2006 BMW 7-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Updated styling and more V8 power highlight BMW's 2006 flagship sedans. The 7-Series offers regular- and long-wheelbase L models. All get revisions to exterior appearance, interior trim, dashboard, and chassis. A 360-hp V8 powers 750i and 750Li models, which replace the 325-hp 745i and 745Li. The 760i and 760Li have an unchanged V12. All use a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control via steering wheel buttons. Also standard are ABS, traction/antiskid control, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean. Included on 760s and optional for 750s is an Adaptive Ride Package with automatically adjusting shock absorbers. V8s offer an optional Sport Package that includes firmer suspension and 19-inch wheels to replace 18s. The 760Li has 19-inch wheels, the 760i has 20s.

All 7s have front knee airbags, front torso side airbags, and head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. Also standard and newly revised is BMW's iDrive, which adjusts audio, navigation, and climate settings via a console "joystick" knob and dashboard screen. Conventional switches are provided for basic audio and climate adjustments. Other standards include BMW Assist emergency and concierge service, steering-linked headlights, and front and rear obstacle detection. Added for '06 is a wireless cell phone connection. Available for all models are DVD entertainment and a keyless access and ignition system.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac DTS.

Buick Lucerne is new or significantly redesigned.

News

BMW has nixed rumors of a high-power V10 "M7," but apparently still plans to sell a hydrogen-fueled model before replacing the current design. It should be along anytime now, as sources expect a next-generation 7-Series sometime in 2008, likely for model-year '09. BMW's hydrogen-power efforts to date suggest a conventional V8 or V12 with special electronic controls that allow running on gasoline or compressed hydrogen gas. The company has spent much time and money on this bi-fuel system, and evidently feels it's now ready for consumers. Though no one else is on this particular "hydrogen highway," BMW believes its approach is more acceptable in the luxury class than a gas/electric hybrid powertrain. It also claims the technology offers near-zero-emissions benefits today, and is much cheaper than hydrogen fuel cells that won't be practical or affordable for some years yet.

2006 BMW 7-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Control layout

Steering/handling	Fuel economy

Ride

Passenger room

Build quality

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.9

Both engines provide effortless high-speed cruising, but they both also suffer a frustrating pause in low-speed throttle response. Test 750i did 5.7 sec 0-60 mph. V12 takes a claimed 5.4 sec, but has scant performance advantage in around-town driving; it's edge is in smooth, linear power delivery. Long-wheelbase 750s are less than 100 lb heavier than shorter versions and have similar performance.

Fuel Economy

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
5	5	5	2	4.2

Test 750i averaged 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg in overall; 20.8 mpg in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
9	8	7	8	8.5

A model of smooth discipline, though 760Li exhibits occasional mild float and bob on wavy surfaces. All 7s less isolated than Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement but never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19- and 20-inch tires thump more over sharp bumps than some luxury buyers may like, especially in tandem with sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
8	9	9	8	6.9

The sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never feels ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. Steering alert, turn-in crisp, grip tenacious, brakes excellent.

Quietness

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
9	8	8	9	8.5

Wind a murmur. Engines hit rich notes at full throttle, are hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as muted as in Lexus, Mercedes-Benz rivals.

Controls

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
3	3	3	3	5.9

Drivers may struggle with unorthodox design of some controls. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. The '06 dashboard adds buttons for a few basic functions, reducing need for iDrive. But iDrive remains a complex, tedious driver distraction despite new graphics, modified "joystick," and other changes. And its display screen washes out in bright sunlight. Additionally, wiper, cruise, and headlight controls are hidden behind the steering wheel. Top-notch materials and generous use of wood give interiors a sophisticated, modern ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
10	10	10	10	9

Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, range of adjustment. On regular-wheelbase models, tallest of drivers may wish for more seat travel. Front headrests block some over-the-shoulder vision.

Room/Comfort (rear)

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
8	8	8	10	8.1

Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Li models shame some limousines. Doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.

Cargo Room

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5

Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit crosswise. Available power lid opens and closes at the push of a button. Cabin storage good.

Value within Class

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
5	5	5	2	5.4

Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. It's also spacious and very comfortable--true first-class travel. How well you adapt to iDrive and other new-think controls depends on how you get on with hi-tech wizardry. We'd prefer a simpler approach.

