After much criticism of its flagship 7-Series, BMW has come up with a mid-life facelift, which in certain respects returns the the car to the softer lines of the previous model.
While it loses none of its physical bulk, the latest version has a less severe appearance to the front, with a more slanted bonnet and softer lines on the BMW kidney grilles.
In fairness, while the 7-Series has failed to perform on the Irish market, it has done well elsewhere. Sales for the current generation are up 8 per cent worldwide compared to its predecessor - admittedly with most of the growth recorded in new markets in Asia and in a more buoyant US market. It also topped the luxury market in Germany last year.
So, for all the mixed reviews, the 7-Series still did well on the forecourts internationally.
As well as changes to its appearance, the Bavarians have introduced a new engine line-up: out goes the 3.5-litre and 4.5-litre petrol engines, in favour of new 4-litre V8 and new 5-litre versions. The only engine to carry forward is the 6-litre range-topping 760i powered by the same V12, introduced only recently to the range. The new lighter 3-litre petrol unit - debuted in the 630i and the 330i - makes it into the 7-Series.
Worldwide the best-seller has been the 745i long-wheelbase, but here in Ireland the most popular version is likely to remain the 730d.
The diesel line-up has also been changed. The 740d is making way for the new eight-cylinder 745d while the 3-litre in the 730d has also been revised. All the new engines offer better power output and performance, while fuel consumption has also been reduced and overall weight reduced by greater use of aluminium in the engines.
The savings in front-end weight translates into better handling, noticeable on the twisting roads at the car's launch. Three suspension versions will be on offer when the car comes to Ireland at the end of April.
The standard system is enhanced with a new adaptive suspension system that features new technology to reduce body roll in corners: the idea behind this is that it means those travelling in the back get a smoother more level ride even in tight corners at speed.
A sports suspension system with a firmer ride is also on offer, but it's unlikely to be a big feature on Irish models given our bumpy roads.
Still in place is the controversial iDrive system - with various functions such as radio/TV, climate controls and satellite navigation systems all controlled by a single clickable knob. BMW is convinced this is the way forward, though many buyers found the system awkward at the start.
Defending it, a BMW engineer referred to the mixed reviews for the computer mouse when it first arrived on the PC market. He said the take-up of similar single-button systems by competitors such as Audi was a signal that others realised the benefit of such systems and predicted others are set to introduce such systems in the coming months.
The latest iDrive has been improved and criticism seems to have been taken on board. For example, colour coding has been introduced, a circular guide as in the Audi system has also been introduced, while button controls have been added for more of the radio functions for those who don't want to use iDrive to change from FM to AM and to different modes like CD or television.
The new car should attract back loyal fans turned off by the heavy-set look of the current model. Certainly BMW seems more confident that its flagship model is back on track and ready to put up a fight to the S-Class.
It certainly has the beating of it in terms of handling. The real test will be whether the softer lines will win favour as well.
