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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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High-technology features; roomy interior (L); comfortable ride; overall performance; exclusivity (especially 760 and Alpina B7). |
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Changes: |
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Two new variations of the color black-Azurite Black Metallic and Ruby Black Metallic-are introduced for the 2008 BMW 7-Series. There's also a special-order Individual Package, which includes special exterior colors offering varied color intensity and glistening effects, plus unique 20-inch wheels and illuminated door sills. Otherwise the 7-Series is carried over from 2007 with no significant changes. |
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Value: |
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BMW's 2008 7-Series is by no means cheap, but it offers smooth, powerful, and sophisticated powertrains, top technology features, and the opportunity to add traditional luxury features and distinct interior trims. Especially in long-wheelbase form, it offers just as much room and comfort as other prestige luxury sedans, yet it has the nimble handling and sharp responses of smaller, lighter sport sedans. |
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Overview: |
BMW's 7-Series sedan is now offered in three models: 750i, 750Li, and 760Li. The models designated "L" are longer overall and have a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches longer for a roomier interior and expanded rear legroom especially. The 750 models are powered by a 360-horsepower, 4.8L V8 engine, while the 760 comes with a 438-horsepower, 6.0L V12 engine. All 7-Series models have rear-wheel drive, along with a Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission, which allows manual selection of gearshifts when desired.
Both the V8 and V12 engines have Valvetronic, which varies valve lift and allows better fuel-efficiency than is typical from engines this size.
The 750 achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway.
The big 7-Series has the reflexes of a lighter sport sedan, thanks to a lightweight aluminum suspension system, variable-ratio and variable-assist systems for the steering, and large four-wheel disc brakes. An Adaptive Ride Package, which is standard on the 760 but optional on the 750, brings electronic damping control and a self-leveling rear suspension.
The Individual option brings Xirallic paint, which has distinct color nuances and effects. Wheels are noteworthy across the line. The 750 comes with attractive 18-inch alloys, while the Sport Package and the Individual option include showy 20-inchers.
A wide range of active and passive safety features are standard on the 7-Series.
Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic roll stabilization are included, as are front side air bags, a tubular-structure head protection system, active head restraints, and active knee protection. Rear-seat side air bags are optional.
All of the 7-Series models come extremely well equipped, with standard 20-way-adjustable, three-stage-heated comfort seats in front, perforated Nasca leather upholstery, American walnut wood trim, a power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-leveling xenon headlamps. The 760 adds power soft-closing side doors and trunklid, ventilated, upgraded seats, a heated steering wheel with upgraded controls, a 13-speaker Logic7 sound system, and two-tone burl walnut trim with an Alcantara headliner.
Many high-tech features not yet widely offered on other cars are available on the 7-Series, including adaptive cruise control, which can maintain a set, safe following distance from traffic ahead, and a night vision system that uses thermal imaging to help spot people and animals up to 1,000 feet ahead. Available comfort-oriented features include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, sunshades for rear and side windows, rear climate control, a coolbox, and 14-way-adjustable power rear seats with Active Ventilation.
HD radio and a rear DVD entertainment system are also among the options.
Also of note is the sporty, limited-availability Alpina B7 model, which brings a supercharged, 4.4L V8 making 500 horsepower, along with a sport-tuned suspension, huge 21-inch wheels and Z-rated tires, a performance exhaust system, and many of the same luxury features as the 760. |
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