Facts & Figures
Exterior Dimensions
Cargo Measurement
Fuel
Facts & Figures
Exterior Dimensions
Cargo Measurement
Fuel
Reliability History Reliability History
Trouble
Spots
Trouble
Spots
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTS
72 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS
!
RECOMMENDED
1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BETTER
!!
BMW i3
BMW’s electric four-seat hatchback has rear-hinged back doors.
The interior is striking in its simplicity and style. The electric
motor produces the equivalent of 170 hp, which makes this tall,
narrow car feel quick. The optional two-cylinder engine acts as an
onboard generator to extend the range beyond the typical 150 miles
to about 200 miles total. Charge times were about 5.5 hours with a
240-volt connection. The i3 is very energy-efficient when running on
electric power but not so fuel-efficient when using the gas engine.
Despite its tall stance, the i3 is very agile and easy to maneuver, but
the ride is quite firm. The sudden deceleration when lifting off the
accelerator pedal takes some getting used to. A more powerful 181-hp
i3s version is available.
Overall Score 70
Predicted Reliability 05
Owner Satisfaction 03
Road-Test Score 70
Front-Crash Prevention Opt.
Base Price: $44,450-$51,500
Body Styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim Lines: Deka, Giga, Mega, s, Tera
Drive Wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 0.7-liter 2 electric (170 hp);
0.7-liter 2 electric (181 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
Length (in.)..................... 157
Width (in.) ......................70
Height (in.) ......................62
Wheelbase (in.) .................101
Weight (lb.) .................. 3,140
% weight front/rear ...........45/55
Max. Load (lb.) ................ 650
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 12
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NR
Premium
CR overall mpg ................. 113
Much better than
average
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BMW 7 Series
Among ultra-luxury sedans, the BMW 7 Series has always played
second fiddle to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the current
7 aced our tests, with an impressively steady ride, a silky-smooth
powertrain, good handling, and a sumptuous cabin. The base 740i
is powered by a 3.0-liter, turbo six-cylinder engine. Our 750i, with
the polished and punchy 445-hp, 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 and all-
wheel drive, rang in at $110,645. Although the controls have a steep
learning curve, they prove to be logical once mastered. The luxuri-
ous interior is super-quiet, with impeccable attention to detail and
supremely comfortable seats. Interior quality is superb, with the
wood, leather, suede, and aluminum trim delivering a modern ambi-
ence without looking glitzy.
Overall Score 87
Predicted Reliability 03
Owner Satisfaction 04
Road-Test Score 99
Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 04
Base Price: $83,650-$156,700
Body Styles: sedan
Trim Lines: 740e, 740i, 750i, Alpina
B7, M760i
Drive Wheels: Rear, AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 hybrid (322 hp);
3.0-liter 6 turbo (320 hp); 4.4-liter
V8 turbo (445, 600 hp); 6.6-liter V12
turbo (601 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic
Length (in.).................... .207
Width (in.) ......................75
Height (in.) ......................58
Wheelbase (in.) .................126
Weight (lb.) .................. 4,710
% weight front/rear ...........54/46
Max. Load (lb.) ................ 960
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 18
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NR
Premium
CR overall mpg ..................21 Average
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