2012 BMW 7-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2012 BMW 7-Series sees only minor trim changes. This premium-large car comes comes in several models, most of which offer a choice of two wheelbases. Extended-length "Li" variants ride a wheelbase 5.5 inches longer than standard. The 2012 7-Series lineup includes the entry-level 740i and 740Li; volume 750i and 750Li; top-line 760Li; sporty Alpina B7; and gas/electric ActiveHybrid. All models offer rear-wheel drive. The 750 and Alpina versions can be had with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. 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 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 535-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Safety features 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.