THE SPECS
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Automatic
Power: 530bhp
Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh535,000
On sale: Now
Sibling rivalry is never an easy thing and there has been plenty of it going on at BMW over the past few years.
Top of the tree within that particular brand used to be the 7 Series, no question about it. Ever since its introduction in 1977, it had a reputation of sweeping pretenders to the throne aside with the merest swish of its metaphorical cape. In recent years, however, others in the manufacturer's roster have been jockeying for position. The X7, to name but one, clearly fancies itself for the top job, and that's not a vehicle to ignore.
The new 7 Series, however, is fighting to hold on to its crown. It has been transformed over the years (with a distinct change in direction in 2016) from a borderline sports sedan into what some pundits have called a "luxobarge" (a term most of us could guess the meaning of without explanation).
As such, it’s all about the serenity inside the cabin. The idea is that occupants don’t so much as have to take a comb to their hair at the end of their journey, let alone adjust their clothing or remove perspiration from their brow with the disinfectant wipes many of us have got into the habit of carrying. Someone described the 7 Series as being like a private jet for the road, which may be pushing things a little, but gives you an idea of the feelings it will elicit when you get inside.
The particular model under the spotlight here is the 750Li xDrive (though there are plenty of other variants) and it has a twin-turbo, 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine, which will deliver 530 horsepower and get you up to 100 kilometres per hour from a standing start in just four seconds. Not what you’d call underwhelming.
Driving it is, indeed, a remarkably tranquil experience. You’ve read the stats above, so you could tear it up if you fancied, but that's not really what a 7 Series is designed to do.
The new version has more driver aids than you can shake a stick at – including parking sensors, crash warning systems and cameras placed all around the exterior – but that would be no surprise on a car with this much attention to detail.
It’s all a bit fancy inside, with customers able to choose from a series of high-quality leather options, with wood trim and aluminium accents. The obligatory touchscreen is there, of course, and it comes with gesture-control technology. In total, there are nine trim levels available.
The 7 Series’ main competitors in the premium sedan sector are probably the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS, both of which are impressive in their own right. The 750Li is the most expensive of the three, but you do get more pulling power for your money. It's also worth noting there are cheaper 7 Series versions than the car tested here.
So, it’s been with us for some time, but accepting that the 7 Series has been usurped would be a mistake. It’s still an impressive enough vehicle to ensure none of its competitors are able to sideline it. Back in your cage, X7, you're not top dog yet.
Car supplied by BMW Abu Dhabi
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
U19 World Cup in South Africa
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
UAE squad
Aryan Lakra (captain), Vriitya Aravind, Deshan Chethyia, Mohammed Farazuddin, Jonathan Figy, Osama Hassan, Karthik Meiyappan, Rishabh Mukherjee, Ali Naseer, Wasi Shah, Alishan Sharafu, Sanchit Sharma, Kai Smith, Akasha Tahir, Ansh Tandon
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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THE SPECS
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Automatic
Power: 530bhp
Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh535,000
On sale: Now
