The Ercole Spada-designed 7 Series had its American debut in the 1988 model year, despite the vehicle had made its European debut the year before. With gorgeously revised and modernized style that would carry the large Bimmer into the 1990s, the E32 7 Series was yet another significant advancement. Although the base 735i was powered by BMW’s venerable M30 3.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine, the second-generation 7 Series also had a brand-new 300-hp, 5.0-liter V-12 engine in the 750iL, a new long-wheelbase model that provided rear-seat passengers with nearly five inches more legroom. Around 1991, a mid-life update added new 4.0-liter V-8 engine, improved Xenon headlights, and a five-speed ZF automatic transmission. On some versions, a five-speed manual transmission was still an option. Sales statistics increased as well-to-do customers began to seriously consider BMW alongside Mercedes-Benz.
The third generation of the 7 Series, which debuted for the 1995 model year, was a victory if the second generation was a success. Although changes in styling could be viewed as evolutionary, the actual alterations were more significant. The redesigned suspension was heavily dependent on aluminum and featured a new multi-link rear system. The unibody chassis was a stunning 70% stiffer than the prior vehicle. This 7 Series was therefore far superior to its forerunners in terms of handling, comfort, and performance. The 740i was the final 7 Series model to be produced with a traditional manual six-speed transmission. It had the original 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which was now rated at 282 horsepower. The 750i was still offered in short and extended wheelbases and now produced 322 hp from 5.4 liters. This was the first 7 Series to provide options for a diesel engine, stability control, and satellite-based navigation. Film enthusiasts will recall James Bond remotely driving a 750iL from the back seat in Tomorrow Never Dies.
If there’s one thing the fourth-generation BMW 7 Series is known for, it’s the contentious aesthetic of former BMW design boss Chris Bangle. The 2002 E65 7 Series was a step up in comfort, luxury features, and size, however it was unquestionably not as sleek and attractive as the model it succeeded. This 7 Series, which was almost two inches longer and higher than the previous generation, was also the first to use BMW’s revolutionary iDrive infotainment system with a rotary control dial. The 4.4-liter V-8 engine in the 745i produced 325 horsepower at launch, while the 6.0-liter V-12 in the 760i produced 438 horsepower. In 2003, a 750i with a 360-hp 4.8-liter V-8 replaced the 740i, and a new six-speed automatic was released. A short-lived Hydrogen 7 model included hydrogen fuel cell technology; a redesign in 2006 somewhat improved the sedan’s ungainly look.
In This Article...
the 7 Series
The 7 Series, the company’s flagship sedan, is the pinnacle of luxury for the German automaker. The 1998 BMW 7 Series was available with a wheelbase length of 115 inches and 121 inches, and it could be powered by a V-8 or a V-12 engine. The 4.4-liter V-8 engine in the 740i and 740iL produced 282 horsepower, while the 5.4-liter V-12 engine in the 750iL produced 326 horsepower. Dynamic Stability Control was made a standard feature on all sedan models in 1998. The BMW 7 Series vehicles with larger wheelbases gave the back passenger nearly five inches more legroom. The BMW 7 Series was given what may have been the most divisive styling the German automaker had ever shown on a production vehicle in 2002.
A makeover for the 2006 model year tamed the aggressive look of the 2002 BMW 7 Series Values sedan. The 2002 model year 7 Series introduced the iDrive electronic controller in addition to the unusual BMW design. The iDrive controller was first unpopular but has improved over the years. A 4.4-liter V-8 or a 6.0-liter V-12, both with 438 horsepower and cutting-edge features like Valvetronic and double-VANOS, provided the power for the 2002 model. The 4.8-liter V-8-powered 750i model took the place of the 745i for the 2006 model year. It has 360 horsepower.
2008 saw the release of the ALPINA B7, a 500 horsepower 4.8-liter engine-powered high-performance 7 Series vehicle marketed only via BMW retailers. Complete redesigning of the 2009 BMW 7 Series resulted in improvements across the opulent sedan, including a new suspension system. The 2009 BMW 7 Series was powered by a direct-injection, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine with 400 horsepower. In 2010, a new V-12 engine with all-wheel drive and 535 horsepower was added to the lineup of BMW 7 Series vehicles. In 2011, a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine and a hybrid version were added to the list of available powertrains. In 2013, minor styling changes were made to accommodate LED headlights and better driving systems.
Overview
An completely new version of the 7-series, long BMW’s flagship sedan and the brand’s most luxury and innovative product, has launched for the 2023 model year. The basic design remains mostly unchanged from the present model: powertrain options include a twin-turbo V-8 and an inline-six turbocharged engine, with a plug-in hybrid joining the lineup later. We discovered that the 7-series truly floats down the road on our initial test drive. Thanks to certain modifications to the chassis and suspension, including a new rear-wheel steering system, it handles a touch more nimbly than the 2022 vehicle. The car’s standout feature is an optional 31.3-inch rear entertainment display called Theater Screen that drops from the ceiling and streams TV and movies using the onboard Wi-Fi connection. Its driver-assistance technology offers a semi-autonomous driving mode for highway slogs.
spy images and video of the redesigned flagship car, the BMW 7-Series
New prototypes for the BMW 7-Series have been sighted in the works. Later this year, as a 2023 model, the seventh-generation flagship is scheduled to make its premiere.
