STEP into BMW's new flagship 7 Series, settle back into the luxurious interior and then hand over to the Controller, a formidable wizard of technology that makes driving a completely new experience.

Interestingly, the cabin front has been divided into two by introducing a system called iDrive, which splits the car's control into two main areas: the driving area, immediately in front of the driver and the comfort area, dominated by the Controller.

The Controller is a large circular knob which sits on the central armrests between the front seats, and is in charge of an electronics centre that throws all the day-to-day functions normally associated with driving a car out of its electric powered-windows.

On top of this those space-taking old mechanical gadgets like a floor-mounted gear selector and handbrake are out and in comes iDrive's electronic gear change and parking brake all done from the steering wheel and dashboard.

But it is the Controller who wields much of the power. It has replaced nearly all the switches and buttons that normally clutter a car dashboard (only the audio on/off button and heater control buttons remain). Although not in the same league as the PlayStation, the Controller does have eight different positions, described in compass-bearing style from north, north-east, east and so on, right round to north-west, giving access to everything from communications and navigation to climate control, a BMW helpline and the stability/traction control.

A word in the ear: to really get to grips with the new car, then a more-than-once-the-round-the-block test drive is recommended. You have got to believe it because it is even necessary to get a lesson on how to work the indicators!

The Controller uses a menu-driven screen display at the top of the dashboard. Turn the switch to the service required, heating, audio and so on and click on.

The display is extremely easy to use, and an optional voice control of many of the systems makes life even easier. One of the most significant innovations within this system (as if there were not already enough) is the world's first mobile Internet gateway, called BMW Online. This will give access to services like e-mail, the Yellow Pages, news and local guides when it comes to the United Kingdom next year. It's already available in Germany, but a UK server partner has still to be confirmed.

Another world first, for a series production car that is, is the six speed automatic ZF/BMW gearbox, providing three modes: drive, sport and manual. Selecting the gear is done electronically via the steering column stalk, while the Steptronic (manual) side of the transmission is worked via a couple of buttons on the steering wheel. The parking brake works using a button on the dashboard.

As well as the gear selector, there are three other stalks behind the steering wheel, for indicators, dipping the lights, operating the wipers/washers and the pre-selector cruise control.

The standard specification of this great car may be complex enough, but the 7 Series has plenty of other tricks up its sleeve, including an optional second-generation voice control system with no fewer than 270 functions, plus computer-controlled damping and pneumatic rear suspension.

There will be two models available at launch, the 735i for £52,750 and the 745i for £56,950. There will be V12 760i and long wheelbase models joining the line-up later this year, with six cylinder petrol and diesel models arriving next year.

Now, don't be put off by all the gizmos, because the car is absolutely brilliant to drive, in fact it is almost too comfortable.

Once you get into the swing of things, all slips nicely into gear and a sense of driving bliss sinks in. It is an incredibly comfortable car, not in the least intimidating to drive, and there is absolutely no sense of speed. And there a danger lurks. Topping the speed limit comes in under eight seconds and without effort.

There is acres of room in the back for passengers, and they also get their own seat adjustment, audio, and heating and ventilation controls, and a boot which will make light work of several golf bags and clubs.

Overall, the new car is very different from the earlier model, with the loss of the traditional wedge shape, a fairly low-to-ground crouch, and a steeply raked rear end.

At the heart of the cars are two refined and advanced V8 engines. Power is up by 14 per cent compared to the previous models and fuel saving is also up, with the 735i achieving 26.4mpg and the 745i 25.9mpg. Both engines have 32 valves, variable valve timing, and a special BMW system called Valetronic which increases engine efficiency and cuts fuel consumption.

Test routes for the car included the hilly regions of the Ronda in Spain, a great mountain climb from Malaga, and this provided an ideal route with the car losing none of its poise or balance as it coasted through the hairpin bends, helped by its strong and dependable braking and firm suspension.

BMW expects to sell around 1400 of the V8 models this year, rising to around 3,000 within two years, when the full model line-up is available. Most sales are expected to go to fleet owners.

Finally, BMW expects the new car to hold a strong residual value of 45 per cent over three years and 60,000 miles ... but with a car like this, and all it offers, surely few new owners will be keen to let it go.

Updated: 10:28 Friday, March 08, 2002