2004 BMW 7-Series: Road Test
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2004 BMW 7-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $69,300 -$117,200
- Invoice: $63,225 -$106,810
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Our road test for the 2004 BMW 7-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2004 BMW 7-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 BMW 7-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 BMW 7-Series help you decide if a 2004 BMW 7-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
No opportunity to test 745Li, but curb weight is within 100 lb of shorter 745i, which has robust acceleration. 760Li's V12 furnishes even stronger freeway passing power, but has scant advantage over V8 around town. Both engines provide effortless high-speed cruising, but suffer frustrating pause in low-speed throttle response, and traction control can intrude to take steam out of standing-start sprints.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.2 |
Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.2 |
A model of smooth discipline, though 760Li exhibits occasional mild float and bob on wavy surfaces. All models less isolated than Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement, but never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19-inch tires slap into sharp bumps more than some luxury buyers will find appropriate.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 8 | 6.8 |
Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never feels ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. With 19-inch tires, steering feels even more alert, turn-in crisper, grip tenacious.
QUIETNESS
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
Wind a murmur. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes-Benz rivals.
CONTROLS
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6.1 |
Drivers must reorient to unorthodox design of important controls. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Adjusting anything more than simplest climate and audio functions forces interaction with iDrive. iDrive accesses a daunting range of communication, navigation, and entertainment tools; it even adjusts suspension firmness and deactivates antiskid control. But learning its ways and coordinating its joystick movement takes hours of practice, diverts attention from road. At least most controls easy to reach, but iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and power-seat cluster awkwardly mounted on console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambience.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, range of adjustment. Tallest of drivers may wish for more seat travel, however. Front headrests block some over-shoulder vision.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 8.2 |
Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. 760Li shames some limousines. Doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.
CARGO ROOM
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit transversely. Optional power lid opens and closes at the push of a button. Cabin storage good.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.1 |
Smooth, powerful, athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-class travel by any standard. How well you adapt to iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology. We prefer simpler, time-proven systems.
Total Score
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 70 | 68 | 66.8 |
Total Score: 70
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