place to be, and its second row is better than ever. Plus, the 2023 BMW 7 Series integrates new combustion powertrains. But its first all-electric powertrain is its real story.

    Considering the new 7 Series as a whole, "but" becomes irrelevant. No dispute: it is a deeply impressive, segment-challenging flagship luxury sedan.

    This G70-series model is the seventh generation of the 7 Series, now longer, wider, and taller than before. Though the storied V-12 engine has succumbed to emissions regulations, 48-volt mild hybridization extends the lifespan of the 375-hp, 383-lb-ft 3.0-liter turbocharged I-6 found in the 740i. The same goes for the 536-hp, 553-lb-ft 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 underhood in the 760i xDrive. Given that its V-8 is adapted from an M-developed engine, the 760i xDrive accelerates with muscular authority; BMW estimates a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds. These engines are joined to a new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, which integrates the crankshaft-mounted starter-generator into the gearbox case. Plug-in hybrid models are on the way, but the all-electric i7 that launched alongside the standard 7 Series most indicates BMW's sustainability focus. Its dual motors match the V-8's power and deliver up to 318 miles of range.

    Ever a bastion of controversial design, the 2023 BMW 7 Series continues that legacy. The exterior is a revolution, only vaguely recognizable by its sizable body and key BMW cues; see the large, hard-mounted Hofmeister kink and improbably larger kidney grille, now highlighted by an LED surround. Surely the headlights are the most divisive element—literally. Their split design, where running lights above draw attention away from the primary bulbs below, are a signifier of BMW's highest-end models including the XM and refreshed X7. Despite the car's monolithic appearance, it achieves a fairly low drag coefficient of 0.24 by way of hidden active vents and airflow-directing chamfered edges.

    BMW's Ultimate Interior

    Moving beyond the body and through the optional power-operated doors lies a cabin of tremendous opulence and artistry. Though its general appearance is a development of traditional BMW layouts, the interiors of prior 7 Series pale in comparison. Its seats are gloriously plush, covered in upholstery finished in a creative geometric pattern extending all the way down to the base. Various cut-glass controls glimmer in sunlight. If leather and wood are too conventional, BMW offers trims like woven cashmere and silver-hued carbon fiber. Textured metallic speaker grates add visual intrigue to a sound system that enhances digital-audio quality to a level akin to a live performance. Nothing seems left untouched: Even the headrests are adorned with trim and integrated so no unsightly metal support struts are visible.

    BMW's restraint in not fitting trendy enormous screens allows for better presentation of these beautiful materials, but by no means are the 7 Series' front-row displays small. A 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.5-inch touchscreen are paired beneath a pane of curved glass, with a head-up display above. The rear area, however, offers technology that might've once existed only in the concept-car realm. Each rear door has a 5.5-inch touchscreen, allowing passengers to control various climate and comfort settings. The pièce de résistance is an optional 31-inch 8K touchscreen display that folds down from the ceiling, giving passengers endless ways to stay entertained.

    Yet the dazzle is compromised by the clumsiness of BMW's latest iDrive 8 user interface. Physical buttons are largely eliminated, replaced by digital equivalents confined within these touchscreens. Simple functions—adjusting the seats, climate control, or drive mode—require distracting glances away from the road to tap haphazardly at small icons. At least the "Hey, BMW" voice command can handle many tasks, and the on-screen graphics are presented in an imaginative way. The new Interaction Bar stretching across the dashboard further enhances overall ambiance: It projects various color changes to signal functions like an incoming call or driver-assist alerts.

    To Drive, Or Be Driven?

    Given the fact its V-8 is adapted from an M-developed engine, the 2023 BMW 760i xDrive accelerates with muscular authority that's augmented by the transmission's integrated motor, which supplies electric torque to move the car off the line with finesse. Shifts are barely perceptible, but even so this powertrain cannot match that of the i7 in outright smoothness—the subtle vibrations it produces simply do not exist in its electric counterpart. Conversely, the i7's Hans Zimmer-composed driving sounds are amusing but hardly compare to the thrum that permeates the 760i's cabin as the engine nears its redline. Less appreciable sounds are heard, too, if quietly. If BMW had opted to integrate active noise cancellation into the 7 Series, it might've lessened the tires' patter and side mirrors' turbulence.

