Lucky Seven: We ride (and drive) First Class with BMW's flagships
Behind The Wheel of the BMW 735i, i7 xDrive60 and X7 xDrive40d
7. Just seeing this number will illicit a reaction that’s mostly associated with luck. For car enthusiasts, especially those who prefer BMW, two particular models immediately come to mind: the 7 Series and the X7. Part of the brand’s “Grand Klasse” (or GKL) model lineup, it represents BMW’s flagship models that offer the best of the best with no compromises for the most discerning buyer. But what exactly do you get when you get into a vehicle like the 7 Series and the X7?
BMW Philippines recently invited us for a ride and drive of their GKL lineup, and boy, were we excited (and anxious). Aside from the fact that these are flagship models that are filled to the brim with amenities, they also cost an arm and a leg, and perhaps even a set of kidneys, but I digress. With two days of driving upon us, we were more than eager to get behind the wheel as well as sit in the back of the 7 Series and the X7.
Pure Excellence
It was a bright and sunny Tuesday when we all gathered at RSA Motors Greenhills. Despite the summer-like temperatures, my complaint about the heat disappeared once I laid my eyes on our first chariot, the 735i Pure Excellence. It’s over 5.3 meters long, has a silky smooth 3.0L turbocharged straight-six, comes with plenty of toys to keep you entertained, and that signature Teutonic design.
It’s one thing to look and appreciate a full-size luxury sedan at a showroom, but it’s a completely different matter when you’re behind the wheel of one. With our destination set for BMW Pampanga Premier Cars, I volunteered to get behind the wheel of the 7 Series. Before we get inside, however, I had to check out the 7 Series’ divisive looks.
Let’s face it, the front fascia is a mixed bag for most, but personally, I’m a fan of its unconventional appearance. The dual headlight design, plus the massive dual kidney grille, is (literally) in your face and means business. Heck, I reckon it’s quite intimidating seeing the G70 7 Series in your rearview mirror.
It’s a different story when you see it from the side and the rear. With its long & massive doors, huge 19-inch alloy wheels, and signature Hofmeister kink, the 735i is muscular yet also refined. Then there’s the sleek yet restrained rear that gets L-shaped LED taillights and an electronically-opening truck that can be opened remotely or via a motion sensor below the rear bumper. Overall, the 7 Series 735i oozes sophistication with its looks.
After setting my seat, adjusting the mirrors, putting on the seatbelt, and familiarizing myself with the cabin, it was now time to set off for Pampanga. But first, we had to endure EDSA traffic. With a sedan this huge, it was quite intimidating to drive at first. With so much real estate, it was difficult to estimate just how far you are from other vehicles at first. Once the roads opened up as we made our way to NLEX, however, I became accustomed to the 735i’s size and power.
With a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six pushing 286 PS and 425 Nm of torque, the 7 Series is no slouch. Yes, it’s no lightweight sports car, but put your foot to the floor and the 735i accelerates effortlessly. Set the 8-speed automatic to sport mode and the 7 Series speeds with more gusto. Combined with its light steering, overtaking other cars on the highway was a cinch. On top of all that is the whisper-quiet cabin thanks to the generous use of thick Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) deadening. It was doing such a good job that I found myself doing triple-digit speeds unintentionally due to the smooth and serene driving experience.
After more than an hour’s worth of driving, we arrived at BMW Pampanga Premier Cars. It’s the first dealership to feature the brand’s new Retail.Next showroom concept, which opened earlier this year. Its open spaces and flexible interior translate to a welcoming showroom that seamlessly combines browsing vehicle displays and lifestyle products for a more engaging customer experience. Those heading up north in their electric BMWs will also be happy to know the dealership comes with EV chargers for their convenience.
Electric Feel
After some Kapampangan cuisine, it was now time to head to Anvaya Cove in Bataan. We were still in a 7 Series, but instead of taking the 735i, we switched cars and took the all-electric i7 xDrive60 Pure Excellence. It gets the same level of refinement and luxury as its internal combustion (ICE) brethren but trades the inline-six for a pair of electric motors. The result is instantaneous power delivery with zero lag from its combined system output of 544 PS and 745 Nm of pull.
