Overview

A new ActiveHybrid model, Alpina performance variant, all-wheel-drive option, and a 12-cylinder engine (creating the automaker's new flagship) are the big news for 2010. In addition, BMW has also improved the standard equipment list and reconfigured a sports trim model.

• New models and equipment changes for 2010
• New flagship 760Li model with a 535-horsepower, turbocharged, 6.0-liter V-12 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission
• New ActiveHybrid 7 model with a turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack
• ActiveHybrid 7 model equipped with a 440-horsepower, 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine, electric motor, and an 8-speed automatic transmission
• New Alpina B7 high-performance variant with upgraded engine, suspension and cosmetics
• Sport package replaced by M Sport package with M steering wheel, aerodynamic body kit, Active Roll stabilization (rear-drive models only), Shadowline trim, Anthracite headliner and 19-inch wheels
• Optional 20-inch alloy wheels are new
• New color: Carbon Black Metallic (requires M Sport package)
• Integral Active Steering is now a stand-alone option on rear-drive models
• Active front seats are now part of the Luxury Seating package
• Rear massaging seats are now part of the Luxury Rear Seating package on long-wheelbase models

2010 BMW 7 Series - Model OverviewIntroduced in 1977, the BMW 7 Series is the flagship of the BMW lineup. This family of luxury sedans is typically the first to showcase new BMW designs and technological innovations. For 2009, the 7 Series received a full redesign. For the 2010 model year, the number of trim levels has increased from two to five-including two new all-wheel-drive models and a new top-of-the-line model powered by a V12 engine.

In addition to the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive 750i and the 750Li, BMW now offers the 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive, which employ all-wheel-drive. (The L stands for long, as in a 5.5-in. longer wheelbase, which increases rear seat accommodations) The top model is the 760Li, with its turbocharged 544-hp 6.0-liter V12 engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and long list of standard luxury features. The V12 produces 550 lb.-ft. of torque.

Standard on the base 750i are 18-in. wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive adjustable suspension, front and rear parking sensors, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, keyless ignition, highly adjustable (and heated) driver and passenger seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth, hard-drive based navigation system, and a 10-speaker stereo system. Options packages include Sport, Luxury Seating, Cold Weather, Driver Assistance, Convenience, and Premium Sound.

The 760i incorporates all the aforementioned options packages, plus stand-alone options such as a rear-seat entertainment system, infrared night vision, and rear seats with massage functions. Four-wheel steering and upgraded seats and dash are standard on the 760i.

The standard engine for the BMW 7 Series is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 400 hp. and 450 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control. The Dynamic Driving Control system provides various settings for shift response and speed, throttle response, power steering assist, stability control, and shock firmness. According to EPA estimates, the 750i gets 15 mpg city, 22mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, while the 760Li gets 13 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined.

The 2010 BMW 7 Series ranges from about $82,000 to $137,000.