2011 BMW 7-Series

Overview

BMW's flagship offering is none other than the 7 Series; it is offered in more configurations than the BMW's 3 Series. In addition, the 7 Series is offered with 10 different configurations. Despite the fact that this vehicle is a big sedan, the cabin space is tight. The only time that the larger size of the vehicle is realized is when the vehicle is being parked. However, the 7 Series has plenty of gadgets that will assist in parking endeavors.The 7 Series sports a 4.4 L V-8 turbocharged motor sufficient enough to power the large vehicle. The car buyer can also choose from a V-12 engine offering if there is a desire for more power on the road. The 7 Series remains flat and poised while handling on-the-road curves.The 2011 7 Series is built with xDrive, all-wheel drive for the first time since its creation in car buyers can also choose from 3.0 L in-line six engine in base models. Transmission offerings include a six speed or eight-speed automatic transmission, depending upon which trim the car buyer chooses.... Expand full summary

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