BMW 7 series E65 weighs just over two tonnes, is 5.2m long and 1.9m wide. It has more leg-space than a usual bed-sitter and can dash to 100kph in six seconds. Photo/FILE
New money demands fresh thinking and what better proof than to buy a car that older money does not want.
In 2005 I sampled a very special car. It promised to take me to 7th heaven, but I was not ready yet as I was driving a 3 series.
Now I am torn between upgrading from my 5 Series to the 7 or just switching to the new 5.
The car you see here was a very controversial one coming from a conservative era where BMWs were designed for lasting visual pleasure and not to rattle its owners.
Only three years after shocking the world with the new BMW 7 series Chris Bangle refreshed its looks without changing very much.
He sought to confirm that his first design was spot on and this was a tweak to better an already good car. Sic.
Years later we have a new 7 Series that is edging back to sleek conservative designs from the mid-1990s.
Despite that, Kenyans have embraced this 2005 car as is evident on our roads. I take you back in time to share my experience with this beautiful cruiser.
Driving it sends a warm sensation through, kilometer after kilometer.
It is indeed the ultimate driving machine. Minor changes have smoothened out the otherwise boxy presentation of the initial model.
The headlights now slant towards the centre of the nose as opposed to away in the previous model and the trademark kidney grill got a tweak as a result.
The bonnet was slanted a little more to mask its length.
The lower end of the rear bumper has been tucked in a little to expose the large tyres, giving the posterior a more sporty and aggressive look as the car pulls away.
I recall asking David Carp, an American automotive designer based at BMW’s Munich Headquarters what could have been going through Chris’s mind.
He worked closely with Bangle, the former design boss then and they introduced various new models.
He summarised it perfectly.
“The new 7 seeks to appeal to a wide range of consumers or varying ages. Although mainly a mature luxury limousine, the 7 is a true driver’s car.”
I was listening attentively, waiting for the close to that statement.
He continued “It offers its owner the opportunity to enjoy every aspect of the car from whichever seat they choose.”
Now that makes sense because while this is an engaging car to drive the rear area is like no BMW built before this. It was an industry first.
I remember vividly that it was freezing outside but my back side was warm, thanks to the heated seats and I was enjoying the centrally placed DVD player.
The legroom was better than my first bachelor pad. The V12 engine growled with pure and honest intention to please, and it did. It is no wonder that men worship their cars, especially when they come with 12 cylinders.
Marching battalion
On the outside it sounds like a battalion marching to war.
Inside it is like an invisible special strike force, waiting stealthily in silence for the order to move in.
You do not know they are there until your right foot is depressed. That’s the fluidity that every big BMW engine comes with.
It glides gingerly through traffic. Large yet as agile as world champion boxer, Muhammed Ali in full flight.
As soon as the road opens up and your right foot nips at the pedal, it takes off like a lithe leopard. It is swift and urgent.
Looking at this car you will be forgiven for taking it for granted — it looks large and slow. Sample this.
It weighs just over two tons and measures 5,179mm in length and is 1,902mm wide.
It takes only 6 seconds to reach 100kmph. If you are brave, you will be in Mombasa in less than 3 hours with our newly paved roads.
I have not written about a BMW in a long time in an attempt to tame my passion for this great car.
I write only out of pure and brutal honesty that comes from experiencing a car in its entirety.
This was not a quick spin round the block. I remember this test drive like it was yesterday.
It was 10 degrees outside and I had to do a TV interview besides a snowcapped Spanish countryside. Despite the extreme circumstances I enjoyed every minute.
How often do you get a super fast cruiser with the performance of a sports car and luxury barge all rolled up into one exotically attractive package?
The 2010 new 7 Series is so exclusive I have not had a go at it.
If it is also out of your reach I recommend that you put your new money to good old use and enjoy automotive heaven in the end of line 2006-2008 BMW 7 series code-named E65. It is a great buy.
Comentarios