BMW 7 Series

BMW 7-Series (750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li)

The new 750i is powered by BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which first appeared under the hood of the new X6. Rated at 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbocharged V8 will be powering the 750i and 750Li models, in both traditional two wheel drive and BMW's new xDrive (AWD) versions. The 760i will find its forward and reverse motion from an eight-speed automatic transmission.

For 2010 onward BMW is raising the stakes with a 535 hp, 6.0-liter, turbocharged V12 powering the 760Li. For the 760Li the sticker price will begin at $136,600. This makes the 760Li the only large luxury sedan in at this price point available with a V12 in the US market.

Compared with the outgoing model, the new 7-Series sedan grows by 5.5 inches at the wheelbase. The European market also has a choice of a 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel delivering 242 hp and 399 lb-ft and the familiar twin-turbo gasoline 3.0-liter inline-six upgraded to 323 hp and 332 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission will be mated to the V8 engine, with the shifter moved from the steering column back to the center console.

The new 7-Series will roll on 18-inch alloy wheels shod in all-season run-flat tires in a 245/50R18 size. Two styles of 19-inch wheels with performance-oriented rubber will be optional.

Weight-saving measures have shaved about 120 lbs thanks largely to increased use of aluminum in the body as compared to the previous generation car despite the new car carrying more standard equipment. Another detail change meant to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag is a flap in the grille that eliminates unneeded airflow.

Four-wheel steering will be included on the 7-Series option list, along with an all-wheel drive option known as xDrive. With the four-wheel steering system the rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction as the front ones at speeds below 35 mph, and will turn up to three degrees in the same direction as speeds climb above that.

A new active chassis management system BMW calls IMS will give users the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, changing settings such as shock settings, steering effort, gear change speed and smoothness, and the sensitivity of the stability control system.

A new night vision system promises to increase safety for pedestrians. The new system will be able to detect human presence in front of the vehicle and then flash a warning symbol on the display. Moreover, the system will be able to tell if a pedestrian is in the road or safely on the sidewalk, although it's not clear how the system can differentiate the two.

The new system is so advanced, it's also able to read speed limit signs and warn drivers when they are driving too fast. However, this feature will only be available in Europe for the time being. A lane departure warning system will notify drivers of cars in their blind spots via a vibrating steering wheel and a message on the dashboard-mounted screen, which now grows to 10.2 inches from 8.8.

The big BMW will also be keeping an eye on your speed during inclement weather. The camera can detect fog or rain, and will warn drivers when they are approaching an unsafe speed. Despite the warning, the system has no control over the speed of the vehicle so those with lead feet need not worry.