BMW 735 Review: Luxury Takes the Front Seat

OHLALA TOOK THE BMW 735 FOR A SPIN AND DISCOVERED THAT BEING BEHIND THE WHEEL CAN BE EVERY BIT AS INDULGENT AS SITTING IN THE BACK.

Few cars combine luxury and sophistication like BMW’s flagship 7 Series. Promising exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology and effortless performance, the freshly updated BMW 735 had certainly raised our expectations.

We were eager to experience its indulgent side. Could this luxurious saloon be just as rewarding to drive as it was to be chauffeured in? After all, we do enjoy being pampered, but we’re not quite ready to give up the best seat in the house.

MAKING A STATEMENT

The enormous illuminated kidney grille drew our attention. Combined with the slim, two-section headlights and broad, upright nose, it gave the 735 an unmistakable face. With looks this commanding, it certainly turned heads. Subtlety clearly wasn’t at the top of BMW’s design brief, and we’re rather glad about that.

Walking along the side of our Carbon Black Metallic test car, we appreciated the clean surfaces, flush-fitting door handles and long, composed profile. A strong character line added definition, while the ‘7’ on the B-pillar provided a discreet signature.

At the rear, slender, redesigned lights emphasised the car’s width. This is a BMW that has absolutely no intention of blending into the valet queue, and we rather admired its confidence.

A WORLD OF INDULGENCE

The BMW 735’s interior impressed us. Tartufo Merino leather, crystalglass accents and an elegant ambient light strip created an atmosphere of unmistakable glamour. It was sophisticated, inviting and could easily persuade us to take the scenic route to absolutely everywhere.

The electrically adjustable front seats offered ventilation and nine massage programmes, ideal after a long day.

In the rear, generous legroom and a Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof created a relaxing atmosphere. Four-zone climate control kept everyone comfortable, from those who enjoyed a gentle breeze to those who preferred to be refrigerated. The 540-litre boot offered ample room for shopping bags, even when a little browsing turned into a lot of buying.

For all the comforts on offer, we were still drawn to the driver’s seat. The commanding driving position made taking charge as appealing as reclining in the back.

“The 735 had impeccable manners, but there was a mischievous streak beneath all that sophistication.”

MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE

The 735 took its technology as seriously as its luxury. BMW Panoramic iDrive combined a floating 17.9-inch central display with Panoramic Vision, projecting information across the lower windscreen. BMW Operating System X brought navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings together.

The 14.6-inch passenger screen was another highlight, offering streaming, music and gaming on the move. After all, nobody enjoys being relegated to the role of designated handbag holder while someone else has all the fun.

BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant responded to voice commands, while BMW Maps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added convenience. Over-the-air updates keep the software current.

The sound system delivered rich, clear audio, although we may have tested its capabilities by replaying one particularly good love ballad several times, purely for research purposes.

A TOUCH OF EXHILARATION

Out on the road, the BMW 735 reminded us that luxury and driving pleasure make excellent companions. Its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine, supported by 48V mild-hybrid technology, produces 210kW and 425Nm, paired with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

A press of the accelerator unleashed a satisfying surge of power, while seamless gear changes made gathering speed feel wonderfully effortless. The 0–100km/h sprint takes just 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/h. Clearly, all that elegance hadn’t come at the expense of a little excitement behind the wheel.

Through bends, the steering felt reassuringly precise, while adaptive two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled dampers kept the ride beautifully composed. We loved the balance between comfort and responsiveness. The 735 had impeccable manners, but there was a mischievous streak beneath all that sophistication. It was the automotive equivalent of discovering that the guest of honour was also the life of the party.

IN GOOD HANDS

We appreciated the support of Driving Assistant Plus, which provided Active Cruise Control, Distance Control and lane assistance, while BMW Symbiotic Drive kept us actively involved.

Emergency Brake Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning and Exit Warning added further protection, with intervention when necessary.

Parking Assistant Professional was particularly welcome in a saloon of these proportions. With AI-supported parking-space detection and manoeuvre planning, negotiatin

Read more from original article, all rights reserved BMW 735 Review: Luxury Takes the Front Seat