Just yesterday, we reported that the new BMW 7 Series (F01) will be fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Now we are hearing rumors that the 2009 flagship sedan will be available with four-wheel steering, as well. While we understand the consumer-driven technology battle going on between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series, the addition of a four-wheel steer option (with the added mechanical complexity and weight) just doesn't seem to make much sense to us these days - the '80s are over. The 7 Series isn't designed as a canyon carver, so we can rule out the handling advantages. Integrated "all around" cameras and parking sensors have simplified parking, so that's not an excuse. Lastly, sophisticated electronics can now modulate brakes, throttle and even the steering rack to compensate for vehicle instability. BMW is understandably tight-lipped about details... and this type of feature is obviously difficult to discern from spy shots. Drat!
[Source: BMW Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
mk @ Apr 15th 2008 2:34PM
If it gets much bigger, they'll have to just make it articulated like a center-jointed city bus, or an FD ladder truck.
I don't think the 4-wheel steering is for "performance", (nor is the 8-speed auto) but for "ease."
It is hard to park and putt around a parking lot with a 30-foot long luxury car dragging it's rear end around. Putting the rear wheels to work with the steering, will bring that huge tail in line in low-speed maneuvering.
Frylock350 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:57PM
A 7-series isn't a big car. Park it next to a Lincoln Town Car and it looks like a toy by comparison. You certainly don't need any electronic gizmos to park a car the 'size' of the 7 series. I parallel my Suburban just fine without any backup cameras, sensors, quadrasteer, etc.
mk @ Apr 15th 2008 3:19PM
sure. and the Miata is the size of a matchbox car.
The 7 series is not a small car, even if the dinosaur of a Town car is even more bloated. Lexus LS and S-class are not tiny either. G35/37 has it, and it is only mid-size, albeit more for a slight handling edge, which may not be the 7-series' focus for 4-wheel steering.
And being driven by people old enough to prefer a full luxury car (rather than a sportier 5-series), and being of well enough means to be able to afford a luxury car, might like a little rear-steering assistance.
Plus they have to try and counter Lexus' auto-parking feature with something, and less robotic might appeal to some.
Not saying that parallel parking is impossible without it. but it could be a nice "luxury feature" for the target audience.
Shawn @ Apr 15th 2008 3:23PM
Towncar is bigger...has less power...but the sad thing is that the 7 series has about the same Turning Diameter as the Towncar. Weights more than the Towncar, and the Towncar gets better mpg. LOL
CarbonBlack @ Apr 15th 2008 3:49PM
sure, I also park my 2001 suburban just fine.
The point is to make it easier (the target population has a hard enough time driving on the correct side of the highway-not to mention paring!)
Cary @ Apr 16th 2008 12:07AM
Try parking and driving an Excursion. Makes my S-class feel like I'm parking a Smart ForTwo.
Jruhi4 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:40PM
4-wheel steering might be making something of a comeback among European carmakers. I've read that it'll be offered in the new Renault Laguna as well.
SPG @ Apr 15th 2008 2:40PM
I was wondering what happened to four wheel steering from all those early 90's sports cars.
It's back!
MachinaDC5 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:49PM
I was just about to declare the triumphant return of the 90's, but it looks like you covered it for me. ;)
Xcountryflyer @ Apr 15th 2008 3:25PM
Gone gone gone. It didn't even survive as "Quadrasteer" when GM put it in some of its trucks/large SUVs in the early 2000's. People weren't willing to pay for it. If they are forced to buy it on the BMW--so be it, but as an buy it option, people ignore it.
Stealth E34 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:46PM
4-wheel steering makes sense. If BMW can engineer a reliable system, why not? It makes parking easier, turning around faster, and overall improves 'general' handling.
Further, if it can be applied in a performance application without overly complicating the multitude of dynamic stability programs, 4-wheel steering has the potential for even greater benefits all around.
Ben @ Apr 15th 2008 2:48PM
Um, hasn't the Infiniti G35 always offered four wheel steering? Makes sense a 7-Series would have it.
tankd0g @ Apr 15th 2008 2:51PM
I guess the 80s are back in style. Somehow I doubt BMW will do a nice simple & reliable mechanical system like Honda used to have.
Edsel @ Apr 15th 2008 2:52PM
What BMW didn't tell you is that the four-wheel steering is performed through iDrive.
"To steer the rear wheels to the RIGHT perform the following iDrive sequence; "Menu", "Right".........
Chris @ Apr 15th 2008 2:53PM
My neighbor's 1988 Prelude had it. Nobody cared. It is not needed in everyday driving.
Frylock350 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:54PM
BMW should pursue this with caution, it has been done already. GM pickup trucks in the 90s had quadrasteer as an option. The system was slick, smooth, reliable and was very well received by critics. It however didn't sell very well and GM scrapped it. BMW should definitely take note of why quadrasteer failed to find a place in the market and see if its worth the risk themselves. The 7-series isn't a volume product like the GMT800's were so recuperating development costs could become an issue for them.
Benfolio @ Apr 15th 2008 2:56PM
Mazda had it in it's 80's turbo offerings, and had a passive system on the 929 and Millenia. And no one cared.
Benfolio @ Apr 15th 2008 2:57PM
Quadrasteer was sold for only a year or to in the '00s, not the 90's.
And I think it's downfall was the price, and how ugly it made the truck's ass.
montoym @ Apr 15th 2008 6:30PM
You are correct.
The additional hardware required made the axle wider than the normal axle and necessitated the use of extended fender on the rear of the truck and SUV's it was used on. Looked sort of like a half a dualie fender and really didn't look all that great.
It's a good idea and has it's uses, especially in the truck market. Had they been able to make the Quadrasteer work in an axle of similar size to the normal axle, I bet it would have sold much better.
sovyanz @ Apr 15th 2008 2:58PM
nissan had it in the 80-90's called hicas