Total Score

750i	750i w/19-in. whls.	750i w/Sport Pkg.	760Li	Class Average
71	70	69	66	68.4

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		68
High Score		79

2006 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/26/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

750i 4-door sedan	$71,800	$65,520	$695

750Li 4-door sedan	$75,800	$69,160	$695

760i 4-door sedan	$111,500	$101,645	$695

760Li 4-door sedan	$118,900	$108,380	$695

Price note: 760i, 760Li add $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

750i/750Li

Powertrain

4.8-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side head-protecting airbags, front knee airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, Active Roll Stabilization, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, navigation system, BMW Assist system, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), passenger-seat memory (750Li), leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/power headrests and lumbar adjustment, 14-way power driver seat (750i), 12-way power passenger seat (750i), 16-way power front comfort seats (750Li), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer and heated washer jets, 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase (750Li), rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lights, 245/50VR18 tires, alloy wheels.

760i adds to 750i:

Powertrain

6.0-liter V12 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front and rear seats, 16-way power front ventilated seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Electronic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 245/40YR20 front tires, 275/35YR20 rear tires.

760Li adds to 760i:

Comfort and Convenience Features

10-way power ventilated rear seat w/lumbar adjustment, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, power-closing doors and trunklid, heated steering wheel, power rear and side sunshades, 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase, alcantara headliner.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

245/45WR19 front tires, 275/40WR19 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
750i, 750Li	$3,200	$2,910
Sport seats and steering wheel, special wood interior trim, Shadowline exterior trim, color-keyed roof-rail trim (750Li), sport suspension, 245/45WR19 front and 275/40WR19 rear performance tires, unique alloy wheels.

Luxury Seating Pkg.
750i	$2,350	$2,140
750i w/Sport Pkg., 750Li	$1,450	$1,320
Heated front and rear seats, front ventilated comfort seats w/multiple backrest adjustments, passenger-seat memory (750i). NA w/Cold Weather Pkg.

Adaptive Ride Pkg.
750i, 750Li	$1,900	$1,730
Electronic shock absorber control, load-leveling rear suspension.

Convenience Pkg.
750i, 750Li, 760i	$1,000	$910
Automatic soft-close doors, power trunklid opening and closing.

Cold Weather Pkg.
750i, 750Li	$1,100	$1,000
Heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, ski sack.

Premium Sound Pkg.
750i, 750Li	$1,800	$1,640
In-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system.

Safety
Rear side airbags
750i/750Li, 760Li, 760i	$385	$350


Comfort and Convenience Features
Adaptive cruise control
750i/750Li, 760Li, 760i	$2,200	$2,000


Keyless access and starting
750i/750Li, 760Li, 760i	$1,000	$910


Rear dual-zone climate controls
760Li	$1,800	$1,640
Includes armrest cool box. Deletes ski sack.

Front Comfort Seats
750i	$1,400	$1,275
Includes passenger-seat memory.

Ventilated comfort rear seats
750Li	$3,500	$3,185
Requires Luxury Seating Pkg.

Heated front seats
750i, 750Li	$450	$410


Heated steering wheel
750i, 750Li, 760i	$150	$135
750i, 750Li require heated front seats or Luxury Seating Pkg.

Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
750i/750Li, 760Li, 760i	$2,200	$2,000


Satellite radio
750i/750Li, 760Li, 760i	$595	$540


High gloss wood interior trim
750i, 750Li	$0	$0


Power rear and side sunshades
750i, 750Li, 760i	$750	$685


Appearance and Miscellaneous
245/45WR19 front tires, 275/40WR19 rear tires
750i, 750Li	$1,300	$1,185


245/50VR18 tires
760Li	$0	$0

2006 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	BMW 7-Series 4-door sedan	BMW 7-Series Li 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	117.7	123.2

Overall Length, in.	198.4	203.9

Overall Width, in.	74.9	74.9

Overall Height, in.	58.7	58.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	4486	4552

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	18.0	18.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	23.3	23.3

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.2	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	38.5	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.2	43.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8	dohc V12

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.8 /293	6.0 /364

Horsepower @ rpm.	360 @ 6300	438 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	360 @ 3400	444 @ 3950

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	17/25	15/22

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

BMW 7-Series 4-door sedan

BMW 7-Series Li 4-door sedan

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2006 BMW 7-Series Photos

Also in the 2006 BMW 7-Series Review:

BMW 7-Series

BMW 7-Series Road Test

BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment

BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

BMW 7-Series Photos

BMW 7-Series Full Review

All BMW 7-Series

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