Here’s how all the past 7 Series iterations compare, while we excitedly await the arrival of the new, electric BMW i7.
Since its debut in 1977, the BMW 7 Series has been the German company’s most opulent sedan. Since the 7 Series E23, the vehicle has advanced significantly in terms of technology with each new iteration.
Over the years, a variety of engines, including inline-4s, straight-6s, V8s, and V12s, both normally aspirated and turbocharged, have been used to power the 7 Series. Over the years, the model also received numerous additional safety features as well as entertainment and driver assistance innovations that were first in the globe. The appearance has changed from sticking to the standard BMW design language, as it did with the E38, to contentious features that the E65 tested the market with. Despite being more fun and sportier to drive, BMW has consistently kept up with the Mercedes S-Class, the market leader in the luxury executive sedan sector.
With the introduction of the G70 7 Series and i7, the 7 Series has entered its seventh generation and marks the first time the model will be entirely electrified. So, before the i7 completely steals the show, here is a ranking of every BMW 7 Series iteration.
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BMW 7 Series’ best year
One of BMW’s most well-liked sedan series, the BMW 7, has had numerous years of popularity. What year, though, is ideal for the BMW 7 series?
If you’re looking for a luxury sedan, the BMW 7 Series, the company’s flagship model, is a fantastic option. BMW is one of the most well-known automakers in the world. Prior to 2010, models were more concentrated on the car’s sporty performance. However, you might have to forego a few essential qualities since the more luxurious and comfortable newer models.
2017 is the ideal year for the BMW 7 Series. This vehicle offered outstanding performance and the ideal balance of comfort, elegance, security, and dependability. The fact that the 2017 7 series doesn’t provide a conventional wheelbase option and has a redundant infotainment system may be a con for some, but it’s fantastic given the benefits.
One of the best performances in its class and a steadfast customer favorite in this price range is the BMW 7 series. It is the prestigious Mercedes S class’ lone rival. The 2017 7 Series is the best model to date since it had a transmission technology never previously seen in a sedan and was far less expensive than the most recent variants.
We are a group of BMW aficionados, and as we have had multiple BMW 7 series cars over the years, we feel equipped to tell you everything there is to know about the best 7 series sedan and what to anticipate from it.
The top five BMW 7 Series vehicles over the previous ten years
The 7 Series, which has been made by the carmaker since 1977 and is currently its flagship model, is one of the most recognizable BMW designs. It’s a truly exceptional luxury vehicle that the titan of the automotive industry uses to introduce the public to new technology, features, and luxuries before other BMWs do. The 7 Series has seen a number of fascinating upgrades over the past 10 years, helping to boost its reputation and appeal. Here are the top five BMW 7 Series vehicles over the previous ten years.
Was The Peak 7 Series The E38?
Many aficionados believe that the E38 7 Series represents the pinnacle of the manufacturer’s premium flagship model and is one of the best BMW vehicles of all time. A spotless E38 7 Series has maintained its worth significantly better than generations before and after, and it’s simple to understand why. Despite having been long outperformed in terms of performance and technology. Models like the E46 M3 and E39 M5, together with others like the Z8, Z3 M, and E53 X5, serve as incontrovertible proof that BMW was doing almost everything well in 2001. The E38 is on that list because it blends the hallmarks of BMW design—a superb driving experience—with an exquisitely restrained and subdued form.
Despite the fact that the E38 is now three generations in the past, it is obvious which era dominates the collector car market after taking a quick look. Today, collectors and enthusiasts are both willing to spend a lot of money on a well-kept E38, notably a top-tier 2001 740i M Sport model. The late-model 740i is fully equipped and excellently illustrates BMW’s idea that their premium vehicles are comparable to athletes wearing suits.
While some are willing to pay a lot of money on an E38 that has already been fixed, others can make a compelling case for investing a significant amount of money to prepare a clean example to last another twenty or more years. A prime example of the latter is YouTuber Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage, who, after tinkering with several E65 7 Series—possibly just to make a point—finally paid for a clean E38. However, Hoover specifically sought out a well-kept late-model 740i with the M Sport option, so it’s not just any E38.
A striking example is Hoover’s brand-new 7 Series. The car is finished in Titanium Silver, and M Parallel wheels complete the look. With only about 81,000 miles on the odometer, it has seen little use in its 19 years of existence. Naturally, an estimate with a total close to the purchase price mentioned a number of what are now predicted E38 and M62 concerns as being present following a thorough mechanical check by a skilled specialist.
We won’t go into depth; instead, we’ll let you view the films, which are actually rather entertaining. Hoover ultimately decides to commission a thorough mechanical restoration of the 2001 740i, which entailed removing the transmission and, ideally permanently, resetting the timing system of the M62 V8.
Hoover tallied the expenses after getting almost everything settled and saw that they had more than doubled his initial investment (the cost of the car). It goes without saying that what he spent only amounts to a modest down payment on a brand-new 7 Series, which brings us back to the point of this article. Was the E38 the 7 Series’ pinnacle? Putting aside the enormous grilles—just take a look at the thumbnail above—why are collectors and enthusiasts like Hoover ready to pay a significant amount of money on the E38 if it isn’t the best 7 Series? With the exception of a few special cases like turbocharged Alpina versions, why do they demand valuations that are higher than any other generation of 7 Series?
The fastest BMW 7 Series, which one?
