2005 BMW 7-Series Review Summary & Specs
745i Sedan
Controversial design, amazing performance.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The 7 Series is so smooth that full days behind the wheel are not taxing, and it's very comfortable in heavy commuter traffic. It's easy to drive this car well and few luxury sedans can keep up with it at high speeds. And the interior is sumptuous.
The 7 Series models are soaked with cutting-edge automotive technology, and with it all there's a steep learning curve. Dynamically, this may be the best car in the class. And that's no small feat, given that the competition includes some of the best cars in the world.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough is based in Los Angeles.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Luxury Cars |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup |
BMW 745i ($69,900); 745Li ($73,900); 760i ($109,900) $760Li ($117,300) |
| Engines (standard) |
4.4-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) |
325-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32-valve V8; 438-hp 6.0-liter dohc 48-valve V12 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
6-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual frontal airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual front side-impact airbags, Head Protection System full cabin curtain-style airbags, front safety belts with automatic height adjustment, tensioning and force limiters, automatic-locking retractors for all safety belts for child-restraint seats, anti-lock brake system, Dynamic Brake Control, electronic brake proportioning, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
rear side-impact airbags, active head restraints |
| Basic Warranty |
4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-334-4BMW |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$69,900 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
BMW 745i ($69,900) |
| Standard Equipment |
dual-zone automatic climate control with activated-charcoal microfilter ventilation; leather upholstery with microperforated seating surfaces; matte-finish Black Cherry genuine wood trim; iDrive system with GPS navigation, on-board computer, climate controls and audio controls, Front Comfort Seats with 20-way power adjustments, articulated upper backrests, passenger-seat memory, active head restraints with adjustable side support; BMW Assist emergency communications; power two-way moonroof with key-off and one-touch operation; keyless entry with selective unlocking; dual power heated auto-dimming folding outside mirrors with automatic right-side tilt-down for reverse; universal garage door opener; enhanced interior lighting system; locking glovebox with removable rechargeable flashlight; leather power tilt/telescope steering wheel with programmable fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls; climate-controlled front console compartment with coinholder, trunk-release lockout, illumination, and phone headset; AM/FM/CD audio with 10 speakers |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
rear door-mounted side-impact airbags ($385); Premium Sound Package with 13 speakers, DSP, 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 2 subwoofers ($1800); 19-inch alloy wheels ($1300) |
| Destination Charge |
695 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$74,080 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
325 @ 6100 |
| Torque |
330 @ 3600 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/26 |
| Wheelbase |
117.7 |
| Length/Width/Height |
198.0/74.9/58.7 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
39.8 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.2/59.3/41.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.5/58.7/37.2 |
| Trunk Volume |
18.0 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent |
| Rear Suspension |
independent |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
4376 |
| Stock Tires |
245/45WR19 / 275/40WR19 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/vented disc with ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, electronic brake proportioning |
| Fuel Capacity |
23.3 |