Overview

What's New
The 2006 BMW 7 Series features two new models and a long list of updates, including new exterior colors, a new 4.8L V-8 engine, a wider rear track for enhanced stability, a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment, and enhanced functionality for the iDrive system, BMW's all-in-one entertainment/climate/navigation/information control center. Refinements also have been made to the vehicle's front structure and to its suspension bushings.

Overview
The 7 Series represents BMW's interpretation of a large luxury sedan (or, "Ultimate Driving Machine") for motorists who prefer to drive rather than let someone else do the driving. The current generation of the 7 Series made its debut as a 2002 model with dramatic styling cues, especially in the treatment of its rear section, which polarized opinions among those who saw it. While widely criticized initially, the design has since been copied by many other automakers. But while they might copy BMW's design, it is much harder to copy the company's ability to engineer vehicles of various sizes that appeal to driving enthusiasts. Even a vehicle as large as the 7 Series provides the sort of dynamic capabilities that skilled drivers not only enjoy, but demand.

For 2006, the 7 Series again is available in four models, though two have new names to reflect their new and more powerful engines. The 750i comes with a 360-hp, 4.8L V-8 engine. Built on the "standard" platform with a 117.7-inch wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles), the 750i has 14-way power adjustments for the driver seat and 12-way power for the front passenger seat, American Walnut trim, a 10-speaker audio system, and 18-inch wheels. In addition to the standard equipment, option packages include: Sport, Adaptive Ride, Convenience, Cold Weather, Luxury Seating, Premium Sound, and Rear Entertainment. The "L" in the 750Li stands for long wheelbase, which stretches to 123.2 inches, providing more legroom in the rear seating area. Powered by the same 360-hp V-8, the 750Li comes with chrome roof moldings, 20-way power front seats, and the same list of available options as the 750i.

The 760i rides on the standard, 117.7-inch wheelbase and is propelled by a 438-hp, 6.0L V-12 engine. This car also features an Electronic Damping Control suspension with a self-leveling feature for the rear suspension that compensates for varying vehicle load conditions. This model rides on 20-inch wheels, has an active support "massage" feature for the driver's seat, an active ventilation system for both front seats, Dark Ash wood interior trim, and a 13-speaker Logic 7 audio system with a 6-CD changer. With so much standard equipment, only two option packages are offered. The 7 Series flagship is the 760Li, which is much like the short-wheelbase version of the V-12 car exept for its 19-inch wheels. While they are all large luxury cars, the 7 Series sedans also have a very sporty nature and each can accelerate from a standing start to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

The Competition
The BMW 7 Series competes in the Large Premium Conventional category, the prestigious class with top-of-the-line luxury cars, where elegant appointments, not-too-radical styling, power, and precision are crucial factors.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM the Lincoln Town Car leads this segment with 47,122 sales in calendar-year 2005. Next was the Lexus LS (26,043 sales in 2005), followed, in an exceptionally tight sales race, by the BMW 7 Series (18,165) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (18,035). Others in the category include the Jaguar XJ, Audi A8, and Volkswagen Phaeton. Joining this category for model-year 2006 is the Cadillac DTS.