2008 BMW 7-Series Review

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.
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. see less