Vehicle Overview
BMW’s flagship 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that competes with top-line sedans like the Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The V-8 7 Series comes in regular and extended lengths with rear- or all-wheel drive and in 13 different models, including new hybrid models and Alpina B7 versions.
New for 2011
The 7 Series lineup expands for 2011 with the addition of ActiveHybrid 750i and 750Li models, the Alpina B7 (rear- and xDrive all-wheel-drive versions) and the reinstated 740i and 740Li, now powered by a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine. The ActiveHybrid 750 models have lithium-ion batteries, which power an electric motor that assists the V-8 during acceleration.
Exterior
The current 7 Series adopts more conservative styling than its predecessor. It’s also a bit larger. The optional M Sport Package augments the exterior with more aggressive lower bodywork, 19-inch wheels and darker Shadowline door and window trim. Exterior features include:
- Extended-length versions are 5.5 inches longer
- Aluminum roof, doors, hood and front fenders for decreased weight
- Optional high-beam assist automatically dims high beams for oncoming drivers
- Standard xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Standard adaptive headlights move with steering wheel
- 18-inch wheels
- Optional 19- or 20-inch wheels
- Standard 21-inch wheels (Alpina B7)
Interior
Up to five occupants fit inside the 7 Series. An array of entertainment and comfort features is available. BMW’s iDrive system, which controls the navigation system, stereo, climate control and other functions, was revised in recent years to make it more user-friendly. Interior features include:
- 10.2-inch dashboard screen for iDrive
- Four-zone climate control, including independent control for rear passengers
- Optional rear massage and ventilation seats
- Optional rear entertainment system with dual screens in head restraints
- Optional head-up display
- Optional night vision with pedestrian detection
Under the Hood
The engine lineup includes a 315-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder for the 740 models; a 4.4-liter V-8 for the 750, Alpina B7 and ActiveHybrid models; and a 6.0-liter V-12 with 535 hp for the 760i. The V-8 produces 400 hp in the 750, 440 hp in the ActiveHybrid and 500 hp in the Alpina B7. All engines have twin turbochargers.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive can send up to 80 percent of power to the rear wheels if needed, keeping acceleration and handling traits similar to those of the rear-wheel-drive 7 Series. Mechanical features include:
- Twin-turbocharged inline-six, V-8 or V-12 engines
- Six-speed automatic transmission (six-cylinder and V-8 models)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission (ActiveHybrid and V-12)
- Rear- or all-wheel drive
- Available Active Roll Stabilization actively counteracts body roll
Safety
Safety features include:
- Standard first- and second-row side curtain airbags
- Standard front-seat side-impact airbags
- Standard knee airbags
- Standard electronic stability system
- Optional lane departure warning system
- Optional blind spot detection system
