Function follows function; New 7 series has so many features they had to think up new ways to cram 'em in.(Evaluation)(Statistical Data Included)

Someone asked a BMW engineer why we had to wait seven years for a new 7 Series when other luxury carmakers offer their new products every four or five years. "Because everything here is new," he said. After a full day touring BMW's technical center in Munich, we understand what he meant.

Because there is so much new in this car, BMW is spreading the information out. Our daylong introduction was the first in a two-part product presentation. We are scheduled to go back in late September after the car's official debut at the Frankfurt show for more briefings and a first drive. So consider this a pre-introduction, highlighting just some of the features and functions on this truly all-new car. To find out how well they actually work from behind the wheel, we'll have to wait a little longer.

Pushbutton parking brake

Yes, even the parking brake on the new 7 Series is notable. For one thing, it's operated by a pushbutton on the dash. When the car is stopped with the engine off, the button electronically activates the conventional rear cable-operated drum brakes. When the engine is running, the system operates through the DSC system using the disc brakes. Automatic Hold acts in the same way as the old Subaru Hillholder clutch, holding the car in place for starts on steep hills.

Exterior Styling

"If you took the E38 [the previous 7] and added a layer, that's what we're working with here," said design chief Chris Bangle. The more

you look at it the more you see what he's saying. Every dimension is bigger in the new car, especially headroom in the back and space in the trunk, hence, the extra layer look. It really piles on at the rear decklid, what Bangle called "a formal enclosure."