BMW Announces Revised E65/E66 7 Series

Three years after its debut BMW has announced the first details of a mid-life revision of the 7 Series, due for launch in Spring 2005. In response to increased competition from rivals such as the new Audi A8 and Maserati Quattroporte, and the imminent arrival of the new Mercedes S-Class, the 7 Series has been extensively updated. Revised exterior styling and fine-tuning of the iDrive system address the more controversial aspects of the E65/E66 7 Series, while a revised suspension and a new range of six- and eight-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines improve handling and performance.

In the UK, the biggest seller in the range is the 730d, accounting for 56% of total 7 Series sales. To maintain its popularity, the 3.0 L diesel has been extensively revised and now benefits from an all-aluminum cylinder block that reduces the weight of the engine by 25 kg. As a result of this weight reduction and BMW's new third-generation common rail diesel technology (that includes piezo-injectors, a faster and more efficient form of injection), power is increased by 12% to 231 PS @ 4,000 rpm while torque is four per cent higher at 520 Nm, developed between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm. Fuel consumption of the Euro 4 compliant engine has been reduced 3.5% to just 8.2 L/100 km.

The previous 740d offered in continental Europe is replaced by the new 745d. The larger 4,423 cc V8 diesel also features a new aluminum block, reducing weight by 30 kg, and the latest common-rail technology. As a result maximum power increases to 300 PS @ 4000 rpm and torque to 700 Nm @ 1750-2,500 rpm. Now Euro 4 emissions compliant, fuel-consumption has been reduced 2.7% to 9.5 L/100 km.

The 730i now features the new lightweight 3.0 L magnesium aluminium composite engine recently unveiled in the 630i and 330i. The new powerplant delivers 258 PS @ 6,600 rpm, up 12% compared with its predecessor, and 300 Nm of torque at 2,500-4,000 rpm. Fuel consumption has also been reduced, with a 4.7% improvement over the previous 730i. Although the new six-cylinder is 10 kg lighter than the previous engine, the improvements in power and economy come primarily as a result of VALVETRONIC, BMW's patented technology that regulates the volume of induction air without the need for a throttle butterfly. VALVETRONIC now features on all 7 Series gasoline engines.

The new BMW 740i replaces the previous 735i with a 4,000 cc V8 engine developing 306 PS @ 6,300 rpm and 390 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. This represents an output increase of 13% and 8% respectively over the 735i but the new 740i but fuel economy is reduced just 0.9% (11.2 L/100 km EU combined cycle).

The standard model in the US and the most popular 7 Series model outside Europe, the 745i/Li is replaced by the new BMW 750i/Li, featuring an all-new 4,799 cc V8. Delivering 360 hp/268 kW @ 6,300 rpm and 360 lb-ft/488 Nm @ 3,400 (SAE), the 750i sprints from 0–60 mph in just 5.8 s. Despite the increase in power and performance, fuel economy is unchanged from the 745i.

The pinnacle of the 7 Series range continues to be the 760i/Li, with its 5,972 cc V12 engine delivering 438 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 444 lb-ft / 602 Nm of torque at 3,950 rpm, propelling the 760i from 0–60 mph in just 5.4 s.

The chassis and suspension of the 2006 BMW 7 Series has been updated and enhanced. The all-aluminum suspension has been updated and now benefits from a 14 mm wider track to deliver even greater levels of stability. Alongside the standard suspension set up, customers can now specify two separate optional suspension choices, depending on their preference for ride comfort.

The Sport package is for those who want the luxury offered by the 7 Series but also appreciate a more sporting and agile drive. The Adaptive Drive package combines BMW's Dynamic Drive active anti-roll bar and Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system. Dynamic Drive converts body roll during cornering into hydraulic pressure to deliver a near-flat cornering experience. EDC offers three separate ride settings—Comfort, Normal and Sport.

From the front, there is a new headlamp and air dam design, changes to the kidney grilles and revised the power dome. The rear of the car has also been revised with modified tail lamps, rear air dam and a chrome strip running the width of the boot lid. These changes have the effect of narrowing the car from the rear view and ensure it looks planted firmly on the road. Finally in profile, bolder side sills emphasize the sportiness and dynamics of the car.

Complementing the design enhancements are four new exterior paint colours—Monaco Blue, Michigan Blue, Deep Green and Barbera Red, three leather upholstery finishes—Cream Beige, Lava Blue and Nature Brown alongside a range of new 18 and 19 inch alloy wheels.

Inside, BMW's iDrive system has been subtly revised to make it more user friendly and to assist navigation with improved menu guidance to move between the eight areas of the Control Display.

In addition, the standard specification of all 7 Series models has increased. All cars now feature Xenon headlamps and a headlamp cleaning system and, additionally, all models benefit from BMW's two-stage Adaptive Brakelights, that alert drivers travelling behind that the 7 Series is undertaking an emergency stop. The optional CD changer is now MP3 CD-capable and the BMW Assist telematics service (standard in the US) now includes Bluetooth hands-free phone capability. Greater availability of digital terrestrial television means BMW can now offer an on-board DVB-T television set. Apart from receiving analogue television signals, this TV is also able to receive digital television broadcasts.