BMW 7 Series - TopCarNews

BMW 7 Series (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW 7 Series has been around since 1977 as the German brand’s largest luxury saloon – the current model is the sixth generation and was facelifted in 2019. Styling updates added BMW’s latest enormous front grille, which divided opinions amongst traditionally conservative buyers.

Apparently the grille pleases the Chinese market, which takes 40% of 7 Series sales. Therefore the other 60% of us just have to wince and bear it.

The 7 Series is available in standard and long-wheelbase versions. Powertrain options are many, with up to 12 cylinders 585hp .These comprise three petrol units, a pair of diesels with mild hybrid technology and a plug-in hybrid. All apart from the base petrol model can be had with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive transmission.

On the road, air suspension soaks up poor surfaces but several reviewers point out the unusually light steering that takes the edge off the driving experience.

As you might expect the interior can be specified to be as luxurious as you desire and the facelift certainly improved matters, Autocar saying it “can now genuinely claim to be among the class best.”

Technology rules in this class and the BMW has plenty – the central ‘iDrive’ stick that controls many functions is clever but as Company Car Today points out, “as the sheer quantity of connected functions increases, it becomes ever harder to keep up with where to find and operate everything.”

Overall the facelift has brought the BMW closer to its deadly rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class – according to Autocar “choosing between them will largely fall down to which seat you plan on using most”.

As of December 2021, the BMW 7 Series holds an Expert Rating of 75% from 27 reviews. That puts it just behind the Audi A8 (78%), although both the BMW and the Audi are a long way behind the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (88%).

7 Series highlights

Plenty of powertrain choice
Efficient plug-in hybrid
Good road manners

7 Series lowlights

Marmite styling
Options add significant cost
iDrive controller complicated

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloonEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £71,730 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2015Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: 2022

Image gallery

BMW 7 Series (2019 onwards)

BMW 7 Series (2015 – 2019)

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series is hugely spacious and luxurious; few cars are better to sit in the back of.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 745Le xDriveScore: 8 / 10“Around cities the car will happily stay in EV mode, but squeeze the throttle for a bit more power and the petrol engine will wake up.”
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Model reviewed: M760Li xDriveScore: 8 / 10“The M badge sits well on the big 7 Series, turning it into a fast, fun saloon but without harming the car’s luxury credentials. It’s still a luxury car and a fitting flagship.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“In a luxury saloon market traditionally dominated by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series has to work that bit harder to be noticed, a recent update giving this flagship model an undeniably more assertive look. That’s matched with superb comfort, technology and refinement.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Predictably, the BMW 7 Series is a surprisingly good driver’s car but could be a better luxury conveyance. Although it’s immutably built, the BMW doesn’t feel as rich, desirable or special as some of its rivals. Instead, it struggles to cast off the bland, pedestrian flavour of a lesser saloon.”
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Model reviewed: 730LdScore: 8 / 10“An opulent, leather-clad business class lounge on four wheels, with impressions largely dictated by which set of doors you choose to enter by.”
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Model reviewed: 750Li xDriveScore: 8 / 10“Here is a car required to operate at a highpoint of luxury and isolation but also to inspire confidence from the wheel – the wheel of a limousine chassis weighing almost two tonnes and whose length comfortably surpasses five metres.”
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Score: 8 / 10“In terms of outright luxury, the 745e is probably the most convincing car BMW has ever made.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 4.4-litre petrol automatic 750i xDriveScore: 10 / 10“Beautiful though the 750i’s V8 is to drive, it’s tough to recommend it over the more affordable, far more efficient and barely any less refined 730d. But the big petrol is worth a test drive, and don’t go blaming us if, regardless of all the disadvantages, you decide you simply must have it…”
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Model reviewed: 6.6-litre petrol automatic M760Li xDriveScore: 10 / 10“The M760Li’s niche appeal is undeniable but equally something worthy of celebration: evidently there are plutocrats who love nothing more than taming a snaking stretch of B-road, emerging at their destination wearing a satisfied grin.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 730dScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 7 Series is likely to be used for chauffeuring and as a high-end transport link – and for that, it really is an excellent option. However, if you’re after a car that offers excellent luxury and great driving dynamics then it’s great for that too.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.4 / 10“The latest BMW 7 Series sports a brash new grille, improved powertrains and even more tech”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 7 Series offers high levels of quality, comfort and quiet but is also the best of its breed at going around corners. Its options are expensive, though, and the petrols are thirsty.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 730d M Sport“It’s a tough act to depose the phenomenal Mercedes S-Class, and the BMW 7 Series’ upgrade lacks a certain elegance with the huge new grille, but behind it is a supremely capable and high-tech car.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 745Le XDrive hybrid“It’s pretty nimble for a car of this size, taking twisty mountain roads with ease and having a real burst of speed and acceleration on long straights when required or desired.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“The 7 is not as ‘cool’ as an SUV, but its recipe is one with lots of appeal, and is just better than a big luxo-SUV could ever be.”
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Model reviewed: 750i xDriveScore: 8 / 10“Fully revised 7-series offers greater refinement, more luxury and in 750i xDrive guise more performance.”
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Model reviewed: 6.6-litre petrol automatic M760Li xDriveScore: 6 / 10“Fast and luxurious, but not enough of an M car.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Luxury cars are all about wafting around with the minimum of fuss and maximum of comfort, and the BMW 7 Series is impeccable when it comes to how it deals with lumps, bumps and potholes. Its predecessor didn’t ride very well but there are no such problems with this generation.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“BMW’s 7 Series holds its head high in the rarefied and competitive luxury sector, up against the might of the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 7 Series’ chief rival is the S-Class, but while it can’t match the Mercedes-Benz for ride comfort, it’s more rewarding to drive.”
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Motors.co.uk

