BMW BLOG

BMW continues the testing trials of its new BMW 7 Series Hybrid model and this time it was spotted at the Nurburgring track. BMW’s hybrid  dubbed 755ih will launch at the end of this year and it is the first BMW model to use the dual-mode ActiveHybrid system, which has discrete modes for high-torque, low speed driving as well as for high-speed cruises.

The second hybrid to use the same technology will be the X6 ActiveHybrid which will launch this year as well.

The BMW 7 Series Hybrid uses a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 407 horsepower and 442lb ft, working in combination with an AC electric motor that can add another 20 horserpower and 155lb ft of torque. In mild hybrid form, the result is 15 percent less fuel consumption and emissions (in the EU test cycle) versus a combustion engine only equivalent.

To improve even more the fuel efficiency, the start/stop technology and the part-time alternator have been implemented in the Hybrid version as well. Other standard hybrid features, such as regenerative braking and optimized aerodynamics.

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2010 BMW 750 xDrive, 740d and M Sport Package

Following its successful introduction into the market, the new BMW 7 Series is further expanding its position in 2010 as the most innovative model series in the luxury segment. New drivetrain and equipment variants emphasise both the driving pleasure and the outstanding efficiency of BMW’s top-class luxury saloon.

The BMW 740d to be introduced in autumn, for example, will for the first time feature a new straight-six diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp.

The second diesel model in the range, the BMW 730d, underlines its status as the world’s most economical and lowest emission model in the luxury class by a further reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as optionally available BMW BluePerformance Technology. Hence, BMW now offers yet another production model already fulfilling the EU6 emission standard today.

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Out of nowhere, photos of the BMW 7 Series M-Sport Package were released onto the internet today and it’s better than we expected. If the new 7 Series was already a car close to our hearts, with the released of this new M Package, it got even closer.

The M Sport Package will be available for the 730d, a model sold in the UK market. On the outside, the car receives the usual M Package upgrades: a more aggressive front fascia with a much sportier looking bumper and design; the rear-end bumper has also been slightly redesigned and a set of wheels which will probably be available only with this package.

Moving inside, the M options seen in the other packages are present here as well, starting with the M steering wheel, M shifter and even if not shown here, M footrest. We expect to see BMW offering a Carbon Fiber trim as well.

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Our friends at Edmunds are driving a long-time loaner BMW 750Li and as expected, they provide periodically updates of their test drive. Their latest statement is one that stired up some interesting comments from people that have read it.

Edmunds talks about the four different ride settings that are available in the new 7 - Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, same settings tested by us in our own driving experience.  Changing these mods, automatically the throttle sensitivity, steering effort, suspension damping and stability control are changed as well.

While Edmunds agrees with us that in Normal settings, the ride was very comfortable, calming and the Sport+ is the most effective one, they also unleash a statement that we have to disagree with: Comfort mode turns the 750Li into, quoting, “The Cadillac of BMWs”.

As they stated also, carmakers have been offering adjustable suspensions for quite some time now, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that BMW decided to make the new 7er more appealing to all its potential customers. In the end, BMW offers a choice  or ride quality and can be selected based on personal preferences and let’s not forget, the Comfort setting is not selected by default.

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After seeing these photos below, I have the courage to come upfront and say it out loud: I love the new BMW 7 Series. Yes, it’s a BMWBLOG and we should love all the bimmers, but the truth is, we don’t, so sure, go ahead, call us fanboys one more time, but I am not afraid anymore to clearly state that I LOVE the new 7 Series.

I remember the first time I saw the car in Los Angeles, it was a…..delicate feeling, a part of my heart wanted to love the 7er and finally stop the Mercedes fans bragging about their S-Class, but the other part of my heart - yes, I have two- was a little bit reluctant and didn’t fall for it immediately.

Love at first sight is something that has never happened to me, regardless if it was an object or a person, but being far as I am, decided to give it another chance. The more and more I saw the 7er, it started to grow on me, I paid attention closely to the design lines and actually began to enjoy its “big, flat nose”. Many of you might recall my articles where I started to rant about how much I dig the 7 Series models in darker colors, but today, for the first time, a silver painted 750Li has won my heart and finally saw the full potential of this car.

Now, I’m not sure if it’s the quality of these photos, amazing btw, or simply the fact that Brandon from EuropeanAutoSource decided to cover up all the chrome elements found on this silver 750Li. Basically, they removed all the chrome from the rear trunk strip, door handles, side marker trim, front bumper grille trim and soon, the kidney grille will lose its “shine” as well.