Despite having a huge (and heavy) 101.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, the i7 accelerates like it’s heading towards the future. Even a slight prod of the throttle and the i7 is always raring to hit highway speeds in an instant. But going fast isn’t just the i7’s specialty. Since it has no engine under the hood, it has better NVH than its ICE counterpart, resulting in a quieter and serene driving (or riding) experience. Paired with a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, it was a pleasure to listen to your favorite tunes without any noise from the powertrain or drivetrain.
While it may not be as sporty as its M siblings, I have to give credit to the BMW engineers for making the i7 (and 735i) sedans still engaging to drive. Yes, they’re massive saloons, but when we took it to the twisty roads of Bataan, the car handled beautifully. It’s no 3 or 5 Series, but being able to drive what others perceive as a land yacht spiritedly is a feat in itself. Then there’s the adaptive air suspension, which not only aided in the 7 Series’ handling but also cushioned us from harsh roads. Through uneven pavement and pock-marked avenues, the suspension made short work of undulations, which translated to a comfier ride no matter the situation.
Crossovers and SUVs may be all the rage today when it comes to luxury vehicles, but for those who swear by four-door saloons, the i7 and 735i offer no compromises when it comes to ride comfort, amenities, and a hushed ride. Combined with the Merino leather upholstery and the number of toys to play with while you're inside, it's a feast for the senses. But for those who prefer something taller, bolder, and bigger than the X5, the next BMW is probably on their radar.
Big & Bold
After arriving in Anvaya Cove with the i7 and resting up for the night, it was now time to head back to Manila with something else, the X7 xDrive40d. This is probably the largest BMW I’ve driven yet, and if you thought the 7 Series was daunting to drive, this one takes it further. While it’s a little shorter in terms of length than the 7 Series at 5151mm, everything else about it is just bigger. So much so that when I first hopped inside, I nearly tripped, given the massive size difference.
Like the 7 Series, the X7 gets a similar exterior design that gives it a dual headlight design. Yes, it’s a facelift, but props to BMW designers for making it work in the X7, which is already up there in years. The L-shaped LED taillights get a similar treatment as the 7 Series, but are complemented by a metal trim piece that gives them some bling. Combined with the split tailgate and massive dual exhaust pipes, the X7 is stylish and unapologetically large.
In true BMW fashion, the X7 xDrive40d gets a TwinPower Turbo inline-six. But from its namesake, it trades petrol power for diesel. On paper, the engine makes 352 PS with 720 Nm of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with AWD. Despite weighing in at a healthy 2.3 tonnes, the X7 is no slouch when it comes to power delivery.
The massive SUV advances with ease, and despite being diesel-powered, the engine feels (and sounds) like a gasoline-powered one. Some might say a diesel BMW is unrefined, but after having driven mostly four-cylinder turbo-diesels, the twin-turbo B57 inline-six in the X7 is literally a step above typical turbo-diesel engines.
It’s no sedan, but the X7 still delivered a comfy ride that’s expected from a BMW SUV. That’s thanks to the air suspension system, which comes as standard and helps to mitigate any road bumps or rutted streets. This is impressive given the fact that the rolling stock of the X7 is huge, 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in run-flat tires. Unlike regular tires, run-flats combined with bigger wheels translate to a stiffer ride. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case for the X7.
Handling is not exactly the X7’s forte, given its tall ride height, but on mild curves it’s not a problem. It’s a different story, however, on tight, twisty mountain roads, as there’s plenty of body roll to contend with. The adaptive suspension does try to counteract the roll, but it can only do so much given the vehicle’s ride height.
Grand Klasse Luxury
I’ve already said it before, but getting behind the wheel of any BMW is an experience in itself. However, it’s a completely different matter when you get to try their flagship models. Not only do they come with premium amenities and the tried-and-tested BMW performance, but they also let you experience what it feels like to drive (and ride) in first class on the road. Whether it’s the ICE-powered X7 and 735i or the all-electric i7, BMW’s GKL models let you enjoy features such as privacy blinds, massage seats, power-adjustable seats for both front & rear occupants, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, and plenty more.
BMW may be known to most for offering high-performance M cars, but look beyond that, and you’re treated to a wide array of luxurious vehicles that can deliver sheer driving pleasure while also providing a relaxing experience. Oh, and if you’re interested in getting any of these BMWs, the 735i retails for PHP 8.99 million, the i7 xDrive60 can be yours for PHP 10.39 million, and the X7 xDrive40d has a sticker price of PHP 10.59 million. BMW is even offering discounts of up to PHP 1.4 million, so if you’re really interested, you can get these flagship models for even less.
