Auto News - BMW 7-series gets xDrive AWD and new 740d model for 2010

Following its successful introduction into the market last year, the BMW 7-series is further expanding its position in 2010 with the launch of several new models and accessories. In addition to the new M Sport Package, which is available for all models in the 7-series range, both normal and extended wheelbase, the 2010 BMW 7-seires also gets optional xDrive AWD as well as a new 740d.

The BMW 740d, to be introduced in the third of the year in select markets, will for the first time feature a new straight-six diesel engine with BMW’s TwinPower direct-injection and twin-turbocharging technologies. The engine displaces 3.0L and produces a peak output of 306hp (225kW) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) of torque maintained consistently between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.

This enough to accelerate the car from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and see it easily reach its electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Despite the respectable performance, average fuel economy comes in at 34mpg (6.9L/100km) with CO2 emissions down around the 181g/km mark.

The existing 730d diesel model also gets BMW’s new BluePerformance exhaust particulate filtering system for 2010. As a result, the exhaust management reduces nitric oxides to the European emissions standard not coming into force until the introduction of EU6 in the year 2014. Fuel economy remains at 34.6mpg (6.8L/100km), while CO2 emissions are reduced to 178g/km.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive AWD will also be introduced in the 7 Series for the first time in the 2010 model year. It will initially be available for the 750i and 750Li models but is expected to filter across to other models over the course of the year.

Through a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, xDrive adjusts the amount of torque going to either axle depending on traction levels of all four wheels. In the process the operation of xDrive is also based on the steering angle pre-determined by the driver. While, when driving smoothly in a straight line, the front-to-rear power split is 40:60, up to 80% of the drive power goes to the rear axle in a bend. Then, when leaving the bend, the distribution of drive power returns to normal in the interest of maximum traction when accelerating again in a straight line.

New Car BMW releases new M Sport Package for 7-series

Up until the end of last year BMW was in the process of developing a brand new performance saloon positioned above the current 2009 7-series flagship and destined to enter the premium four-door coupe segment. Then the global economic crisis hit and on the back of weak financial results BMW decided not to risk the launch of such an expensive model. Instead, the automaker chose to focus on its existing 7-Series, in part with the new M Sport Package officially revealed today.

The M Sport Package includes the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface. New pieces include a BMW M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon-fiber trim is also available.

In combination with the M Sports Package, the customer also has the choice of exclusive paintwork in Carbon Black Metallic, apart from six other body colors all available as an option. Completing the look is a set of 19in M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design, or optional 20in units. And last but not least, the electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive also comes in the M Sports Package for the 7-series.

Other models in the BMW fleet available with an M Sport Package include the 1, 3, and 5-Series, as well as the X5, which you can read about in our previous story.

Sadly, it appears rumors of a high-performance M7 super-saloon have been proven unfounded as this new styling pack is only a minor upgrade to the standard car.

Hamann previews new performance kit for BMW’s 7-series

German tuner Hamann usually specialize in tuning exotic sports cars but occasionally the firm lends its expertise to more sedate segments in the car world. Now, Hamann has announced a tuning package for a car that fits into the latter, the 2009 BMW 7-series luxury sedan.

Details are still scarce, but images revealed by Hamann show some obvious aesthetic modifications to the exterior of the car, including custom side skirts, a rear spoiler on the boot and custom tailpipes. The interior has also been given an upgrade, with new aluminum sports pedals and custom seats and floormats bearing the Hamann logo.

No word has been given about what mechanical modifications are to come, but there are predictions that Hamann will tinker with the engine found in the current 750i model - the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 unit. Hamann is also expected to release an upgrade package for the upcoming 760i V12, although no timeline has been given for that model.

Nevertheless, the Hamann tuned 750i should be a cracker in terms of performance, as the tuning firm is not known for its restraint in this area. The previous iteration of a Hamann-tuned BMW 7-series featured a bored out 7.1L engine with 510hp (383kW) and a top speed just a few miles shy of 200mph. Until more details are announced, however, we can only speculate on what the tuner has in store for the new 2009 BMW 7-series.

BMW prices the new 7-series, raises prices across the board

The all-new BMW 7-series just made its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, and today BMW announced pricing for the 750i and 750Li models, which start at $81,125 and $85,025 respectively.

That represents an increase of $3,500 on the 750i and $4,300 for the 750Li, or about 5% each. The rest of BMW's lineup gets a much smaller price rise of about 0.7% starting in January 2009. The all-new 7-series is already in production and will be hitting U.S. dealership floors in Q1 2009.

BMW's recently launched 335d and xDrive35d are already reaching dealerships around the nation. As of January 1, 2009, the 335d will start at $43,900, or $3,600 more than the 335i. The X5 xDrive35d will share a similar price gap from the xDrive30i model, at $51,200 or $3,700 more. The popular 135i coupe will start at $35,850.