The most successful BMW 7 Series of all time, is ready to stride confidently into the second phase of its lifecycle.

Headlining the enhancements are two more powerful V8 engines. Driving dynamics and sporting performance are enriched for greater levels of satisfaction. Detail refinements to the exterior and interior bring even more driving enjoyment.

The sum of these changes raises the class benchmark still further, as the 2005 BMW 7 Series sets yet another new standard in luxury performance.

The natural elegance and charisma of the stand-out 7 Series has been enhanced with a subtle freshening to sharpen its visual appeal.

The biggest changes lie under the bonnet, with updated V8 engines given more capacity, for more power and even more electrifying responsiveness.

The 750i/Li designation makes its first appearance in the E65 standard wheelbase and E66 lengthened wheelbase 7 Series.

Previously the 750i badge indicated twelve silent running, highly muscular cylinders.

For 2005, the badge is applied to the new 4.8-litre capacity V8, marking the increase from 4.4-litres as fitted to the previous 745i/Li.

This delivers a mighty 270 kW of power at 6,300 rpm and 490 Nm of torque at 3,400 rpm, a not-insubstantial rise of 25 kW and 40 Nm of torque.

The new 750i/Li rockets to 100 km/h from rest in 5.9 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the 745i/Li, yet fuel consumption of the EU4/ULEV II compliant engine is unchanged.

The new 740i/Li designation now refers to the 4.0-litre capacity V8, replacing the 735i/Li in the range.

Output rises by 25 kW to 225 kW at 6,300 rpm and peak torque is 390 Nm at 3,500 rpm, up 30 Nm. The 740i/Li surges to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than before. Fuel consumption rises by the most insignificant of margins; 0.1-litres per 100 km.

As before, a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is standard on all models.

All engines excel through their high output per litre, their wide useful speed range, their "beefy" torque curve, excellent running refinement and moderate fuel consumption. The revised V8 engines remain remarkably abstemious, despite their exhilarating performance, a notable engineering feat. The superior and refined V8 engines utilise BMW advanced VALVETRONIC technology for a fully variable valve train.

Seated at the pinnacle of the BMW range is the 760i/Li with its majestic 6.0-litre V12 engine developing 327kW of power and a mountainous 600 Nm of torque. This model was introduced in 2003 and so the engine continues unchanged.

The state-of-the-art V12 engine employs a unique combination of direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC, four-valves per cylinder and double-VANOS. BMW VALVETRONIC technology ensures the V12 engine remains frugal, especially under part throttle, while direct fuel injection increases both torque and output.

BMW engine technology continues to reach for new horizons, with the introduction in 2005 of the 5.0-litre, 373kW, naturally aspirated V10 destined for use in the M5 and M6 supercars. The company’s internationally acclaimed straight six engines, led by the incomparable 3.2-litre 265 kW engine in the BMW M3 CSL, continue to thrill high performance addicts across the motoring world.

BMW engineers focus on a concept described internally as “Efficient Dynamics”.

This philosophy ensures that any increase in engine output and torque is matched by careful regard for consumption and emissions. Foremost in the minds of engineers are the goals of enhanced agility and an intensified driving experience.

Efficient Dynamics means consistently solving and eliminating conflicts of interest, since in conventional terms more power also means more fuel, more comfort means more weight, which again means more fuel and so on through a particularly vicious circle.
Another outstanding example is the intensive research on hydrogen drive BMW has been pursuing for decades, again contributing to the concept of efficient dynamics.

Indeed, a BMW 7 Series running on this environmentally friendly fuel will be introduced into the market in the next few years as a series production model.