The BMW 7 Series Overview

As the class leader in performance and handling, it's easy to imagine the new 7 extending that lead based solely on previous generations. New features such as a multi-link front suspension (the first on a BMW sedan), Dynamic Damping Control, Driving Dynamics Control, and optional Integral Active Steering as part of the Sport Package, coupled with existing features such as Active Roll Stabilization, ensure a chassis that will easily surpass the ride and handling standards set by its predecessor. Now, BMW has expanded the choice of power plants and drive trains available with the twin-turbo 750i and 750Li in both rear-wheel drive and xDrive configurations and the twin-turbo V-12 760Li.

Added to this superlative package is a wealth of comfort and convenience features, several of them new to the class. A new camera package adds a rear view camera and two front side view cameras for maneuvering in tight spaces. The navigation system adds an 8 GB music collection, plus BMW Search and MyInfo, which bring internet search and email connectivity to the ultra-luxury class. Other existing features also add new capabilities: Active Cruise Control now includes Frontal Collision Warning, Night Vision now provides Pedestrian Detection, and the completely redesigned iDrive system now includes Direct Access Buttons as well as an all-new interface and vivid, 10.2-inch high-resolution display.

All in all, the new 7 Series represents an astonishing performance - and that's true even before it ever turns a wheel!

The Audi A8 Overview

All new in 2004, the A8 garnered praise for its interior design and materials, direct-injection 8- and 12-cylinder engines and a much improved all-wheel-drive chassis with adaptive air suspension. With standard 6-speed automatic, quattro AWD, 18-inch wheels and a 350-hp 4.2-liter direct-injection V-8, the A8 and long-wheelbase A8L 4.2 are unchanged for 2009. Also available is the A8L W12, which features a 450-hp W-12 and a base price over $120,000. As in the past, the A8 and A8L both sport an all-aluminum chassis, though their overall weight is only marginally lower than the new 7 Series - less than 160 pounds in both short- and long-wheelbase examples, despite the fact that the A8 is also a slightly smaller car overall.

Due for replacement within the next year, the current A8 ($74,875 with destination) and A8L ($78,725 with destination) both include an expanded complement of luxury items for '09: leather interior, navigation with Audi's MMI control system, 12-speaker Bose stereo, 16-way power front seats, front and rear heated seats, sunshades, Advanced Key (similar to Comfort Access), Bluetooth and satellite radio. Audi has earned a reputation for excellent interior fit and finish, in part because of this car. Safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain-type head airbags and auxiliary knee airbags. Rear side-impact airbags are optional. The A8L also includes 4-zone climate control, an option on the SWB A8.

 

BMW vs. Audi

 

What BMW offers…

• BMW's twin-turbo V-8 produces 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque and offers a wider powerband (1800-5400 rpm) than Audi's normally aspirated V-8.
• The new 750i is quicker 0-60 mph, at 5.1 seconds.
• BMW includes far larger disc brakes: 14.7-inch front with 14.5-inch rear.
• The 750i front seats are 20-way adjustable, with standard heat and available Active Ventilation.
• BMW's Night Vision includes Pedestrian Detection as an additional safety measure.
• The 7 Series' driver-selectable Driving Dynamic Control offers four settings - Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ - which alter shift programming, throttle response, shock damping and, with the Sport Package, steering assist and ARS response.
• Integral Active Steering provides a widely variable steering ratio and rear wheel steering for maneuverability and great road feel, as well as a 37.7-ft. turning circle.
• An xDrive version of 750i and 750Li due in Fall 2009.
• BMW's Head-up Display places a customized, virtual instrument panel directly in the driver's line of sight.
• 4-Zone Climate Control is standard on the 750i and 750Li.
• BMW's 2nd-generation iDrive offers a completely revised, highly intuitive interface, 10.2-inch color monitor, and quick-access buttons.
• With BMW's hard-drive based navigation, the 7 Series adds Real Time Traffic Info, 2nd-generation iDrive, CD-ripping capability, MyInfo and BMW Search.
• iDrive also provides eight enhanced Programmable Memory Keys for the ultimate in convenience.
• BMW offers a dual-screen Rear Entertainment Package as a factory stand-alone option.
• The 750i and 750Li both offer more headroom, more shoulder room and more rear legroom than the corresponding A8 model.
• The 7 Series Camera Package includes Rearview and Side View Cameras, The unique side view system places a pair of wide-angle cameras ahead of the front wheels, giving a view of approaching traffic on busy cross streets.
• The 750i and 750Li come standard with run-flat tires.
• BMW's 4 year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty
• 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

What Audi doesn’t…

• Audi's 4.2-liter V-8 produces significantly less horsepower (350) and torque (325 lb-ft), with a much narrower powerband - torque peaks at 3500 rpm.
• The Audi requires 5.9 seconds to reach 60 mph.
• Audis disc brakes are much smaller, with 14.2-inch fronts paired with 12.2-inch rear.
• Audi's standard seats offer standard heating front and rear, but the fronts are only 16-way adjustable.
• Audi has nothing like Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection.
• The A8's Fully Pneumatic Suspension System offers four settings - Dynamic, Comfort, Lift and Automatic - but the adjustments affect suspension response only. There are no other adjustments to the chassis dynamics or steering response.
• Audi's A8 has nothing similar to BMW's Integral Active Steering feature, and has a 41-ft. turning circle (41.7 for the A8L).
• Audi's A8 includes standard quattro AWD.
• Audi places a second LCD screen in the instrument panel, but has nothing like BMW's Head-up Display.
• Audi includes 4-Zone climate control as standard only on the A8L; it's extra-cost on the A8.
• Audi's MMI system features only a 7-inch display, and its access isn't as intuitive as the second-generation iDrive.
• Audi's older-generation system still uses a DVD data base, with no onboard memory, no Music Collection, no CD-ripping nor any of the other features of the BMW.
• Audi's system also has nothing like BMW's Programmable Memory Keys.
• Audi offers a factory-fitted rear entertainment system only on the $120,000 A8L W12.
• Audi's A8 and A8L have less headroom, less shoulder room and less rear legroom than the corresponding 7 Series model.
• The A8 includes a rearview camera as part of its standard Audi Parking System, but offers nothing comparable to BMW's side-view camera features.
• Audi doesn't offer run-flat tires.
• 4 year/50,000-mile, but no maintenance included
• 4 year/50,000 miles corrosion warranty does not match the 12 year/unlimited coverage with BMW

Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.

"... The great 5 Series cars of the past have offered almost as much luxury as the 7 Series but at a more manageable and sportier size.

This latest iteration may have gained some weight, but it has also gained in refinement.

And, despite the added mass, the sporty dynamics that have made the 5 Series the sports car of its segment remain intact." Car and Driver

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.