New Car Profile of the 2004 BMW 7-Series Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Description: Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $69,300-$117,200
Invoice Price Range: $63,225-$106,810

The full-size luxury/performance sedans of BMW for 2004 include three issues -- 745i, 745Li and 760Li. The 745i is the V8-power volume model with a standard-length wheelbase, while the 745Li is a stretched version with more rear-seat room and the 760Li caps this series with the extended wheelbase and a 12-cylinder engine. The 6.0-liter aluminum V12 develops 408 hp and features BMW's Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. The 745i edition and stretched 745Li draw from BMW's 4.4-liter V8 rated at 333 hp. Both engines mate with a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission that brings shift-by-wire technology through selector controls mounted behind the steering wheel.

A spacious cabin, lined with fine leather and trimmed in rich hardwoods, has a simplified dash design oriented around a center-mounted terminal display and a round joystick-style controller mounted at the front end of the center console's padded armrest. The rotary joystick in a system called iDrive accesses various car controls as well as climate, navigation, audio and communication equipment.

Platform for the 7-Series cradles an aluminum suspension with computerized active roll stabilization. Extensive safety measures also apply, like BMW's inflatable Head Protection System (HPS) for front and rear passengers, active head restraints, even inflatable air bags for knees of front-seat riders. This year, new multi-spoke alloy wheels replace last year's double-spoke design as the standard set and the AHC adaptive headlamp control system become a new option along with Sirius satellite radio service.