BMW BLOG

Okay, maybe not the most appropriate review since the Porsche Panamera was thrown in there with the “big boys”, but our buddy Jason at Automobile Mag puts up a good show and a funny, but still informative review.

Let’s have a look.

“The BMW 760Li, the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, and the Porsche Panamera Turbo each enter the saloon with at least 500 horses of firepower tucked away beneath a façade of formality. They look benign enough, but when the dust starts flying, there are few steeds that can match their speed. They may all hail from Germany, but there’s something distinctly Wild West about these three sedans. And so we took them to Palm Springs, their natural habitat, for a gunslinging showdown.

The idea that a luxury sedan should be able to dice with a sports car is a relatively new one. Acceleration is relatively easy to achieve – just add more engine – but getting a big, cushy, heavy car to dance through the corners like a light sports car isn’t. And the very essence of a sports car – the lovely sounds, the tight body control, the connected steering – is exactly the opposite of a luxury sedan. Or so you’d think.
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As an exciting example of its EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced the North American debut of the 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. Featuring BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption, the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. Both models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. The M.S.R.P. of the 740i is $71,025 and the long wheelbase 740Li will retail for $75,425 (prices Include $875 Destination and Handling charge).

In 1977, the original BMW 7 Series was launched exclusively with inline-6 propulsion. The United States first met the BMW 7 Series in the 1978 model year as the 733i Sedan. The 733i featured a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine rated at 197 horsepower. The 733i remained on sale in America until it was replaced in 1985 by the BMW 735i Sedan. The 735i, which featured an updated inline-6 engine producing 218 horsepower from 3.4 liters, enjoyed a production run that lasted through the end of the 1992 model year. The 735i was joined by the extended-wheelbase 735iL in May of 1988.

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BMW of North America announced today that the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW’s North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model.  The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity.

Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21″ ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

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Before the official launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 in 2010, the new luxury sedan will be exclusively driven by public figures and VIPs, a move that BMW hopes it will draw some attention to their first high-end luxury hybrid sedan.

As the official launch date approaches, the 7 Series hybrid will be available to other customers as well. BMW’s first hybrid performance/luxury sedans will arrive in showrooms in Spring 2011 with a base MSRP of $103,125 including destination and handling for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L.

The first production ready BMW hybrid uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The system was developed in collaboration with Mercedes Benz. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

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As an exciting example of its EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced the North American debut of the 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. Featuring BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption, the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. Both models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

In 1977, the original BMW 7 Series was launched exclusively with inline-6 propulsion. The United States first met the BMW 7 Series in the 1978 model year as the 733i Sedan. The 733i featured a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine rated at 197 horsepower. The 733i remained on sale in America until it was replaced in 1985 by the BMW 735i Sedan. The 735i, which featured an updated inline-6 engine producing 218 horsepower from 3.4 liters, enjoyed a production run that lasted through the end of the 1992 model year. The 735i was joined by the extended-wheelbase 735iL in May of 1988.

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The folks over at Edmunds took the initiative to test on track the 2009 BMW 750i with Sport Package and its competitor, the 2010 Lexus LS 460. Before we let you dive into the article, let’s take a look at the following question:

Does the Lexus have what it takes to hang with the Bimmer through the slalom?

Well, let’s take a look at some of the facts reported by Edmunds.

2009 BMW 750i

Acceleration Comments: Very little technique to improve acceleration times. Doesn’t really respond to brake torque… just wood it and go. “ECT Power” mode does little to improve times, either. Shifts in “D” come at redline. Minimal wheelspin.

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In an interview with the German magazine “Handelsblatt”, Klaus Draeger, the charismatic BMW Chief of Development, stated that BMW will not build a fleet of “Hydrogen 7″ based on the current 7 Series models (F01). But this is not the end of the hydrogen development programme, testing and research will continue behind closed doors.

Dr. Draeger also stated that there is less need for multiple test cars and the budget is lower than before.

BMW’s long-term strategy still includes hydrogen based cars and the subject remains of high interest for BMW. In the short-term, BMW Group doesn’t see a market for hydrogen because the lack of infrastructure and non-existent network of “petrol stations” for hydrogen to fill the cars up.

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At the L.A. Auto Show, New York Times sat down with BMW’s Head of head of sales and Marketing, Ian Robertson, and the main topic of discussion were BMW’s first hybrid models: ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6.

Before we jump into their article, you can read upon our own test drive of the ActiveHybrid 7.

“BMW is a latecomer when it comes to hybrid vehicles, but it making up for that with the ActiveHybrid X6, introduced in the United States last week, and the ActiveHybrid 7, which is due next spring.

Ian Robertson, BMW’s Munich-based board member for sales and marketing, was flanked by both vehicles at the Los Angeles auto show when he presented an upbeat assessment of the company’s prospects, including “a clear increase of retail sales in November,” followed by “further solid growth” in December and “a relatively moderate sales decline in a range of 10 to 15 percent for the whole year of 2009.”

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