THREE YEARS AFTER its debut BMW has announced the first details of a mid-life revision of the 7 Series, due for launch in spring 2005. Receiving a range of new engines, interior fine-tuning, dynamic developments and exterior styling enhancements, the new 7 Series promises to build on the global success of the car that broke the mould and set a new agenda in the luxury sector.

BMW Great Britain’s Managing Director, Jim O’Donnell, commented, "At its UK launch in 2002, the 7 Series marked a radical departure from traditional, conservative luxury car design. While some in the media questioned the styling, customers were clearly attracted to its uniqueness and driving dynamics and the car has become the best-selling 7 Series ever. I am confident that the new engine range and subtle refinements will ensure the new 7 Series continues this success in the years to come."

The 745i is currently the world’s best selling 7 Series model. This model now becomes the BMW 750i, featuring an all-new 4,799cc engine. Delivering 362bhp at 6,300rpm and 490Nm at 3,400, the zero to 62mph sprint is dispatched in a sports car-like 5.9 seconds. Despite this power hike, the 750i achieves 24.8mpg on the combined cycle.

The pinnacle of the 7 Series range continues to be the 760i, with its 5,972cc V12 engine delivering 445bhp at 6,000rpm and 600Nm of torque at 3,950rpm. This ensures that the car achieves a zero to 62mph time of 5.5 seconds - only 0.3 seconds longer than the high-performance M3 Coupé, a car that weighs 595kg less.