BMW 7-Series Coupe 2002 - Present

The top of the range BMW has very much been overtaken by many of the smaller numbers over recent years. With more attention being shown to the excellent 5-Series the 7-Series has fallen off of people's wish lists but with a 2005 facelift toned the looks toned down and improved the engines and suspension the 7-series is still a tidy motor.

Like most of the BMW range it's a real driver's car, with a range of refined powerplants and pleasing handling. An overhaul of BMW's controversial i-Drive system has made it more user friendly, too. The i-Drive system is a joystick, a button and a dial all rolled into one and allows the driver to control functions and modify settings using one interface. A handy gadget, but can be somewhat intimidating for the uninitiated. A fully armoured High Security model is also available for those with deep enough pockets (it retails at around £250,000) and a fear of assassination, maybe something for Posh Spice's school run?

The 7-Series is the most refined of the BMW range, and of the range the most likely to be driven by a chauffer. Inside the car it's roomy and beautifully finished. There's head and leg room in all seats, with support and comfort too. The front two seats have a number of options including massage, probably best to avoid that option if you're tired and driving. As you'd expect the stereo system is excellent and there is boot space for a set of golf clubs as well as your luggage.

The engines are a good illustration of BMW's lack of commitment to the 7-Series as they are all comparatively old school. The groundbreaking new low emissions motors of other models are curiously absent from the 7-Series range and instead it boasts a raft of excellent, if thirsty engines. Their power is all transmitted via an automatic gearbox and their level of refinement is without question first class. The flagship motor is the behemoth 6.0L (yes six litre), V12, and it's performance figures are both impressive and terrifying; 0 - 60 coming in 5.3 seconds top speed restricted to 155 mph and fuel figures of 20 mpg. Most of the range is capped at 155 mph and offer between six and eight seconds from standing to 60 mph. nothing comes back with any great boasts on the fuel economy front, with most engines returning somewhere in the mid twenties. The oil burners are a bit better peaking at 25 mpg, but as I say nothing really to shout about. All engines offer smooth enjoyable miles and can really pile on motorway miles with aplomb, if you can afford the fuel.

The 7-series is the old CEO car that has been overtaken by newer models, as old style CEOs have retired or been replaced by go-getting fifty-somethings. It's still a great car and will offer loads of comfortable, trouble free miles, but it's becoming a bit of a yesterdays car as those around it become more efficient and advanced.

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