2010 BMW 7-series receives M Sport Package, xDrive and new 740d

The BMW 7-series is a great success since its introduction last year. Now good news is BMW will be offering a bevy of new features for the 2010 BMW 7-Series, including the new M Sport Package, xDrive AWD as well as a new 740d.
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. The new pack offers the exclusive paintwork in Carbon Black Metallic, apart from the already-offered six 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. BMW Dynamic Drive, leather sports seats, and anthracite roof liner are also included. Incidentally, the 1, 3, and 5-Series, as well as the X5 are also available with the M Sport Package.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive AWD will also be introduced in the 7 Series for the first time in the 2010 model year. Already available on the 3er, 5er, and X models, xDrive will be mounted to the V8 powered 750i and 750Li. xDrive is an electronically controlled system that will spread out 407 horsepower across each wheel at appropriate points. Front-to-rear power will be split at 40:60, but in turns the xDrive sends as much as 80% of available power to the rear axle. The xDrive AWD 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.

The automaker plans to introduce the BMW 740d in the fall, which will feature a brand new straight-six diesel engine. The all-aluminum engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, and produces a maximum 306 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. BMW reports a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite the respectable performance, average fuel economy comes in at 34mpg (6.9L/100km) with CO2 emissions down around the 181g/km mark.

In a press release, BMW claims these figures to be best in class. This latest engine means the 7-Series may be purchased with one of either three petrol units or two diesel engines. The other diesel engine is a 245 hp six cylinder, available on the 730d. BMW says they will retune this engine to provide better fuel economy by 2010.