2011 BMW 7-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 BMW 7-Series lineup expands further with the addition of new entry-level, sporty, and gas/electric hybrid models. Other 7-Series models see no major changes for 2011. This premium-large car comes as the 750i and 750Li, each with a choice of rear-wheel drive or BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. At the top of the lineup is the rear-drive 760Li. Newly available is the gas/electric ActiveHybrid 7. Also new for 2011 are the entry-level 740i and 740Li, as well as the sport-themed ALPINA B7. The "L" versions of BMW's flagship sedan ride on a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches longer than that of non-Li versions. 740 models are powered by a turbocharged 315-horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The 750i and 750Li use a 400-horsepower 4.4-liter turbocharged V8. The ALPINA B7 is offered as both a standard and extended model with rear- or all-wheel drive and a 500-horsepower version of the 750's 4.4-liter V8. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on these models. The ActiveHybrid 7 pairs a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with an electric motor for 455 horsepower total. The hybrid system can shut off the gas engine at a stop, but the car is unable to accelerate solely on battery power. No plug-in charging is required. The hybrid uses an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 760Li has a turbocharged 544-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features should include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, knee airbags, and curtain-side airbags. BMW's Active Roll Stabilization, designed to counter body lean, is standard on the ALPINA B7 and 760Li and optional on 740 and 750 models. BMW's new Integral Active Steering adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW's Active Steering system and is standard on the B7 and 760 and optional on the 740 and 750. Also standard is BMW's Dynamic Driving Control, which allows the driver to adjust the suspension, throttle response, transmission's shift characteristics, and power steering. A navigation system and wireless cell-phone link are standard along with BMW's iDrive control for audio, navigation, and climate settings. All models include steering-linked headlights, front- and rear-obstacle detection, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service. Other available features include blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, a head-up display, sideview and rearview cameras, and high beams that automatically dim when oncoming traffic is detected. Also offered are a 40-gigabyte hard drive for the audio and navigation systems, which allows for storage of up to 13 gigabytes of music files. A night-vision system, adaptive cruise control, DVD entertainment, and keyless access and engine start also return. The ALPINA B7 has specific suspension tuning, exterior, and interior trim.

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 Buys are the Hyundai Equus, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A8, Fisker Karma, Hyundai Equus, Jaguar XJ Series, and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. The BMW 7-Series gains a new gas/electric hybrid model and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gains a new diesel model for 2011.