BMW 7 series 2005 review

Prices have risen between $6000 and $14,000 for the "modestly refreshed" 7 Series, which also gets two upgraded V8s, additional equipment and adaptive brakeforce display.

Chief among the technological changes is the new ConnectDrive information system that has been added to the standard equipment list across the range.

While some may not like the system's ability to bring emails up for the driver to read while the car is in motion, the system is integrated and is being offered free for the first year, with charges of $400 a year (or $33 a month) for the telematics and $350 a year (or $30 a month) for the online service after that.

The powerplant range has grown in power and torque, but has made little improvement in overall thirst, despite no major change in overall vehicle weight.

The four-litre V8 has improved power, torque and performance but with a slight increase in fuel consumption to 11.2 litres/100km; the 4.8-litre V8 in the 750i has retained the same consumption rate of 11.4 litres/100km of its 745i predecessor.

The six-litre V12's outputs and consumption remain unchanged.

Among the updated standard fare on BMW's flagship is an upgraded monitor layout and function for satnav, TV, parking radar and ConnectedDrive functions.

The list continues, with the entire range now getting the sports steering wheel with audio, cruise and transmission controls.

The safety acronyms abound, with anti-lock braking system (ABS), stability and traction control (ASC+T), dynamic stability control (DSC) and dynamic brake control (DBC).

The 7's path is lit by bi-xenon adaptive headlights and it now has two-stage automatic brakeforce display brake lights.

The iDrive controller system has been updated, with changes made to the display as well as the return of some functions to the dashboard.

The i-Drive knob has been altered in shape, feel and tactility.

The standard suspension setup for the 7 Series was already accomplished, with the Dynamic Drive and adaptive damping able to provide a decent ride with almost no body roll and sure-footed handling, despite 18in-20in wheels and low-profile tyres.

The updated 7 gets a 14mm wider rear track, Adaptive Drive with Dynamic Drive and electronic damper control as an option on the 740 model and standard on other 7 Series.

The sports suspension (harder springs, firmer damping) lowers the ride height by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, and boosts the wheel size to 19in, with a 20in rim as an option.

There is something surreal about driving a 7 Series – polarising looks, powerful engines, technology galore and no shortage of luxury features.

The facelifted 7 can hustle along country roads with considerable aplomb. The new range-wide fitted sports steering wheel is not directing active steering but points with direct feel and authority, with the lack of weight shift almost lulling the driver into a false sense of security.

Excessive corner speed brings perspective, but swift and smooth country road driving within the car's limits sees kilometres eaten at a considerable rate.

The model update sees the inclusion of the i-Drive integrated ConnectDrive system, which allows a myriad of different information to be downloaded to the vehicle systems and used in the phone or satellite navigation system.

Even emails can be read on the centrally mounted i-Drive screen, something that will cause concern among some road safety analysts. Distraction issues aside, the system is easier to operate, with some functions returning to the dashboard, as well as changes to the tactility and weighting of the i-Drive knob.

The amount of information available to the busy exec is considerable – BMW is offering free use for the first year with subscription fees to follow.

The system can still confound rookie users but with time would become more familiar and BMW expects to retain about half of the 7 Series owners beyond the free 12-month trial.