2010 BMW 7 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

BMW rolls out a new 7 Series trim for 2010. The 760Li enters the 7 Series lineup in the top position, making it one of the automaker's most...

BMW rolls out a new 7 Series trim for 2010. The 760Li enters the 7 Series lineup in the top position, making it one of the automaker's most prestigious vehicles. It's equipped with an all-new 6.0-liter, twin-turbo V12 engine, which produces a stunning 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. The engine features high-precision injection and links to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant drives the 760Li from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.

The automaker also adds two new all-wheel-drive trims to the 7 Series. The 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive join the existing 750i and 750Li trims in the lineup for 2010. The two new trims feature an enhanced version of BMW's xDrive system, which helps improve overall handling. Under typical operation, the system distributes power in a 40/60 front-to-rear split. However, when it detects wheel slippage, the system instantly shifts torque to wheels with the best traction, and sends up to 80 percent of torque to the rear axle in tight curves to keep the vehicle stable and on the road. The xDrive trims also include Hill Descent Control as a standard feature. Activated by a button on the center console, Hill Descent Control maintains the vehicle at a set, programmable speed on steep inclines.

The 7 Series receives a number of additional new features for 2010, including a Brake Energy Regeneration system, which helps reduce fuel consumption and improves overall engine efficiency. In a nutshell, the system controls the charging of the engine's battery. In typical powerplants, the battery recharges continually, pulling energy from the powerplant. In the 7 Series, the new Brake Energy Regeneration system manages this process, charging the battery only when the vehicle brakes and decelerates, which helps save energy, according to the automaker.

Finally, BMW adds a new M Sport Package for all 7 Series trims. The package includes such features as an M steering wheel, Shadowline trim, and an anthracite headliner inside, as well as a lift-reducing aerodynamic kit, Active Roll Stabilization, and 19-inch wheels with ultra-high-performance tires. Owners can also add 20-inch wheels at no additional cost.

A 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 drives all 7 Series sedans except the new 760Li. It also features BMW's high-precision injection system, and generates 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque for robust acceleration and performance. The V8 pairs to a six-speed automatic transmission with Normal, Sport, and Manual shift modes, and drives the sedan from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. When equipped with xDrive, the 7 Series is even faster, jumping from 0-60 in just 5 seconds flat.

As expected for BMW's flagship sedan, the 7 Series comes equipped with an extensive array of standard features, including Nappa leather upholstery, 20-way power-adjustable heated front Comfort seats with four-way lumbar support, high-gloss wood trim, a two-way power moonroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. A hard-drive-based navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic also comes standard. For entertainment, the 7 Series comes equipped with a 10-speaker, 205-watt AM/FM audio system with HD radio, a digital seven-channel amplifier, two subwoofers, and a 12-gigabyte hard drive with a USB port.

The 7 Series comes equipped with all the standard safety features, including a full range of airbags, stability control, traction control, brake control, and antilock brakes. In addition, owners can add such optional safety features as active blind spot detection, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a multicamera system, including rear-view and side-view cameras.