BMW Offers 7 Series in a Performance Version

BMW has introduced its new 2004 760i at the Chicago Auto Show, describing it as the ultimate-performance version of the award-winning 745i. Starting where the 745i leaves off, the 760i adds the 6.0-liter V-12 engine of the 760Li, 20-inch double-spoke performance wheels, and an assortment of new features. This is the first time a short-wheelbase 7 Series has been available in the United States with a 12-cylinder engine, and it will retail for an MSRP of $110,495, including destination and handling.

The V-12 powering the new 760i is the same direct-injection powerplant offered in the 760Li; it delivers 438 horsepower and 444 lb-ft. of torque from its 6.0-liter displacement, four overhead camshafts, and four valves per cylinder. Its 12 cylinders are arranged in a 60-degree vee of two cylinder banks carefully balanced to provide smooth acceleration to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Like all 7 Series models, the 760i comes standard with an advanced Steptronic six-speed automatic, which allows the driver to shift using buttons on the sport steering wheel to select whatever gear is desired for more hands-on driving. Other features of this lightweight and compact premium unit include Mechatronic controls, which combine hydraulic and mechanical elements and reduce external wiring, and Standby Control, which reduces fuel consumption and the tendency to creep during idling in gear, and an electric driver interface.

The double-spoke performance wheels (9x20-inch front, 10x20-inch rear) are mated to 245/40 R20 front and 275/35 R20 rear performance tires selected to provide sure-footed grip all the way up to the sedan's maximum speed of 149 mph.

The 760i contains numerous features that are either optional or not available on the 745i, such as self-leveling rear suspension, electronic damping control (EDC), sport steering wheel with Steptronic controls, 20-way front Comfort Seats with Active Support and Active Ventilation, seat heating in front and rear seats, Logic-7 premium Hi-Fi system with six-CD changer, optional pearl leather sport seats (no charge), and high-gloss dark-wood trim, along with a "V12" logo on the front side panels and wider front grille surrounds.

Additional features found on all BMW 7 Series models are Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic auto-leveling, park-distance control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, DVD-based navigation, hands-free integrated cell phone, ventilated disc brakes (13.6 in. at the front and 13.7 in. at the rear), Active Roll Stabilization, Variable-ratio, variable-assist, rack-and-pinion Servotronic power steering, self-leveling rear suspension, soft-close trunk-lid, as well as Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).