InsideLine: 2011 BMW 740i Full Test

InsideLine delivers a review of our favorite BMW 7 Series model: the entry-point in the US market, 740i. The six-cylinder is said to be at the top of the 7 Series sales and demand continues to remain high. Without any further ado, let’s have a look at their review.

Plenty Fast in 2011, Too

This still leaves a comfortable margin between the 2011 BMW 740i and the 750i, which hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.5 at 103.7 mph.

But the 740i leaves V8 sedans like the Hyundai Equus and Lexus LS 460 for dead. It’s also a bit quicker than the 2011 BMW 535i (with the single, twin-scroll turbo N55 engine), even though the latter weighs 300 pounds less.

 

Porsche is the only other manufacturer with the gall to put a straight-up gasoline six-cylinder in a large high-end sedan (Mercedes-Benz has been discreetly slipping V6s into hybrid and diesel versions of the S-Class), and the 740i matches the performance of the lighter but less powerful Panamera V6.

So, Turbo Six or V8?

Of course, there are compelling economic reasons to choose a 2011 BMW 740i over a 750i. Take fuel economy. There’s nothing earth-shattering about the 740i’s EPA rating of 17 city/25 highway mpg, but it’s enough to avoid the $1,000 gas-guzzler tax that the 750i gets thanks to its 15 city/22 highway mpg. Also we averaged 19.7 mpg over 600 miles in the 740i. That’s not much of a sample size compared to the 28,867 miles we put on our long-term 750i, but there’s little doubt we’d surpass the V8 sedan’s 17.3-mpg average over the long haul.

 

Equally, it’s tough to ignore the up-front savings you get with the 2011 BMW 740i. For $81,625, we’re basically driving around with the same lavish furnishing and amenities we had in our old 2009 750i, which cost nearly $90 grand. We should note, however, that BMW has leveled a $500 price increase since our test car rolled off the line. Additionally, civilian customers are obliged to buy the $1,200 Cold Weather package (not equipped on this car) with the M Sport package. Also, we still don’t understand why we’d have to fork over another $1,800 for the Audio package to have a USB input.”

 Full review continued

BMW 7 Series F01 by Mansory

After the BMW X6M and Rolls Royce Ghost, the Swiss tuner Mansory takes on another task to pimp-out another car from the BMW Group. This time, the model chosen was the short wheelbase F01 7 Series which goes under extensive exterior changes giving BMW’s flagship a new look.

Official details are yet to be released, but judging by these photos, the styling treatment includes a new front bumper with massive air intakes that incorporates vertical LED daytime lights and carbon fiber inserts.

The iconic BMW kidney grille also receives carbon fiber inserts giving the car a more unique “nose”. Furthermore, the tuner replaces the vertical orientation of the kidney grille bars to an horizontal approach.

At the back, there’s a new bumper with a rear diffuser and horizontal quad tail pipes plus discrete boot lid and roof spoilers. The new alloy wheels complete the exterior look.

Inside, the car gets the Mansory treatment as well. The steering wheel is being replaced by a new one and stitched leather wraps around the dashboard.

Expect more details to be released in the near future.
 
 

Great History of the BMW 7 Series sedan

This is great history of BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series sedan is the top of the line, flagship sedan offered by BMW, a luxury automaker based in Germany. The 7 series model was introduced by BMW in 1977, and has had five generations since its addition to the BMW family.

The first generation of the BMW 7 series was offered in 1977, and stayed until 1986. This generation would be known as the BMW E23. This generation featured a 6 cylinder engine, and a 3-speed automatic, or a 4 speed manual transmission. This is very unusual, as the current and more recent 7 series models, are only available in automatic transmissions. Of course, this time in history, most cars were manual transmissions.

The second generation, E32 7 series, was offered by BMW from 1986-1994. This generation featured a newer look, with a nice redesign on the exterior, and interior.

This generation of 7 series offered a 8 cylinder engine, and offered a “L” package, which meant extended legroom for the back seat passengers, helping make it extremely luxurious and roomy on the inside. The transmission on this generation was offered as a 4 speed automatic, 5 speed manual, or a 5 speed automatic transmission, depending on which version of the 7 series was purchased.

The next generation of the BMW 7 series is one of my favorite designs, and was known as the E38. The E38 spanned from 1994-2001. This generation featured a 5 speed automatic transmission, 8 or 12 cylinder engines, a great exterior and interior redesign, and many great luxurious, safety, and technology features added. This generation, 750iL (extended) was BMW’s absolute flagship sedan, and was driven by James Bond in the 1997 film, “Tomorrow Never Dies”.

The next generation 7 series sedan from BMW, was known as the BMW E65 and E66. This is also one of my favorite BMW designs, as the 7 series was once again redesigned, on both the interior and exterior. This generation of the BMW 7 series spanned from 2002-2008.

Having sat and rode in a 2007 745Li extended, this car is absolutely beautiful. The car has so many technology, safety, and security features, that make this vehicle unbelievably luxurious, and a thrill to drive and ride in. this features a V8 or V12 engine, and a 5 or 6 speed automatic transmissions, depending on the model of BMW 7 series. The exterior of the vehicle was redesigned considerably, and made rounder edges, taillights, brake lights, and more.

The current generation of the BMW 7 series is known as the F01/F02, and has been in production since 2009. The car was also redesigned slightly, and is incredibly beautiful and luxurious. If you’re interested in learning more about the BMW 7 series, simply head to BMW’s website.