BMW 7 Series

The 2010 BMW 7-Series lineup gains available all-wheel drive and a new top-end model. Conventional 7-Series models include the 750i and 750Li, each with rear-wheel drive. New for 2010 are the AWD 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive. The top-end rear-drive 760Li is also new. The "L" versions of BMW's flagship sedan ride on a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches longer than that of the 750i. All 750i cars are powered by a 400-horsepower 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. The 760Li has a turbocharged 544-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, knee airbags, and curtain-side airbags. BMW's Active Roll Stabilization, designed to counter body lean, is standard on the 760Li and optional on the 750i and 750Li. BMW's new Integral Active Steering adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW's Active Steering system, which is standard on the 760 and optional on the 750. Standard is BMW's Dynamic Driving Control, which allows the driver to adjust the suspension, throttle response, transmission's shift characteristics, and power steering. A navigation system and wireless cell-phone link are standard along with BMW's iDrive control for audio, navigation, and climate settings. All include steering-linked headlights, front- and rear-obstacle detection, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service. Other features include blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, a head-up display, sideview and rearview cameras, and high beams that automatically dim when oncoming traffic is detected. Also offered are a 40-gigabyte hard drive for the audio and navigation systems, which allows for storage of up to 13 gigabytes of music files. A night-vision system, adaptive cruise control, DVD entertainment, and keyless access and engine start are available.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys are the Hyundai Genesis, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Fisker Karma, Jaguar XJ Series, Lexus LS, and Porsche Panamera. The BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class gain gas/electric hybrid models for 2010.

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