2011 BMW 7-Series
Since its introduction for the 1978 model year, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It's the BMW flagship, and this full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan has always represented the pinnacle of technology and luxury accoutrements in the German automaker's lineup. As such, it's an obvious choice for wealthy car buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige.
There's a fair amount of competition even in this elite vehicle class, but the 7 Series sedan's athletic handling dynamics have long set it apart, starting with the early 733s and carrying through to the present-day BMW 750i and 750Li. While other manufacturers have been content to build high-end sedans with soft, serene rides, BMW engineers its 7s to engage their drivers on an emotional level. There are a few recent contenders that have gone after this emotional engagement, but the BMW 7 Series remains the definitive super luxury sedan for people who like to drive.
Current BMW 7 Series
There are three models available. The 750i and the long-wheelbase 750Li share the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional and denoted with the moniker xDrive. The third model, the 760Li, features a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. It is rear-drive only, and an eight-speed automatic is standard.
As BMW's flagship, the 7 Series represents the pinnacle of the company's automotive know-how. It boasts a handsome, spacious interior and superior comfort, with supple leather and rich wood accents adorning almost every surface. Highly adjustable front seats ensure comfort for virtually every body type. The 7 also showcases a wealth of high-tech luxury features such as a night-vision camera and sideview cameras. Some may still find the iDrive electronics interface system a bit complicated, but with use over time, we think the improved layout is an elegant solution to a button-heavy dashboard.
The 7 Series provides limolike interior room -- especially in Li form -- yet still remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess. The "Dynamic Driving Control" system contributes to this status, featuring four different settings that alter the driving characteristics of the car. It's complicated and we'd bet good money most folks will leave it on "Normal," but it should reward an owner who likes to customize their car to their own driving tastes.
There are many worthy choices in this illustrious car segment, but the BMW 7 Series is one of the most appealing.
For the latest model year onward, BMW is raising the stakes with a 535 hp, 6.0-liter, turbocharged V12 powering the 760Li. For the 760Li the sticker price will begin at $136,600. This makes the 760Li the only large luxury sedan in at this price point available with a V12 in the US market.
Compared with the outgoing model, the new 7-Series sedan grows by 5.5 inches at the wheelbase. The European market also has a choice of a 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel delivering 242 hp and 399 lb-ft and the familiar twin-turbo gasoline 3.0-liter inline-six upgraded to 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission will be mated to the V8 engine, with the shifter moved from the steering column back to the center console.
The new 7-Series will roll on 18-inch alloy wheels shod in all-season run-flat tires in a 245/50R18 size. Two styles of 19-inch wheels with performance-oriented rubber will be optional.
Weight-saving measures have shaved about 120 lbs thanks largely to increased use of aluminum in the body as compared to the previous generation car despite the new car carrying more standard equipment. Another detail change meant to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag is a flap in the grille that eliminates unneeded airflow.
Four-wheel steering will be included on the 7-Series option list, along with an all-wheel drive option known as xDrive. With the four-wheel steering system the rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction as the front ones at speeds below 35 mph, and will turn up to three degrees in the same direction as speeds climb above that.
A new active chassis management system BMW calls IMS will give users the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, changing settings such as shock settings, steering effort, gear change speed and smoothness, and the sensitivity of the stability control system.
A new night vision system promises to increase safety for pedestrians. The new system will be able to detect human presence in front of the vehicle and then flash a warning symbol on the display. Moreover, the system will be able to tell if a pedestrian is in the road or safely on the sidewalk, although it's not clear how the system can differentiate the two.
The new system is so advanced, it's also able to read speed limit signs and warn drivers when they are driving too fast. However, this feature will only be available in Europe for the time being. A lane departure warning system will notify drivers of cars in their blind spots via a vibrating steering wheel and a message on the dashboard-mounted screen, which now grows to 10.2 inches from 8.8.
The big BMW will also be keeping an eye on your speed during inclement weather. The camera can detect fog or rain, and will warn drivers when they are approaching an unsafe speed. Despite the warning, the system has no control over the speed of the vehicle so those with lead feet need not worry.
Compared with the outgoing model, the new 7-Series sedan grows by 5.5 inches at the wheelbase. The European market also has a choice of a 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel delivering 242 hp and 399 lb-ft and the familiar twin-turbo gasoline 3.0-liter inline-six upgraded to 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission will be mated to the V8 engine, with the shifter moved from the steering column back to the center console.
The new 7-Series will roll on 18-inch alloy wheels shod in all-season run-flat tires in a 245/50R18 size. Two styles of 19-inch wheels with performance-oriented rubber will be optional.
Weight-saving measures have shaved about 120 lbs thanks largely to increased use of aluminum in the body as compared to the previous generation car despite the new car carrying more standard equipment. Another detail change meant to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag is a flap in the grille that eliminates unneeded airflow.
Four-wheel steering will be included on the 7-Series option list, along with an all-wheel drive option known as xDrive. With the four-wheel steering system the rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction as the front ones at speeds below 35 mph, and will turn up to three degrees in the same direction as speeds climb above that.
A new active chassis management system BMW calls IMS will give users the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, changing settings such as shock settings, steering effort, gear change speed and smoothness, and the sensitivity of the stability control system.
A new night vision system promises to increase safety for pedestrians. The new system will be able to detect human presence in front of the vehicle and then flash a warning symbol on the display. Moreover, the system will be able to tell if a pedestrian is in the road or safely on the sidewalk, although it's not clear how the system can differentiate the two.
The new system is so advanced, it's also able to read speed limit signs and warn drivers when they are driving too fast. However, this feature will only be available in Europe for the time being. A lane departure warning system will notify drivers of cars in their blind spots via a vibrating steering wheel and a message on the dashboard-mounted screen, which now grows to 10.2 inches from 8.8.
The big BMW will also be keeping an eye on your speed during inclement weather. The camera can detect fog or rain, and will warn drivers when they are approaching an unsafe speed. Despite the warning, the system has no control over the speed of the vehicle so those with lead feet need not worry.
No comments:
Post a Comment