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Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the recent Alpina B7 photos we have posted yesterday, so we’re returning with more official photos of the B7, the latest Alpina model based on the new 2009 BMW 7 Series.

By now most of you know everything about the B7, but for those of you are are new on here or simply haven’t read much upon the B7, then here are some quick facts:

- V8 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine outputting 505 horsepower

- 517 lb-ft (700Nm) reached at 4,750 rpm

- rear-wheel drive vehicle and it uses the automatic “SwitchTronic” gearbox.

- weighs 4,312 lb (1,960 kg)

And for those of you that still doubt that the new Alpina B7 is an impressive car, here is what Autocar UK had to say about it:

“The ride is a triumph, however; sure, road noise is more pronounced from the 21-inch Alpina Classic alloys, but the switch from runflats to bespoke Michelins means that you can trundle around urban roads without much fear of being bounced off your (very comfortable) seat. the B7 is comfortable on worn motorways, too, even at more than 150mph.”

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Alpina B7, one of our favorite cars here at BMWBLOG, has been spotted again in Munich by our friend Christian Wimmer. While there is nothing really new to report about the B7, we believe you might enjoy some new real life photos.

As a quick reminder, the Alpina B7 is based on the new F01 7 Series and it is powered by a V8 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine outputting 505 horsepower and an impressive 517 lb-ft (700Nm) reached at 4,750 rpm. Alpina B7 is a rear-wheel drive vehicle and it uses the automatic “SwitchTronic” gearbox.

Alpina remaps the ECU and adds a wide range of extra coolers to keep the engine, intercoolers, hydraulics and transmission in check.

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With these latest spy photos, we hope that auto media all over the web will stop with the BMW M7 predictions. We were the first one to say it and shutter everyone’s dreams: the 7 Series spotted, it’s simply a model featuring the upcoming M Sport Package, an aero kit that will give the 7 Series a sportier and more aggressive look.

While the new 7 Series was accepted fairly well by the media and consumers, there were still some voices expressing their concern that the 7er is not as aggressive as one would want. So nearly, so less than a year after the official launch, BMW will give everyone what they craved for: an M Sport Package.

So what’s the M Pack bringing new to the table? Obviously a  more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes into the redesigned front bumper, some chrome parts still hiding underneath black tape and a what it seems to be a new set of wheels.

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We’ve been waiting for this comparison for quite some time now. If the new 2009 BMW 7 Series has been compared with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class over and over again, the Audi A8 was missing from this picture despite the fact that it is also a direct competitor to the two other German high-end luxury cars.

But the fellows at MotorTrend took on the task of putting these three ultra-luxurious head-to-head and regardless of the final results, the controversy among the fans will still remain.

Obviously most of us are biased towards one of these brands and it is perfectly acceptable, but still let’s see what you think after we tell you that MotorTrend chose the Mercedes-Benz S550 as being their first choice.

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Autocar UK once again gets their hands on one of “hottest” Alpina models out there, the new B7, a vehicle powered by a V8 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine, which outputs a whooping 507 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque.

Official and now tested numbers show the B7 running from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Pretty impressive for 4,500 lbs car, isn’t it?

Add to this equation a top speed limit of 173 mph and that should keep the B7 owners entertained on the German Autobahn. But let’s see if the UK folks at Autocar were as excited as we are now about the new Alpina B7.

What’s it like?

Rapid. Really frighteningly rapid. Okay, so there might be the teeniest delay if you nail the throttle at idle. But by, say 1500rpm, a huge surge of torque is already propelling you way past the UK legal limit and onto speeds that are only of use on autobahns. It feels every bit as quick as the hot Merc - more so, I’d say, given the huge shove offered by the twin turbos.

It’s still a big car, mind you, so don’t think that you’re going to chuck it around like it doesn’t weigh two tonnes. The B7 has four chassis set-ups, but the two extremes - comfort and sport plus - feel unduly wafty and uncomfortably tail-happy respectively.

The two middle set-ups are more effective, but while the B7 feels agile, it feels like a big agile car. Don’t expect 5-series levels of chuckability. The steering is also a little vague around the straight ahead, although it does weight up nicely when you’re pushing on.

The ride is a triumph, however; sure, road noise is more pronounced from the 21-inch Alpina Classic alloys, but the switch from runflats to bespoke Michelins means that you can trundle around urban roads without much fear of being bounced off your (very comfortable) seat. the B7 is comfortable on worn motorways, too, even at more than 150mph.

Full Review Here