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The double-bubble, multi-step instrument panel in the BMW 7 Series was bashed by critics almost as frequently as the exterior styling when the car was introduced, but the interior design has worn very well. High-quality materials and elegant finish make the 2007 7 Series cabin a pleasant, luxurious and exceedingly comfortable place in which to conduct the business of driving.The dash looks particularly clean because the iDrive system eliminates so many switches and knobs. Buttery leather is used throughout, with a loosely draped (as opposed to pulled-taut) look. Wood trim is spread tastefully on the dash, center console and armrests. We prefer the oiled-look walnut over the polished elm, and particularly over the light Elm, but you may not. In any case, a variety of materials adds interest without making the interior look busy. The standard roof liner in the 750i reminds us of fine suit material; the 760Li's roof is lined with suede-like Alcantara. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with adjustment in 20 directions. Some adjustments are automatic, including the headrests, which change height according to the position of the seat. Active Seat Ventilation cools the seats in the summer by blowing air through micro-perforations in the leather, and the system includes a vibrating feature. All 7 Series sedans feature dual-zone temperature and airflow adjustment for the front passengers. The 760Li adds separate temperature adjustments for each side of the rear seat. Shutter-like slats seal off vents if desired. An automatic humidity control maintains relative humidity near an optimal 40 percent. Rain-sensing wipers detect misting on the windshield and automatically wipe it off. The rear seats are roomy and comfortable. The long-wheelbase L models provide as much rear legroom as you'll find this side of a stretch limo. Waterfall LED atmosphere lighting inside the rear roof pillars adds to the evening elegance of the rear seats. For bright days, the 760Li includes power sunshades for the rear and rear side windows. Comfort Seats for the rear come standard on the 760Li and are available for the 750Li, along with moveable, floor-mount footrests. These rear seats are heated and ventilated, and adjust 14 ways, with a control that allows rear-seat passengers to move the front passenger seat forward. When in full power, the 7 Series cabin remains whisper quiet. Ambient noise is wonderfully deadened inside, making conversation easy and pleasant. The only outside sound we could hear while driving the 750i was the low-profile tires whacking over expansion joints or humming across grooved concrete. We could, however, detect hums, clicks and buzzes, generated in the background by assorted motors, switches and pumps in support of all the creature comforts. The quiet cabin provides a perfect environment for a superb stereo, which delivers crisp highs, sharp bass and clear mid-range tones. BMW's Premium Sound Package is truly sensational. Unless you have a state-of-the-art stereo at home, you'll hear things in your favorite songs you've barely noticed before. The package delivers seven channels of surround sound through 13 speakers, including a pair of subwoofers ingeniously integrated into the chassis, and it includes a CD changer. We'd spring for the optional Sirius Satellite Radio, which offers mostly commercial-free music, news, sports and talk. We're not so sure about BMW's HD radio option. HD radio works, with a caveat. When it locks on a signal the clarity and fidelity is amazing, especially on the AM band. The problem is, depending on where you're driving, the radio can fluctuate from HD to standard broadcast as signal strength changes, the same way a conventional FM radio can switch from stereo to mono when the signal weakens. It can happen several times a mile, and become a bigger annoyance than it's worth. Technology abounds inside the 7 Series. Working the mult
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