BMW Faqs

The most convenient work that has gone into the 2006 7-series can be found on the outside. There is a new hood that is about an inch higher around the windshield. It slopes at a greater angle into a larger grille that better lines up with the new, more conventionally shaped headlights. Throw in the new front bumper, and the car looks sportier, less imposing, and more graceful then before.

Along the sides a more pronounced rocker panel lends some length and reduces the visual heft of the sedan. Alterations to the much maligned rear end extend the taillights into the trunklid, and a new bumper tapers inward from the side to expose more of the rear tires. The changes have a slimming effect that makes the 7-series appear more aggressive. Park last year’s 7 next to the new car, and the previous model looks like it slipped out of the studio unfinished. We’re happier with the fresh skin, but the real joy for enthusiasts is under the hood.

An extra 401cc brings the engine up to 4.8 liters and 362 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. Aside from some minor intake modifications, this is the same engine introduced in the ’04 X5 4.8is SUV, and it growls more menacingly than the outgoing 4.4-liter. The jump in power is noticeable at all speeds and especially if you’re partial to accelerating from 100 to 130 mph. (The 760 models get the styling tweaks but keep their 438-hp V-12.)

Compared with the work done on the exterior, interior changes are quite minor. A few trim pieces are now lighter in color, and the iDrive knob is a little less antiseptic with its new leather cap. Put the knob to use, and you’ll find that, although the menus for selecting the various functions are the same, the primary difference is that submenu choices are easier to negotiate because all selections can be accessed by merely turning the iDrive controller. You used to have to push the knob up or down, left or right to access sub-submenus.