BMW's 7 Series has been on the market for 40 years as of 2018, and in that time, it’s seen a total of five generational changes. The most recent comes for the 2016 model year, and given the changes at hand, it is a pretty big deal. The most import modifications comes from the BMW i range, as the new 7 Series has BMW’s new Carbon Cone passenger cell. That new cell drops the overall weight by 190 pounds compared to the previous model. On the outside, the car got new, narrower headlights and sportier taillights to go with a more aggressive front fascia. On the inside, the car has the iDrive 5.0 touch display with Gesture Control, a removable 7-inch tablet for the rear seats. Under the hood, you’ll find either a 3.0-liter inline-six or a 4.4-liter V-8 both of which have been revised to provide more power and torque. All-wheel drive is available.

All told, the Seven series is the ultimate driver's car or the perfect sedan to be hauled around in. The panoramic roof comes standard, but the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof can be optioned for those who want an even more upscale interior. Of course, everything that comes standard on the 7 Series is pretty much a requirement if Bimmer wants to keep up with competition from Mercedes and Audi. The thing that really gives the 7 Series an edge – outside of the excessive comfort and power – is the automatic parking feature that allows the car to park itself. Everything you know now is really just the tip of the iceberg, and there is plenty left to explore about the new 7 Series. With that said, check out our full and thorough review of the new 7 Series below.

Continue reading to find out more about the 2016 BMW 7 Series.

bmw-7-series

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: bmw-7-series
Pros
Cons

2016 BMW 7 Series

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 BMW 7 Series
  • Engine/Motor: inline-6
  • Horsepower: 320 @ 5200
  • Torque: 330 @ 1380
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The one thing about the new BMW 7 Series that is the least surprising is its design. Even if we hadn’t seen the car completely uncovered earlier this year, the new styling is essentially an evolution of the current 7 Series styling combined with the latest BMW design language.

Up front, BMW’s signature kidney grille is slightly bigger and features a thicker chrome frame. It's flanked by wider and narrower headlights, which now make contact with the frame, while the lower fascia is more aggressive than the current car. However, it retains the three-piece intake configuration.

The profile hasn’t changed all that much, with the exception of the lower chrome accent line, but it’s the rear of the sedan that might be the biggest departure. Seemingly wider, it also has sportier taillights that are also longer, while the bumper looks more muscular thanks to the new character lines. The integrated exhaust outlets are also bigger, while the center chrome strip was deleted.

Exterior Dimensions

740i

750i xDrive

Vehicle length

206.6 Inches

206.6 Inches

Vehicle width

74.9 Inches

74.9 Inches

Width including mirrors

85.4 Inches

85.4 Inches

Vehicle height

58.2 Inches

58.2 Inches

Wheelbase

126.4 Inches

126.4 Inches

Overhang front

35 Inches

35 Inches

Rear overhang

45.2 Inches

45.2 Inches

Ground clearance

5.3 Inches

5.3 Inches

Turning circle

42 Feet

42.3 Feet


Side-by-side comparison

Interior

Generally speaking, customers in the market for a big luxury sedan like this probably care more about the interior than anything else, and the 2016 BMW 7 Series won’t disappoint. The lack of a standard-wheelbase model means that all 2016 7 Series cars deliver maximum rear-passenger space, and things get even better for rear occupants with the new Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package that gives the right-side passenger the added comfort of a pop-out footrest and a seatback that reclines up to 42.5 degrees.

All 2016 BMW 7 Series sedans come standard with a panoramic roof while a more intense Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof is optional.

BMW made sure to nail down the comfort of the new 7 Series, but this car is still packed with plenty of tech, the coolest of which is the iDrive 5.0 with touch display and Gesture Control, which uses 3D sensors to detect pre-selected hand gestures to perform tasks such as adjusting the audio volume, accepting and rejecting incoming phone calls, navigating to a home address and shutting off the screen.

Other tech goodies include the Touch Command Tablet -- a removable 7-inch tablet that allows rear occupants to control everything from HVAC temps to infotainment, and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 1,400 watts and 16 speakers.

As usual, BMW will put endless customization options at the disposal of its buyers, including a range of unique configurations via the Individual division.

Interior Dimensions

740i

750i xDrive

740i

750i xDrive

41.4 Inches

41.4 Inches

Legroom front

44.4 Inches

44.4 Inches

Legroom 2nd row

59.2 Inches

59.2 Inches

Shoulder room front

57.7 Inches

57.7 Inches

Shoulder room rear

39.9 Inches

39.9 Inches

Headroom front with Moonroof

38.9 Inches

38.9 Inches

Maximum headroom 2st row with Moonroof

18.2 ft³

18.2 ft³


Drivetrain

*** The 750i has BMW’s 4.4-liter V-8, which has been redesigned with a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers ***

While it gets various engines in Europe, the 7 Series is available as the rear-drive 740i or the all-wheel-drive 750i xDrive in the U.S.. Like the current 740i, the new model is powered by BMW’s 3.0-liter, TwinPower Turbo inline-six, but power output is up slightly to 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.