Previously, we showed you spy images of the upcoming i7 battery-electric model. The most recent prototypes are for internal-combustion engine-equipped variations, one of which is a plug-in hybrid.
The prototypes’ finer elements, such as the lighting, grille, and C-pillars, are carefully concealed. It’s interesting to note that the headlights have a split design, which was first shown on the previous BMW Concept XM and will also be seen on the production version this year. In some of the images, we can even see how the production-spec wheels and tailpipes are made.
There are also rearward-facing cameras fitted to each of the front fenders in some of the pictures, and the front grille also has additional cameras and sensors. These are probably going to support upcoming driver-assist functions as well as a Level 3 autonomous driving system according to the SAE scale.
Level 3 refers to a vehicle that, under some circumstances, may drive itself, allowing the driver to release the wheel and, in some cases, to briefly look away from the road. It nevertheless necessitates that the driver be prepared to regain control at any time.
Additionally, you’ll see that, like on the contemporary 7-Series, the top of the grille has been entirely covered and now actually sits higher than the headlights. In the crucial Chinese market, the large grille theme is very common.
An improved version of the current generation’s CLAR platform, which supports a variety of engine types, including battery-electric powertrains as we’ll see in the i7, serves as the foundation for the redesigned 7-Series. All-wheel steering, which the rival Mercedes-Benz S-Class added for its redesign in 2021, is an additional significant feature.
Every model in the portfolio should have some level of electrification, thus in addition to plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, mild hybrids are expected to be offered. A mild hybrid V-8 engine is a sure thing, but a V-12 won’t be available any more. With an upcoming special edition of the current 7-Series, BMW will send the V-12 adieu.
The interior of the revamped 7-Series should have fresh design ideas. The inside of the battery-powered BMW iX SUV from 2022 may provide us a glimpse as to some of the components we may anticipate, such as floating screens for the entertainment center and digital instrument cluster. Remain tuned.
The BMW 7 Series Through the Years in Design History
The initial BMW 7 Series debuted in the late 1970s. It was a car of many firsts for BMW when it made its debut. This BMW was the first to use anti-lock brakes, an on-board computer system, and a double-link front suspension system. The BMW 7 Series is now, more than 40 years later, essentially a moving computer with leather seats. Since its inception, the 7 Series has seen many changes, but its design has undergone the most significant transformation.
The 7 Series was larger than the rest of the Bavarian series when it made its introduction in 1977, but it is essentially a small car by today’s standards. The new 7er’s kidney grilles are now almost as large as the complete front end of the old vehicle. However, there was no abrupt shift in its design. It required years of gradual growth, increasing bigger with each passing year. Therefore, we decided that it would be a good idea to look at the development of the 7er’s design over time.
BMW redesigned the 7 Series when?
For the 2023 model year, the 7-series has undergone a thorough redesign and now boasts an even plusher interior, more cutting-edge technology, and more daring external flair.
Has BMW discontinued the 7 Series?
Darren Brady In 2023, BMW will replace its sixth-generation 7 Series, which has been on the market for seven years, with a completely new premium sedan. The new 7 Series is fully equipped with technology and sports BMW’s newest design language, which previews BMWs to come.
Is a new BMW 7 Series on the way?
The new BMW 7 Series’s world premiere in April 2022 and its global market debut beginning in November 2022 are the brand’s major turning points in its current model assault in the premium market. drive system range tailored to specific markets, prestigious production facility
What kind of engine is in a BMW 7 Series?
4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine with 523 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 627 pound-feet of torque and 600 horsepower twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 engine producing 627 pound-feet of torque and 600 horsepower
The BMW 7 Series is dependable.
The reliability of the BMW 7 Series? The anticipated reliability rating for the 2022 BMW 7 Series is 83 out of 100. J.D. Power predicts that reliability scores will range from 91 to 100, with 91 to 100 being the best, 81 to 90 being great, 70 to 80 being medium, and 0-69 being fair and below average.
What model of BMW is the top-of-the-line 7 Series?
The BMW G70 7 Series and i7 have recently been presented and have generated a lot of controversy, with some admiring and others detesting the exterior appearance. In any case, the new G70 will be a tech-fest of entertainment and driver assistance features. The addition of a totally electric model, Cashmere seats, and the incredibly large Theater Screen for the back passengers are among the highlights of the show.
A 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and two 3.0-liter i6 engines are available in the US. The ‘e’ suffixed versions of the internal combustion 7 Series are true hybrids, while all versions will have mild hybrid systems. The M760e, which features a 3.0-liter inline-6 and a number of electric motors that together create 571 hp, will be the top-of-the-line model (for the time being). Although the i7 xDrive60’s two motors will offer a total output of 544 horsepower, BMW has stated that the i7 M70 high-performance model will have 660 horsepower. In terms of flagship models, the new G70 7 Series and i7 look to be the greatest to date.