The biturbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 feels just right in this sort of big-car application, delivering plenty of thrust across the rev range. It’s paired with a right-there gearbox, that while a little low on involvement, gives unobtrusive performance. Truly a fun car, that just happens to be big.
This car is good. I mean really good. As in, it’s so good that, were it my money, I’d have a very difficult time picking up any other 7-Series over this. Unlike the biturbocharged V-8 or V-12, the 740i is powered by a single-turbo straight-six, also found in the 1-, 3-, and 5-Series models (among others). In this particular application, it produces 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.
If you’ve ever wanted a 7-Series from BMW’s M division, this is the closest you’ll get. And while a factory-fresh M7 would be pretty cool, we’d much rather have this Alpina-tuned version. It looks excellent and isn’t like anything else on the road — we’re eagerly awaiting our first drive.
BMW recently introduced its ActiveHybrid X6, the crossover that uses a powerful dual-mode hybrid system to improve city and highway fuel economy. Most recently at the LA Auto Show, the U.S. version of the ActiveHybrid 7-Series appeared in something other than a press release
The BMW 7-Series is already a pretty potent performer with either the twin-turbo V-8 (750i) or the range-topping V-12 (760i). But a new report shows that BMW will be adding six-cylinder power to the 7 lineup in 2011, by way of the 740i and 740iL sedans.