BMW 7 Series

Since its introduction for the 1978 model year, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It's the BMW 7 Series flagship, and this full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan has always represented the pinnacle of technology and luxury accoutrements in the German automaker's lineup. As such, it's an obvious choice for wealthy car buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige.

There's a fair amount of competition even in this elite vehicle class, but the BMW 7 Series sedan's athletic handling dynamics have long set it apart, starting with the early 733s and carrying through to the five present-day BMW 7 Series models. While other manufacturers have been content to build high-end sedans with soft, serene rides, BMW 7 Series engineers its 7s to engage their drivers on an emotional level. There are a few recent contenders that have gone after this emotional engagement, but the BMW 7 Series remains a prime luxury sedan for people who like to drive.

BMW 7 Series

There are five models available. The BMW 7 Series 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The BMW 7 Series 750i and 750Li feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. BMW 7 Series six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, and all-wheel drive (denoted with the moniker xDrive) is optional for the 750 models. The final model, the BMW 7 Series 760Li, features a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. It is rear-drive only, and an eight-speed automatic is standard.
As BMW's flagship, the BMW 7 Series represents the pinnacle of the company's automotive know-how. It boasts a handsome, spacious interior and superior comfort, with supple leather and rich wood accents adorning almost every surface. Highly adjustable front seats ensure comfort for virtually every body type. The BMW 7 Series also showcases a wealth of high-tech luxury features such as a night-vision camera and sideview cameras. Some may still find the iDrive electronics interface system a bit complicated, but with use over time, we think the improved layout is an elegant solution to a button-heavy dashboard.
The 7 Series provides limolike interior room -- especially in Li form -- yet still remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess. The "Dynamic Driving Control" system contributes to this status, featuring four different settings that alter the driving characteristics of the car. It's complicated and we'd bet good money most folks will leave it on "Normal," but it should reward an owner who likes to customize his car to his own driving tastes.
There are many worthy choices in this illustrious car segment, but the BMW 7 Series is one of the most appealing.

BMW 7 Series

There have been five generations of the BMW 7 Series. The current BMW 7 Series was completely redesigned for 2009. In that first year, it could only be had as the 750i and 750Li models with rear-wheel drive. Compared to the previous model, it is considered significantly more visually pleasing. The bodywork is tauter and the trunk lid has a slimmer look. The interior is also more traditional in design (the gear selector is now on the center console rather than the steering column) and the iDrive electronics interface is vastly improved versus past editions. The BMW 7 Series 760Li arrived for 2010, while the 740i debuted the following year, becoming the first six-cylinder-powered 7 Series in 20 years.
The previous-generation BMW 7 Series was produced from 2002-'08 and was by far the most radical version of the nameplate. Traditional exterior styling cues from the previous 25 years were largely abandoned in favor of a more aggressive, avant-garde design. The car was still recognizable as a BMW 7 Series, but many purists found the look abrasive. A refresh for 2006 smoothed out some of the harsher elements, but it's still a stretch to call this car beautiful, whether in standard-wheelbase BMW 7 Series 750i form or long-wheelbase 750Li and 760Li form (it was previously known as iL).
With the exception of 2002 when only a V8 was offered, the fourth-generation BMW 7 Series lineup always included sophisticated eight- and 12-cylinder engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 745i and 745Li sold from 2002-'05 were equipped with a 325-hp 4.4-liter V8, while the 750i and 750Li that succeeded them had a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. The BMW 7 Series 750s were slightly heavier, so performance was about the same as for the 745s.
Offered continuously from 2003, the BMW 7 Series 760Li had a 6.0-liter V12 capable of 438 hp. Unlike the V8s, which are eager to rev, the V12 delivers a massive wave of thrust as soon as you nudge the accelerator pedal. BMW 7 Series offered a short-wheelbase 760i from 2004-'06.