BMW 7-series
The BMW 7-Series is a luxury saloon (sedan) made by BMW. There have been four generations of the 7-Series, the BMW E23 (1977-1986), the BMW E32 (1986-1994), the BMW E38 (1994-2002) and the current generation, the BMW E65, which was introduced in 2002.
The E38 generation had a five speed automatic or manual gearbox. The engine variants were 728i, 735i, 745i and 750i (with a 5.4 litre 322bhp engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).
The current 7-series is the first of a new generation of BMWs featuring controversial styling by designer Chris Bangle. It also features BMW's iDrive system, consisting of a video screen in the dashboard and a controller mounted on the centre console that is used in a similar way to a computer mouse. Using a system of eight menus, most of the car's climate, audio, navigation, suspension and communication settings are controlled via iDrive. However the system has been criticised by some for being too complex and for distracting the driver from the road. As such, it is sometimes referred to as 'iDistract'. The car is available in six variants, as listed below:
|
| Engine
| Power
| Torque
| 0-100km/h (0-62 mph)
| Top speed
|
| 730i
| 3.0 litre petrol straight-6
| 170 kW (231 bhp)
| 200 Nm (148 lb. ft)
| 8.1 seconds
| 237 km/h (147 mph)
|
| 730d
| 3.0 litre diesel straight-6
| 160 kW (218 bhp)
| 500 Nm (369 lb. ft)
| 8.0 seconds
| 235 km/h (146 mph)
|
| 735i
| 3.6 litre petrol V8
| 200 kW (272 bhp)
| 360 Nm (266 lb. ft)
| 7.5 seconds
| 250 km/h (155 mph)*
|
| 745i
| 4.4 litre petrol V8
| 245 kW (333 bhp)
| 450 Nm (332 lb. ft)
| 6.3 seconds
| 250 km/h (155 mph)*
|
| 740d
| 3.9 litre diesel V8
| 190 kW (258 bhp)
| 600 Nm (442 lb. ft)
| 7.5 seconds
| 250 km/h (155 mph)*
|
| 760i
| 6.0 litre petrol V12
| 327 kW (445 bhp)
| 600 Nm (442 lb. ft)
| 5.5 seconds
| 250 km/h (155 mph)*
|
Note that in the Americas, only the 745i and 760i are sold and that the 740d is only available in mainland Europe. Also, note than all road going BMW's have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The 7-Series' competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Jaguar XJ and the Audi A8.
