The Differences Between a BMW 740i and 740Li

BMW's 7 Series vehicles are the German automaker's lineup of sports sedan that includes the 740, 750 and 760 models. In 2009, the 7 Series underwent a full redesign. According to Edmunds, the changes made for the 2009 model year effectively "exorcised most of the demons out of its iconic 7 Series." The 740 comes with the "i" and "Li" designations.

Wheels

Tire dimensions are the same in both the 740i and 740Li. Both accept 245/50/R18Y size tires in the front and rear. It has 8J x 18 light alloy wheels in the front and rear.

Engine

The engine of the BMW 740 is an inline six-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder. It has a stroke of 3.53 inches and a bore of 3.31 inches. The maximum output is 326 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 332 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.

Transmission

All BMW 7 Series sedans come with an automatic transmission.

Weight

The weights of the 740i and 740Li are 4,265 pounds and 4,343 pounds, respectively. The permitted load values are 1,422 pounds and 1,389 pounds, respectively.

Performance

Both models have a top speed of 155 miles per hour. The 740i goes from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the 740Li takes 6.0 seconds to reach 60 mph. The 740i and 740Li can cover 3,280 feet (1 km) in 25.5 seconds and 25.8 seconds, respectively.

Fuel

Fuel consumption is estimated at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for the 740i, and it's 16.8 mpg in the city and 24.5 mpg on the highway for the 740Li.

Length

The main difference between the 740i and 740Li from a marketing and consumer utility perspective is that the Li is 5.5 inches longer. BMW claims that "all of this is used to increase space and comfort in the rear." Furthermore, BMW states, "The interior (of the Li) is the most generously sized in the luxury sedan class." The Li rear doors are larger, and the roofline and C-pillar have been redesigned to provide additional headroom.

Price

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $70,650 for the 2011 BMW 740i and $75,050 for the 2011 BMW 740Li. These prices are without any optional equipment.