The
2011 BMW 7-Series is a full-size luxury sedan that is not only the company's flagship vehicle but is offered in more configurations than any other BMW model. Powered by a 3.0L turbocharged I-6 or a 4.4L turbocharged V-8 engine, coupled to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, the 7-Series handles on-road curves like a pro. For each more performance, the BMW 760Li has a 6.0L turbocharged V-12 engine paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In 2011, the 7-Series is built with xDrive all-wheel drive for the first time since it's been available. As a luxury sedan should, the 7-Series is resplendent in every type of high technology system you might want to possess, including a sound package, camera package, cold weather package, driver assistance package, luxury seating package, luxury rear seating package -- well, you get the idea. The 7-Series has all of the safety equipment you could ever ask for, and its EPA-rated fuel economy is in the 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway range.
New for 2011
The big news is the 2011 BMW 750i and 750Li are the first 7-Series trim levels ever to be offered with BMW's xDrive All-Wheel-Drive system. What's more, the 740i will be available with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine -- for the first time since the early 90s. In addition, all-new on the 760i is a V-12 engine that churns out 535 horsepower at 5,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 550 pound-feet from just 1,500 rpm.
Essentials
Engines: 3.0L turbocharged I-6, 4.4L turbocharged V-8, 6.0L turbocharged V-12
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: 740i Sedan, 740Li Sedan, 750i Sedan, 750i xDrive Sedan, 750Li Sedan, 750Li xDrive Sedan, 760Li Sedan, Alpina B7 Sedan, Alpina B7 xDrive Sedan
On the Outside
While not a breakthrough design, 16.65-foot BMW 7-Series sedan has a musculature that is fairly well defined and has a bit of a low, sporty stance. To prevent it from simply looking like a "stretched" standard sedan, the BMW 750iL now even has its own roofline. However, the 7-Series can still best by identified by the chromed gill on both side panels that integrates the side blinker. To keep the weight down, the new look, the roof, doors, hood, and front fenders all are constructed of aluminum.
From the Inside
With the BMW 7-Series, you have space galore. Standard features include the power driver's seat air conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM/Satellite radio with CD player and MP3 connectivity. With a capacity of 15.1 cubic-feet, the trunk is large enough to hold all your groceries and the neighbors' too.
Driving Performance
For 2011, the BMW 7-Series has more engine options than ever before, including the 300 horsepower turbo I-6 engine in the 740, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine in the 750i, and the 6.0-liter turbo V-12 engine in the 760. Driving Dynamics Control, a feature that lets the driver select from four progressively more sporty driving programs at the touch of a button, is one of the most popular features of the 7-Series.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the BMW 7-Series includes dual front, side seat mounted airbags, curtain first and second row overhead airbags, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, active head restraints, traction and stability control.
Gas Mileage
740i: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
740Li: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750i: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750i xDrive: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750Li xDrive: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
760Li: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Alpina B7: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Alpina B7 long wheelbase: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750 ActiveHybrid: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
750Li ActiveHybrid: 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Plusses
- Ample space
- Stable chassis
- Amazing handling
Minuses
- Sky-high price tag
- Too much technology
- So-so styling
Rating
Upscale classic with great driving ability
People Who Like the 2011 BMW 7 Series Also Like
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Audi A8
- Lexus LS