Garmin nuvi 7×5 series with lane assist, 3-D buildings and lifetime traffic

UPDATE: Read my hands on Garmin nuvi 755T review and Garmin nuvi 775T review. I’ve also posted pages on the nuvi 765T and nuvi 785T.

Garmin is announcing the nuvi 7×5 series today, adding “lane assist,” a feature already found on some TomTom and Navigon devices. Some areas will also include a 3-D transparent view of buildings.

The nüvi 755T, 765T and 775T models will include lifetime traffic from NAVTEQ. The 785T will have an MSN Direct receiver with a trial subscription; I’m a little surprised at that, since there is already a lifetime MSN subscription available (or at least there has been in the past).

If all this sounds a lot like the new Navigon 7200T that was just announced, you’re not the only one thinking that. As I’ve said before, Garmin doesn’t innovate that much, yet when they do add a feature, they usually nail it. Witness the nuvi 800 series voice recognition system for example.

Garmin nuvi 7×5 models include the following:

• Garmin nuvi 755T – MSRP $499.99
• Garmin nuvi 765T – adds stereo Bluetooth, MSRP $599.99
• Garmin nuvi 775T – adds maps of Europe, MSRP $799.99
• Garmin nuvi 785T – adds MSN Direct, MSRP $699.99

All four models are listed as being available in the 3rd quarter, so we should see them pretty soon.

Related post:

• Garmin nuvi 785T review