Preview: 2006 BMW 750i
Stronger, more refined, and restyled. But is it de-Bangled?
(2005-02-28)



A couple of weeks before its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show, BMW has released pictures and details of the new 7-Series. But even better, just before the opening of the show, TCC had the opportunity to drive the new flagship sedan.


The fourth generation of the 7-Series was launched in November 2001, and although the styling generated heated discussions, the '7' has proven to be more successful than its predecessor: with 160,000 cars sold in 38 months, BMW has seen an increase in sales of eight percent.

On a preview drive for the press, Dr. Burkhard Göschel, member of the Management Board of BMW AG, said that in spite of the controversy, BMW had to differentiate the 7-Series more from the 5-Series: "Both models differed only in size, not in the concept. The 7-Series was basically a big 5. Our decision was met publicly with much debate. You know about that and it's good. BMW is an emotional brand."

With the mid-cycle model update, unveiled inGeneva today, BMW stayed on track, convinced by its sales success and the fact that the 7-Series took the lead in the luxury segment in its home market last year.

Freshened up

The 7er's design has been moderately altered, mainly by refining some lines, such as the shape of the headlights, and the integrated spoiler at the rear. The rear does not look as plump anymore and you definitely do not get the feeling the rear lid is actually somewhat (0.78 inches) higher. The updated 7-Series also has a new kidney grille, front and rear fascias, xenon headlights and different rear lights. There are more chrome details and new materials in the interior. The iDrive system has been refined, too.
The changes on the exterior are not only for the looks. Designer Jürgen Hassmann explained that they also improve aerodynamics and downforce.

Most important for the updated 7-Series is the renewal of the engine range. Five of its six engines are new or modified; the two-year-old V-12 remains unchanged. The new powerplants offer not only better performance, but also reduced fuel consumption. The V-8 in the 750i has an increased displacement (from 4.4 to 4.8 liters), with a power output of 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. The 750i accelerates from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 150 mph.

Spanish dancing

The 750i was also the version available for our first test drive in the south of Spain . We covered more than 400 miles in the beautiful Andalusia area and on the freeway along the coast. Upon return after the first leg, the BMW staff was curious about our impressions, especially of the new engine. When I say that I would have liked to hear the more typical V-8 rumble, the answer is that buyers do not want that. What applies to the new engine, also works for the new 7-Series: without a direct comparison with the current version, that is already very good, it is hard to make out differences. But yes, the 4.8-liter V-8 has an enormous torque that you regularly need when overtaking the slow trucks on the mountain roads. Step on the gas, count to three while listening to the suppressed engine sound and the mission is completed.

In the 7-Series, even dynamic driving goes in style. Under normal conditions and even on wet road, the car remains steady on track, rarely if ever reaching its adhesion limit and therefore never letting the driver feel out of control. And even though the roads in this part of Spain are a bit small and curvy for a sporty driver with such a big sedan, it is still fun to drive the 750i, as its character can easily be qualified as dynamic. The changes on the suspension undoubtedly add to this feeling. The rear track of the 7-Series is now 0.55 inches wider and three suspension settings are available: standard, Adaptive Drive, and sports suspension. The Adaptive Drive combines Dynamic Drive with continuously adjustable damper controls.

I still had to fiddle with the cantankerous iDrive. When driving it's simple to go into navigation mode, but changing the view on screen or getting to other settings takes practice.

What I like best about the new 750i, aside from its marvelous engine, is that the car "fits," like a shoe that has been worn, not too tight, not too wide. And that does not always apply to a big car like the 750i, which is 198.4 inches long. Will the long-wheelbase L-versions fit? They are 5.5 inches longer than the normal versions, with a wheelbase stretched from 117.7 to 123.1 inches.
You'll find that out later. The new BMW 7-Series will arrive in North America by early May.

2005 BMW 750i
Base price: $70,000 (est.)
Engine: 4.8-liter V-8, 360 hp/360 lb-ft
Transmission: Sequential six-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Length x width x height: 198.4 x 74.9 x 58.7 in
Wheelbase: 117.7 in
Curb weight: 4486 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): N/A
Safety equipment: Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, side airbags
Major standard features: Automatic climate control, power windows/mirrors/locks, electric rear defroster, 18-inch wheels, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, CD changer/MP3 player
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

source : thecarconnection

 

0-60 in5.8 sec??? What it do, gain 600lbs when it was redesigned?? I thought the 2001-2005 model ran those times??

 

I think we'll have to wait for road tests, BMW has always been conservative with their official performance stats . . .

 

.Dr. Goschel, to put it mildly, is simply full of s - - t. And I would tell that to him to his face. HIs own boss, the BMW CEO, has already admitted that this car was a mistake.

I, for one, simpy do NOT believe the sales figures and an "increase" for this car. Though I have no hard data to prove it and therefore cannot state it as a fact, my STRONG suspicion is that these sales figures were falsified and inflated in an effort to minimize the damage that has been done to the company by introducing this car in the first place. I myself have seen very few of the new 7-series even here in BMW-happy and money-rich Northern VA. BMW, like most of the German car industry, is traditionally an arrogant company and doesn't like to admit making mistakes, even though in this case the CEO himself has partially admitted one, although somewhat reluctantly and for the wrong reasons...which we have already discussed in other CL threads.

If you guys want to believe his nonsense, be my guest. I dont.

 

BMW did kinda mess up and they are full of ish and trying to cover their tracks, but I think the car is bangin'.

 

Autospies published the pics a long time ago...
The facelift I think is okay overall but it's making the 7 look rather generic, particularly in the front.
http://www2.autospies.com/article/in...articleId=3968

 

Have you driven a 2001-2004 and tried to deal with the controls?

 

Yep, at last year's "Taste of Luxury" in Houston. And I ended up (in digust) driving around the course listening to super-loud hip hop and without A/C. Given a few more minutes I would've figured it out, but I didn't have a few more minutes. It was funny.

 

It's ironic really ... that the new 7 has IS shaped headlights. The car looks even more strange IMO, then it currently does. I actually rather like the current one ... it's futuristic ... but still undeniably BMW. This new one seems to have some Japanese styling cues.

the tables really have turned ... new German cars are looking more and more Japanese, while the Japanese cars are moving ahead with their own image. I wonder what kind of excuses Lexus haters will use in a few years ... after the overhaul the lineup will get.

"Lexus sucks ..... their designs are so bland ... they always copy Toyota"

At that point, they won't be able to say Lexus copies BMW or Mercedes, because clearly, the new Lex models (at least speaking just about the GS) have thier own design direction and thier own identity.

 

The redesigned 7 never really offended me much. I've warmed up nicely to it now.

This 7-series refresh certainly is a step in a decidedly postive direction. I wonder when they'll freshen the 5-series.

M.

 

Never mind MINUTES. When you are on a winding mountain road with this car and you have to take your eyes off the road to play with the I-Drive you won't even have SECONDS.

 

Oh, well.....enough carping. You guys know how I feel about this car...and Bangle.

I'm going on to something else before I wear this topic out.

 

ah i think the new facelift looks so much better

 

the front is so much better but the back is kind of a bit overdone? i will take LS or A8L over this thing anyday.

 

ew