The 7 Series from BMW is the top of the line family of cars from BMW. You will find the biggest and best models in the 7 Series family. There are many different variations in this elite line up from BMW. There are 10 different models in this single class. All the 7 Series cars offer the ultimate in room, comfort and extra storage space. The 7 Series from BMW brings all of the class and luxury of the other BMW models to a larger body style and roomier interior. These cars also have some of the largest engines offered in any BMW. You can many different engines in these models, everything from a 4.4 liter turbocharged V-8 to a huge turbocharged V-12 come as options in the 7 Series BMW models. These vehicles are larger than both the 3 Series and the 5 Series models, but when you are driving you would never know.
The Xdrive all wheel drive system is a new option now being offered in all 7 Series models. There is also a choice of either a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic transition in almost all 7 Series cars.
The Range
Bodystyles: Sedan
Engines: 3.0L turbocharged I-6, 4.4L turbocharged V-8, 6.0L turbocharged V-12
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Models: 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, Alpina B7, Alpina B7 long wheelbase, 750i ActiveHybrid, 750Li ActiveHybrid
What's New
The 2011 750i and 750Li are the first 7 Series models ever to be offered with BMW's xDrive All-Wheel-Drive system, and for the first time since the early 90's, the 740i will be available with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. While the 760i gets an all new V-12 putting out 535 horsepower at 5,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 550 lb-ft from just 1,500 rpm.
Exterior
If it's not a breakthrough design like Gen IV's was back in 2001, the changes created by Chris Bangle and Adrian Hooydonck are still effective in making this 16.65-ft sedan's musculature look more defined and lending it a lower, sportier stance. The 750iL now even has its own roofline to help prevent it looking simply like a "stretched" standard sedan. The new 7 can most readily be ID'd by the chromed gill on both side panels, which also integrates the side blinker. The new look, the roof, doors, hood, and front fenders all are fashioned of aluminum for weight savings where they count, high up in the structure.
Interior
Ample space doesn't do justice to what you get with the 7 Series. A power driver's seat is standard across the range, as is air conditioning, cruise control and an AM/FM/Satellite radio with CD player and MP3 connectivity. The trunk is large, with a capacity of 15.1 cubic-feet.
Performance & Handling
For 2011 BMW is offering more engine options than ever before for the 7 Series: the 300 horsepower turbo I-6 in the 740, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 in the 750i, and the 6.0-liter turbo V-12 in the 760. All 7 Series models are equipped with Driving Dynamics Control, which enables the driver to select from four progressively sporty driving programs with the touch of a button.
Safety
Dual front, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, active head restraints, traction and stability control are all standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
740i: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
740Li: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750i: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750i xDrive: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750Li xDrive: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
760Li: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Alpina B7: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Alpina B7 long wheelbase: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750 ActiveHybrid: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750Li ActiveHybrid: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Cavernous interior
- Solid chassis
- Surprising performance
You Won't Like
- Astronomical price tag
- Too much tech
- Average styling
Sum Up
Classy upscale Bavarian
If You Like This Vehicle
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Audi A8
- Lexus LS