The 750i has BMW’s 4.4-liter V-8, which has been redesigned with a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, higher compression ratio, and an intake manifold partially integrated into the cylinder head. Now it delivers 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. All engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it also come with standard Launch Control to help maximize acceleration, with 0-60 times of 5.4 seconds for the 740i and 4.3 seconds for the 750i.

BMW also offers an M-prepped, performance model in the U.S. Called the M760Li, it draws juice from a twin-turbo, 6.6-liter V-12 that cranks out a whopping 601 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of twist. Customers who want more exclusivity can go with the Alpina B7, which comes with 599 horses and 590 pound-feet from a twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 mill.

*** Moving over to diesels, European buyers can choose between four models ***

In Europe, the base gasoline model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that delivers 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet. A 740e iPerformance model is also offered. Utilizing the same gas engine as the 740i, this versions also employs an electric motor and returns up to 14 miles of EV range.

Moving over to diesels, European buyers can choose between four models. The range begins with the 725d, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 230 horsepower and 369 pound-feet. Next up is the 730d, which hides a 261-horsepower and 457 pound-feet 3.0-liter inline-six under the hood. The same engine can be found in the 740d model, but this time around rated at 315 horses and 502 pound-feet. Finally, the range-topping 750d uses a quad-dual stage turbo, 3.0-liter inline-six that packs a whopping 394 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of twist.

Drivetrain Specifications

740i

750i xDrive

740i

750i xDrive

in line/6/4

V90/8/4

Config/No of cyls/valves

DME 8.6

DME 8.8

Fuel management

BMW TwinPower Turbo

BMW TwinPower Turbo

Engine Technology

Twinscroll

Twinscroll

Turbo Type

94.6

88.3

Stroke mm

82

89

Bore mm

2998

4395

Displacement cm³

11

10.5

Compression rate :1

320 HP @ 5,200-6,500 RPM

445 HP @ 5,500-6,000 RPM

Engine power

330 LB-FT @ 1,380 RPM

480 LB-FT @ 1,800-4,500 RPM

Engine torque

130 MPH

130 MPH

Top speed

155 MPH

155 MPH

Top speed opt (mph)

5.4 seconds

4.3 seconds


Prices

The starting price for the 2016 BMW 7 Series is $83,100 in its base 740i trim, which represents an overall price increase of $7,300 over the standard-length 2015 740i and a $3,300 jump over the 2015 740Li. Stepping up to the 750i xDrive increases the price to $99,400. The 740e iPerformance plug-in hybrid fetches $90,700 before options.

Competitors

Mercedes S-Class

Until 2015, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was by far the most advanced vehicle of its class. Unveiled for the 2014 model year, the new S-Class received a new exterior design, an overhauled interior, and updated V-8 and V-12 powerplants that crank out 449 and 523 horsepower, respectively, in U.S.-spec models. Things changed when the new 7 Series arrived, but Merc rolled out a mid-cycle update that leveled things in the technology department. The S-class is also considered the better-looking sedan of the bunch, sporting a rather dramatic appearance compared to both the new BMW 7 Series and the inconspicuous Audi A8. Pricing for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts from $96,600.

Read our full review on the Mercedes S-Class.

Audi A8

Unlike the S-Class, the A8 is brand-new for the 2018. And given that the previous model was some eight years old as of 2017, it was about time Audi launched a new generation. Much like most recent Audis, the revamped A8 sports a more angular design, but retains it's sleek and elegant stance. The interior was redesigned with new, better materials, increased roominess, and technology that brings it up to date. The engine lineup is diverse and includes a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 340 horsepower and a 4.0-liter V-8 good for 460 horses. A 3.0 TDI with 286 horses and a 4.0 TDI with 435 are also available in Europe, while an E-tron Quattro hybrid is set to deliver 449 horsepower when it arrives. U.S. pricing is expected to start from around $90,000.

Find out more in our review of the Audi A8.

Conclusion

On paper and in pictures, the BMW 7 Series is bigger and better than the previous model in just about every way. It might not be as flashy as the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (inside or out), but the sixth-generation 7 Series is definitely going to turn heads regardless of whether you’re driving it or being driven.

Update History

Updated 04/15/2015: The upcoming BMW 7 Series was caught wearing the M Sport package.

Updated 01/02/2015: Photos of a camouflage-free 7 Series surfaced the Web eight months ahead of its official unveiling.

Updated 11/24/2014: New spy shots show the sedan's interior for the first time.

Updated 01/14/2014: The BMW 7 Series was spotted testing in cold Sweden.

Updated 06/17/2013: British magazine AutoCar is offering a few more details on the next-generation 7 Series set to be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. According to the magazine, the model will ditch the current steel monocoque construction and will adopt a structure that combines of steel, aluminum and carbon fiber. This changes will make the 7 Series lighter than the previous model by almost 600 pounds. Next to the usual engines BMW will also offer a new six-cylinder diesel version and a new petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain. There will also be a new ZF-engineered nine-speed automatic gearbox. (AutoCar)

Spy shots

April 15, 2015 - BMW 7 Series caught wearing the M Sport package

January 2, 2015 - BMW 7 Series caught completely undisguised

November 24, 2014 - BMW 7 Series reveals its interior

January 14, 2014 - Winter testing in Northern Sweden