2005 BMW 7 Series New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 BMW 7 Series?
In an effort to improve value for 2005, V8-powered BMW 7-Series models receive park distance control and adaptive headlights as standard fare. Optional aluminum and wood trims are also available at no extra charge.

Advantages of the 2005 BMW 7 Series:

• Incredible performance on back roads
• Incredible comfort on highways and city streets
• Impressive quality of cabin materials

Objections to the 2005 BMW 7 Series:

• Fussy iDrive control system
• Befuddling ignition, gear selection and turn signal functions
• Odd, bustle-back rear styling

Editor's Advice:
In the super-luxury sedan arena, BMW owns the field when it comes to vehicle dynamics. The 2005 BMW 7-Series must surely be "the ultimate driving machine." However, inside and out, stylists have run amuck. Attractive is not the word that comes immediately to mind when viewing the BMW 7-Series from afar or up close. Frustrating is the word that comes to mind when trying to perform the simplest of tasks from behind the steering wheel. Of course, once acclimated, the controls of the BMW 7-Series become second nature. But isn't luxury supposed to be about simplicity? If an owner's manual were required to open the mini-bar or to turn on the shower of your suite at the Four Seasons, would you stay there?