Sunday, February 19, 2006

2006 BMW 7-Series



2006 BMW 7-Series: Highlights

Updated styling and more V8 power highlight BMW's 2006 flagship sedans. The 7-Series offers standard and long-wheelbase L models. All get revisions to exterior appearance, interior trim, dashboard, and chassis. A 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 powers the new 750i and 750Li, replacing the 4.4-liter 325-hp 745i/745Li. The 760i and 760Li have an unchanged V12. All use a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control via steering-wheel buttons. Also standard are ABS, antiskid/traction control, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean. Included on 760s and optional for 750s is an Adaptive Ride Package with automatically adjusting shock absorbers and self-leveling rear suspension. V8s offer an optional Sport Package that includes firmer suspension and 19-inch wheels to replace 18s. The 760Li has standard 19-inch wheels vs. 20s for 760i.
All 7s have front knee airbags, front torso side airbags, and full-length head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. Also standard and newly revised is BMW's iDrive, which adjusts audio, navigation, and climate settings via a console "joystick" knob and dashboard screen. Conventional switches are provided for basic audio and climate adjustments. Other standards include BMW Assist emergency and concierge service, steering-linked headlights, and front and rear obstacle detection. Added for '06 are a tire-pressure monitor and a Bluetooth wireless cell phone connection. Available for all models are satellite radio, rear DVD entertainment, and a keyless access system that allows entry and starting without using the keyfob.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 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 6-figure price tags.

A high-performance M7 is said to be imminent. BMW has never offered one before, but has doubtless noted the sales success of Mercedes' hot-rod AMG S-Class models. Timing is unclear, but if the M7 does get the green light, it should feature much sportier chassis calibrations and a 500-hp 5.0-liter V10 borrowed from the smaller M5.

At the other extreme, BMW promises to sell a hydrogen-fueled 7 before the current design phases out in 2007. No details yet, but BMW's work in this area so far suggests a conventional V8 or V12 with special electronic controls that allow running on compressed hydrogen or gasoline. BMW has spent big on developing this bi-fuel system, and apparently feels it's now ready for consumers. Though no one else is on this particular "hydrogen highway," BMW believes its approach is more acceptable in the luxury class than a gas/electric hybrid powertrain. It also claims the technology offers near-zero-emissions benefits today, and is much cheaper than hydrogen fuel cells that won't be practical or affordable for some years yet. Again, no word on timing, but you can bet the hydrogen 7 will be a costly, limited-production item.

2006 BMW 7-Series Road Test

Consumer Guide's® seasoned auto editors road test more than 200 new cars and trucks each year. We evaluate each vehicle's on-road performance in ten critical areas: acceleration, fuel economy, ride quality, handling, quietness, interior controls, front-seat room, rear-seat room, cargo volume, and overall value. The Consumer Guide® 2006 BMW 7-Series road test gives you a quick snapshot of the vehicle's performance with pros, cons, and numeric ratings. Also included on select reviews are Editor's Comments and Long-Term Tests.

2006 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment

The Consumer Guide® 2006 BMW 7-Series new-car review includes retail prices and dealer-invoice prices. In addition, our easy-to-read price charts break down the standard and optional equipment included in each trim level. Finally, we provide the latest manufacturer-rebate and dealer-incentive information to make comparison shopping a breeze.

2006 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

The Consumer Guide® 2006 BMW 7-Series new-vehicle Specs and Safety page includes detailed specifications charts. Each body style is included and key measurements comprise exterior and interior dimensions, curb weight, towing and payload ranges, and cargo volume. We also include engine specifications, fuel-tank capacity, and EPA fuel-economy numbers. Augmenting these numbers are NHTSA crash-test scores and a breakdown of the factory warranty.

2006 BMW 7-Series Photos

Since so many vehicles look alike, the Consumer Guide® 2006 BMW 7-Series new-vehicle review includes an extensive photo gallery. The 2006 BMW 7-Series features a selection of interior and exterior images. To clarify the assortment of photos, each image includes a caption that identifies the vehicle year, make, model, body style, and trim.

2006 BMW 7-Series Local Dealers

The process of buying a new car is overwhelming. Even when you know what kind of car you want, how do you select a dealer you can trust? We can connect you with a local BMW dealer that not only meets the highest standards of customer service, but one who will provide you with a great new-car price quote on a 2006 BMW 7-Series -- hassle free. You control the car-buying process with a Consumer Guide® new-car price quote in hand.

2006 BMW 7-Series Review

To save time, we've collected all of our 2006 BMW 7-Series new-vehicle information on the Full Review page. This page includes what's new for this year, a Consumer Guide® road test, complete retail and invoice prices, detailed specifications and engine ratings, and crash-test information. If you are researching new vehicles, the Full Review page is a great place to get all of the facts in one place.

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