Nerw BMW 7-Series: "I'll Take The Wheel Today, James"

Even though the 'grand unveiling' featured track star Usain Bolt emegring from the backseat with a faux chauffeur tipping his hat at the wheel, the new BMW 7-series represents a serious attempt by the carmaker (a least on this side of the world) to breka out of the "chauffeur mode" as a car usually confined to emabssies and foreign missions (and the odd J$ billionaire)to be an executive car that well-heeled execs may actually wish to drive for themsleves.

As the promo material states, its not about design, its about desire. The entire aesthetic of the car, with its long, low sweep (the unveiled model was actually a 740 Li)superb interior and long list of creature comforts and "driver's aids" (how about Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, or Active Cruise Control?) speaks to a sensory expeirence that gently but firmly includes the technically clueless, without alienating hard-core autophiles.

Indeed, its the beauty of BMWs that, unlike their neighbours in Stuttgart, Bavarian Motor Works (OK, so we've dispensed with the full German spelling) have managed to keep their 'motor works' soulful even as the become more stately. The new 7, like the new 5 that preceded it, looks elegant, but not snooty.

Of ocurse, we were not allowed the proof of the pudding - which is the driving.CEO Duncan Stewart declined our "hints" at a test drive with a polite but no less resounding "not yet" that suggested that perhaps the remainder of this calendar year was out of the question.

Nonetheless, the new 7 has, on looks alone, more than lived up to its billing as a first-class luxury saloon. As to how many takers there will be for such a thing in this constrained environment (when a Government would have the gall to put a tax on books... for God's sake! - but we digress) is anybody's guess. This writer figures realistically they could move 3 units - maybe as many as 5, but hey, we could be wrong.

As for Bolt, he's already got an M3, which goes form 0-100 mph faster than "Mr 2 Di Worl" can cover the 100 metres, but if he were to 'upgrade' we could easily see him dispensing with the hired driver.

"I'll take the wheel today, James"

I meanr THIS Tuesday: 7-series Pt Deux

OK, so I jumped th gun a bit, but the date was correct Tues April 28 will see the official J'can presentation of the new BMW 7-series. Following is a release on the event and the car, which has also been named by luxury goods tracker www.justluxe.com to its list of 10best Luxury Sedans

On April 28th, 2009, Stewart Motors proudly unveils the new BMW 7 Series, confirming their unflagging commitment to quality service and exemplary performance.


The countdown is on for the start of a new era. There are many ways to prepare for the start of a new era.The new BMW 7 Series, the flagship of the BMW brand is about to set new standards in the luxury sedan segment. Its unique yet elegant design combines impressive presence and powerful superiority.

Setting the benchmark in terms of performance, comfort and safety, the new BMW 7 Series offers numerous innovations such as Integral Active Steering and BMW Night Vision with personal recognition.

The rear seats offer the passenger incomparable comfort with enormously generous leg and headroom, a wide range of attractive communication, entertainment, air conditioning and seat comfort options.

With State of the Art BMW EfficientDynamics technology the new BMW 7 Series is the first sedan in the luxury segment to offer fuel saving measures.

The design of the new BMW 7 Series incorporates impressive presence, sporting appeal and power in one extraordinary vehicle.

The interior of the new BMW 7 Series is tailor made to satisfy the most demanding expectations. Fine materials and attention to detail allow every passenger to feel at ease from the first moment on.

Cockpit and driver ambience makes for perfect driving pleasure: Multi-functional steering wheel, anew instrument cluster with innovative back-panel technology, full colour LCD display and optimized iDrive offer the driver all the essential car functions within easy reach. The rear passenger compartment is as luxurious and exclusive as the cockpit. Apart from perfect ergonomics the passenger is provided with Rear Seat Entertainment and back seat massage function.

Whether driving, or being driven, the new BMW 7 Series offers a high-class driving experience for everybody.




The new BMW 7 Series also offers a wide range of the latest technical features which represent best-in-segment technologies, confirming the BMW leadership in technology and innovation.

Dynamic Damping Control: for enhanced ride and choice of “sport” or “comfort” settings.
BMW xDrive: intelligent all wheel drive system
Integral Active Steering: increase agility at low speeds and increased stability at high speeds.
Head-Up Display: increase driver orientation, comfort and safety
Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Change Warning: alerts you of vehicles in the blind spot
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go: ensures you remain a predefined distance away from the car ahead, slowing to a stop if necessary


The Stewart Family has been in the automotive industry since 1938 and has what can only be described as a stellar reputation in automotive Sales and Service.

Are you prepared?

This Tuesday is '7' Day

The newly updated 7-series will have its Jamaican close-up come Tuesday April 28, at the German Embassy in Kingston, to boot. The new flagship sedan is also featured in the current issue of the BMW magazine.

Also relatively new, a 1-series convertible is now avaialable - by order, of course.