The 730d is the entry-level 7 Series model, and it meets the needs of the majority of purchasers with ease. Power is provided by a refined six-cylinder, 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine. With a top speed cap of 155 mph, the 0-62 time is accomplished in 6.1 seconds, matching that of hot hatchbacks.
This model has been by far the most popular over the past few years, which is why the 730d powerplant is offered in six particular versions. Along with the standard 730d, there is also a 730d xDrive with all-wheel drive and a 730Ld with an extended wheelbase. Every model is also offered in the aggressive-looking M Sport trim. Due to the additional weight of the long-wheelbase 730Ld, xDrive vehicles accelerate to 62 mph faster (5.8 seconds), lowering the benchmark sprint time to 6.2 seconds.
The BMW 740d xDrive uses a more potent version of the 3.0 liter turbodiesel for added diesel power. With its 316 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive, it can go from 0 to 62 mph in in 5.3 seconds. But few will require anything more than the 730d.
If you prefer gasoline, you may choose between the powerful 528 horsepower V8 750i or the spirited 3.0-liter inline-six 740i, with the former being available with either a long or short wheelbase. The 750i is deemed sportier and only comes with the shorter platform.
The 750i reduces the time from 0 to 62 mph to 4.7 seconds, while the 740i takes 5.5 or 5.6 seconds. The current M850i shares the same 4.4-liter turbo V8 engine, but the 7 Series’ sound-deadening makes it less raucous in this application and keeps noise at a discordant burble.
With a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds, the (now discontinued) M760Li held the record for the quickest BMW until the M850i coupe tied it. Although it won’t be able to recapture its title, you might want to find a secondhand model because it’s incredibly quick for a vehicle of its size and few full-size luxury saloons have as much personality.
Our favorites among the new plug-in hybrid models are the 745e and 745Le. The new six-cylinder engine feels far more in keeping with the grandeur of the car than the old four-cylinder one did, and it gives the hybrid option an additional level of smoothness, refinement, and performance. The six-cylinder engine produces 282 horsepower, while the electric motor adds 111 horsepower. Peak combined power is 389bhp, and the enormous torque is 600Nm.
The 745e is an entirely different proposition that is around the same price as the V8-powered 750i but focuses more on the quietness of its powertrain and the ability to cruise silently on electric power alone. It immediately makes sense in a car like this, and it has plenty of power; the long-wheelbase xDrive-equipped version can accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. It does a good job of concealing the weight of its battery and motor configuration when driving.
BMW 8 Series vs. 7 Series: Which is superior?
Overall, both vehicles produce 335 horsepower and more than 300 lb-ft of torque, which is pretty similar (331 for the 7-Series; 368 for the 8-Series). The 8-Series also accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds as opposed to 5.3 seconds for the 7-Series.
What BMW 7 Series has the most power?
The new generation 7 Series’ front end may be seen in a photo released by BMW. By the end of this year, sales will begin.
According to CEO Oliver Zipse, the full-electric version of BMW’s new 7 Series sedan would produce more than 600 hp, outperforming the plug-in hybrid, gasoline, and diesel models in terms of power.
The electric model will be known as the i7 in keeping with the brand’s most current naming scheme.
At the BMW Group’s annual news conference on Wednesday, Zipse announced that the newest version of BMW’s flagship 7 Series would be unveiled on April 20 at the Beijing auto show.
According to Zipse, new engines will be built for internal combustion versions to meet the Euro 7 emission rules, which are anticipated to be published this July.
“The next ace in our successful growth plan in the luxury class,” he said of the new 7 Series.
By year’s end, the new model, which is already in pre-production, will be available for purchase.
The car’s front end, which has broad, squared-off “double kidney” grille like that of the iX full-electric big SUV, was unveiled by the manufacturer on Wednesday.
Images from BMW’s winter testing of the disguised i7 reveal the sedan’s large hood and wheelbase.
The vehicle’s chief technical officer, Frank Weber, displayed a number of interior elements, including a 31-inch high-definition screen for the backseat passengers that folds down below the front headrests and is hinged at the roof. A glance at the dashboard area revealed a simple layout similar to the iX.
At launch, the 7 Series will provide so-called “Level 2 plus” driving aids.
In line with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW claims that Level 3 hands-free driving will be possible.
The latest iteration of the rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive CLAR platform will serve as the foundation for all of the new 7 Series’ drivetrains, which will all share a similar body design.
Longtime rival Mercedes has decided to electrify its top-of-the-line sedans in a different way. The conventional S Class includes internal combustion engines, including a plug-in hybrid, whereas the fully electric EQS has a unique body design and employs a distinct platform.
According to data from Dataforce, the Porsche Taycan outsold its internal-combustion rival, the Panamera, by more than three times last year, making it the best-selling vehicle in its market in Europe with 17,106 sales (see chart, below).
With 11,219 sales, the S Class came in second, and the outgoing 7 Series took third with 5,531 sales.
With 1,333 sales, the EQS, which debuted in late 2021, tied for ninth place with the Mercedes AMG GT four-door. With only 160 sales, the outdated Tesla Model S, which topped the charts in 2017 and 2018, dropped to the 10th position. The Model S was third as recently as 2020.
The i7 will be one of 15 fully electric vehicles, including prototypes, that BMW claims will be produced by the end of 2022.
BMW estimates that by 2030, 50% of all sales will be fully electric, though Zipse indicated on Wednesday that the company was working hard to meet that target sooner. In accordance with how infrastructure and the availability of raw materials for batteries evolve, he predicted that by that year, the group’s EV sales may reach 1.5 million yearly.