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“While the BMW 7 Series isn’t primarily focused on the driver, it is one of the better luxury cars for driving. Its carbon core construction makes it light for its size, helping it feel surprisingly manoeuvrable. However, it doesn’t quite live up to BMW’s image of being the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“An engaging driver’s car in a limousine world”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Those looking for comfort above all else will probably choose the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or an SUV. But if you want a luxury limousine that’s packed with gadgets and sporty to drive too, BMW’s got it licked.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 745e plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 7 Series is the driver’s choice of the super-limo category and that premise doesn’t change with this facelift, even in PHEV guise. The huge grille won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the cabin upgrades are welcome even if the instrument graphics are fuzzy and crude.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The BMW 7 Series is a difficult car to love, because, well… look at it. It screams ostentatiousness and just a hint (okay, quite a lot) of visual insecurity. That’s a pity, because under its criminal e-fit face it’s a very talented limo – the best in its class to drive, in fact.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The BMW 7 Series remains a worthy contender in this segment and does handle a little more sharply than direct rivals. However, its ride isn’t quite as cushioned as the very best luxury limos.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 745e“In Plug-In Hybrid form, the BMW 7 Series takes performance and comfort to a different level, and offers plenty of appeal for tech lovers. It has the potential to offer fuel efficiency benefits for some users, but certainly not for all. Nevertheless, it’s a superb luxury car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The sixth-generation BMW 7 Series is a real tour de force: high-performing, safe and ultra-comfortable, and with all the luxury equipment you could wish for. It’s a superb example of a top German luxury car and a deserved Which? Best Buy.”
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Safety rating

No safety rating

The BMW 7 Series was not crash tested by Euro NCAP when it was launched in 2015 and we are not expecting it to happen during the rest of its model life. If it does, we will update this section accordingly.

Eco rating

No eco rating

The BMW 7 Series has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 7 Series has received

2016

Professional Driver Awards – Car of the Year + Chauffeur Car of the Year

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the BMW 7 Series, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The traditional rivals to the BMW 7 Series have always been the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. Also lining up against it is the Lexus LS, Jaguar’s XJ having now passed into history, while for those looking for even more luxury the Bentley Flying Spur and Maserati Quattroporte are also in the running.

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