2009 BMW Hydrogen 7
Not Yet Ranked
Interior - What the Auto Press Says
The passenger cabin of the BMW Hydrogen 7 differs little from that of the previous-generation 7-Series car it is based on. It carries a full suite of cabin electronics and climate control measures, in keeping with its status as a super-luxury car. Reviewers who have had the opportunity to test drive the Hydrogen 7 generally do not discuss the interior, simply saying that it is identical to other 7-Series cars. However, in a concession to the space needs of the two separate fuel tanks, it offers far less cargo space than its conventional counterpart, and its rear houses of two seating positions rather than three.
- Writing of the conventional 7-Series, "Top-notch materials and generous use of wood give interiors a sophisticated, modern ambience." - Consumer Guide
- Writing of the conventional 7-Series, "Materials and elegant design make the 7 Series cabin an exceedingly pleasant place in which to conduct the business of driving." -- Automotive.com
Seating
The front seats of the BMW Hydrogen 7 are 16-way power adjustable, and offer both heating and cooling functions. The rear seating area has been modified to help make space for the hydrogen storage tank, allowing for two comfortable rear seats rather than three.
- "We somehow think they gave it a four-passenger layout for a reason." -- Car and Driver
- Writing of the conventional 7-Series, "Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, range of adjustment." - Consumer Guide
Interior Features
The cabin materials and electronics of the BMW Hydrogen 7 are identical to that found in the conventional BMW 7-Series, save for a large "H2" logo on the steering wheel. BMW's iDrive system, which combines all climate and entertainment functions into a single interface, has come under some criticism as unintuitive and unnecessarily complicated.
- Writing of the conventional 7-Series, "iDrive corrals a lot of functions, including the audio, climate, navigation, Bluetooth and BMW Assist systems, it has a steep learning curve and, based on our experience, increases driver distraction." -- Edmunds
- Writing of the conventional 7-Series, "Clear, simple instruments, but steering wheel blocks access to wiper, cruise, and headlight switches. Other controls needlessly unconventional. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Dashboard has conventional controls for only basic audio and climate adjustments. Everything else requires using iDrive with its many distracting menus and settings, plus a display screen that washes out in bright sunlight." - Consumer Guide
Cargo
The hydrogen storage tank of the BMW Hydrogen 7 is housed partially in the trunk of the car, robbing space from the cargo area. The result is a very small trunk.
- "The tank sits in the trunk - and thus halves the luggage space of a regular 7 series (though the back seat still looks pretty roomy)." -- BusinessWeek
- "The hydrogen tank leaves only enough trunk space for a pair of golf bags." -- New York Times