    Supported by air suspension, the 760i permits only enough texture to inform on the road surface beneath and deftly reduces harshness over potholes and ditches. This ride keeps the car placid at speeds well beyond the pale. But it becomes slightly perturbed by successive small impacts, which introduce a side-to-side jiggling sensation. Meanwhile, more so than the i7, the steering's precision, weight, and feel rests right on the cusp of what might be considered comfortable, as available active roll stabilization props-up the body—ideal for a driver-oriented luxury car.

    Even with these attributes, the 2023 BMW 7 Series' second row beckons. It's so spacious, cushy, and richly appointed, even a keen driver might willingly abdicate control to a chauffeur—a proposition not typical among 7 Series buyers, according to BMW's research. Several backseat upgrade packages are available, which bring amenities ranging from heating, ventilation, and massage functions all the way up to reclining backrests, extending ottomans, and an enhanced center armrest. Regardless of equipment, with or without the huge theater screen, the LED-illuminated glass roof adds an airy atmosphere. Furthermore, a chauffeur-esque experience can be had in the front seats as BMW's trustworthy hands-free driver-assists take control on the highway.

    But …
    Congruences are held in balance in the new 7 Series. Dubious exterior beauty, but a sensational interior. Gratifying driving manners, but an equally impressive backseat experience. Deeply capable technology, but frustrating integrations.

    Perhaps the ultimate "but" regards which model is best. At approximately $94,500, the I-6-powered 740i serves as a starting point beneath the $115,000 760i xDrive. But then there's the roughly $120,500 i7 xDrive60, which, though the most expensive, might provide a higher level of comfort and certainly feels more like a BMW of the future. Regardless of which model customers choose, the 2023 BMW 7 Series abolishes any doubt it's the marque's highest expression of luxury.

    Source: motortrend.com

  • 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

    Rolls-Royce is taking its ultimate-luxury ethos to a new realm with the all-electric 2024 Spectre coupe. James Bond probably wouldn't toast the new model with one of his shaken-not-stirred signature martinis given his history of battling the international crime organization known as Spectre. But he might want to drive the regal new coupe nonetheless. The Spectre rides on the same platform as the Phantom sedan and Cullinan SUV but is propelled by a fully electric powertrain consisting of two electric motors that pump out a combined 577 horsepower. The driving range is estimated to be around 260 miles per charge, which does not place the Spectre among the long-range EV cohort with less-expensive rivals such as the Tesla Model S and the Lucid Motors Air. But buyers with the $400,000 or so available to buy a Spectre aren't likely to road trip when their private jet is always standing ready at a nearby airfield. The Spectre is Rolls-Royce's first in a series of EVs, and the company says that its gasoline-powered models will be phased out of the lineup and replaced entirely with EVs by 2030.

    What's New for 2024?

    The Spectre is a new addition to the Rolls-Royce lineup and its first customers can expect to take delivery by the end of 2023.

    Rolls-Royce hasn't released much information about the Spectre yet, including its price tag. We expect to see classic Rolls-Royce features and options on the new coupe, including a series of highly-customizable packages offered through the company’s Bespoke design service.

    EV Motor, Power, and Performance

    All Spectres will come with a dual-motor electric powertrain with 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Rolls-Royce says that's enough to move the 6559-pound coupe to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. You may scoff at that estimate and point to the Tesla Model S Plaid that hit 60 mph in 2.1 seconds in our testing, but we'd be quick to remind you that Rolls-Royce's brand ethos is more about quiet cruising than mind-bending performance. Rolls-Royce has installed adaptive suspension to ensure an appropriately isolated ride, and the engineers also made room for a massive amount of sound-deadening material that Rolls says will ensure the cabin remains whisper quiet.

    Range, Charging, and Battery Life

    Rolls-Royce hasn't said how large the Spectre's battery is but it's estimating a driving range of about 260 miles per charge. DC fast-charging should be possible, but we'd guess that most Spectre buyers will have a charging system installed at their estates so they aren't forced to wait around in the parking lot of a Walmart like the rest of us.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    The Spectre's cabin offers space for four with bucket seats in both rows. Anyone who's familiar with Rolls-Royce's current interior design will find a similarly sybaritic one here, although the company has added several design features that are unique to Spectre. For example, in addition to the brand's signature starry-night headliner, the Spectre's door panels rock a similar twinkle with tiny LED lights sparkling in the area surrounding the armrests. We don't yet know all the details or have a list of options and features but the Spectre should be available with a seemingly endless array of personalization options and material choices.

    Source: caranddriver.com

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