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2007 BMW 7-Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 BMW 7-Series Review:
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BMW 7-Series Photos

6. 
BMW 7-Series Full Review

7. 
All BMW 7-Series

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All BMWs


2007 BMW 7-Series Review
A sport-themed model is a midyear addition to BMW's large sedan lineup for 2007. The 7-Series comes in regular-length and 5.5-inch-longer L models. The 750i and 750Li have a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. The 760Li has a 438-hp 6.0-liter V12; the 760i is dropped. Added midyear is the sporty Alpina B7, which has a supercharged 500-hp 4.4-liter V8. All 7s have a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel buttons for manual control. Also standard are ABS, traction/antiskid control, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counter body lean. Included on 760Li and optional for 750s is an Adaptive Ride Package with driver-adjustable suspension. The 750 offers an optional Sport Package with firmer suspension and, for '07, 20-inch wheels. B7s have specific interior and exterior trim, 21-inch tires, and even sportier suspension tuning. All 7-Series models include front knee airbags, front side airbags, and head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. A navigation system and wireless cell phone link are standard. So is BMW's iDrive control for audio, navigation, and climate settings. Standard power folding door mirrors are new for '07, and 750s gain heated 16-way "comfort" front seats. All models include steering-linked headlights, front/rear obstacle detection, and BMW Assist emergency/concierge service. Newly optional are BMW Individual packages with various mixes of trim and features. Also available are DVD entertainment and keyless entry and starting.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 six-figure price tags.

Our Best Buy is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LS and Volvo S80.
News
Industry moles say a redesigned 7-Series is due in the U.S. during calendar 2008, perhaps as an '09 model. The current design, launched for 2002, generated controversy with its un-BMW styling and complicated iDrive systems controller. It will be interesting to see whether the replacement will be so daring. Sources say a new 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard for the next 7-Series, then spread to other BMW models early in the next decade.
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2007 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-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
8 8 8 8 7.3

Engines in 750 and 760 provide effortless high-speed cruising, but also suffer languid 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 at low speeds; its edge is in smooth, linear power delivery. Long-wheelbase 750s are less than 100 lb heavier than shorter versions and have similar performance. No opportunity to test Alpina B7, but BMW claims 4.8 sec 0-60.
Fuel Economy

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
5 5 5 2 3.9

Test 750i averaged 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg overall, 20.8 mpg in mostly highway use.
Ride Quality

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
9 8 7 8 8.4

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 are 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-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
8 9 9 8 6.8

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-inch wheels 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 low, if not as muted as in Lexus, Mercedes-Benz rivals.
Controls

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
7 7 7 7 7.4

Clear, simple instruments, but steering wheel blocks access to wiper, cruise, and headlight switches. Other controls needlessly unconventional. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Dashboard has conventional controls for only basic audio and climate adjustments. Everything else requires using iDrive with its many distracting menus and settings, plus a display screen that washes out in bright sunlight. Top-notch materials and generous use of wood give interiors a sophisticated, modern ambience.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
10 10 10 10 8.9

Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, range of adjustment. Tallest drivers may wish 750i had more seat travel, though. Front headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder views.
Room/Comfort (rear)

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
8 8 8 10 8

Spacious opulence, especially for two adults. Li models shame some limousines. Still, doors could open wider for easier foot clearance.
Cargo Room

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.2

Large, handsomely 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-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
5 5 5 2 5.7

Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. It's also spacious and very comfortable--true first-class travel. Workmanship matches the lofty pricing, but BMW's iDrive control makes many simple adjustments frustratingly complex.
Total Score

750i 750i w/19-inch wheels 750i w/Sport Pkg. 760Li Class Average
75 74 73 70 70.1
Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score
61
Average Score
70
High Score
87
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2007 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/23/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
750i 4-door sedan $75,800 $69,735 $775
750Li 4-door sedan $78,900 $72,590 $775
Alpina B7 4-door sedan $115,000 $105,800 $775
760Li 4-door sedan $122,600 $112,790 $775
Price note: Alpina B7 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. 760Li adds $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-protection airbags, front knee airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, 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 w/voice recognition, BMW Assist system, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), passenger-seat memory (750Li), leather upholstery, heated 16-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, cooled center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power-folding 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-media player connection, digital clock, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, front and rear 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 xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lights, Active Roll Stabilization, 245/50VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
Alpina B7 adds to 750i/750Li:
Powertrain
4.4-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled 20-way front seats, heated rear seats, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, alcantara headliner, keyless access and starting, power closing doors and trunklid, upgraded sound system, satellite radio.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 235/35ZR21 front tires, 285/30ZR21 rear tires.
760Li adds to 750i/750Li:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V12 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated steering wheel, front massaging and ventilated seats, 14-way power heated/ventilated rear seats, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, power closing doors and trunklid, power rear and side sunshades, alcantara headliner, 5.5-inch longer wheelbase.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Electronic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 245/45WR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
750i, 750Li
$3,000
$2,730
Sport steering wheel, special wood interior trim, Shadowline exterior trim, sport suspension, 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear performance tires, unique alloy wheels.
Luxury Seating Pkg.
750i, 750Li
$2,200
$2,000
Heated rear seats, front ventilated seats, active and massaging driver seat, heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade and manual side sunshades, ski sack. NA w/Cold Weather Pkg.
Adaptive Ride Pkg.
750i, 750Li
$1,900
$1,730
Electronic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension.
Convenience Pkg.
750i, 750Li
$1,000
$910
Automatic soft-close doors, power trunklid opening and closing.
Cold Weather Pkg.
750i, 750Li
$700
$635
Heated 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.
BMW Individual Composition
750i, 750Li
$11,000
$9,300
760Li
$10,000
$8,300
Full leather upholstery, alcantara headliner, illuminated door sills, unique interior trim, 20-inch alloy wheels. NA w/Sport Pkg.
Safety
Rear side airbags
750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
$385
$350
Night vision
750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
$2,200
$1,695
Comfort and Convenience Features
Adaptive cruise control
750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
$2,400
$2,135
Keyless access and starting
750i, 750Li, 760Li
$1,000
$910
Rear dual-zone climate controls
760Li
$1,800
$1,640
Includes armrest cool box. Deletes ski sack.
Ventilated comfort rear seats
750Li
$3,500
$3,185
Requires Luxury Seating Pkg.
DVD entertainment system
750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
$2,200
$2,000
High definition radio
750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
$500
$450
Satellite radio
750i, 750Li, 760Li
$595
$540
High gloss wood interior trim
750i, 750Li
$0
$0
Power rear and side sunshades
750i, 750Li
$750
$685
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
750i, 750Li, 760Li
$3,000
$2,750
Requires BMW Individual Composition.
245/45R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires
750i, 750Li
$1,300
$1,185
245/50R18 tires
760Li
$0
$0
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2007 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 Supercharged dohc V8 dohc V12
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.8 /293 4.4 /268 6.0 /364
Horsepower @ rpm. 360 @ 6300 500 @ 5500 438 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 360 @ 3400 516 @ 4250 444 @ 3950
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
6-speed automatic 17/25 15/23 14/22
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
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Also in the 2007 BMW 7-Series Review:
5. 
BMW 7-Series Photos

6. 
BMW 7-Series Full Review

7. 
All BMW 7-Series

8. 
All BMWs


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