It's been only a couple of months since BMW->ke178 unveiled the 2016 BMW 7 Series, and the German->ke2091 automaker has already rolled out the first Individual package for the full-size->ke4304 sedan->ke142. Significantly lighter and sportier than its predecessor, the sixth generation can now be specced with an array of goodies available through BMW's Individual division.

As usual, Individual offers bespoke exterior colors, custom wheels, and special interior combos that can't be had from the vehicle's regular options list. For this 7 Series->ke323, the list of add-ons is limited to certain hues and combinations inside and out, but Munich will be more than happy to provide you with more options should you want to spend your hard-earned dollars on a personalized car.

Also, even though this 7 Series wears a 750Li badge, which hints as to what engine lurks under the hood, Individual options aren't restricted to the more expensive trims. However, that's not to say the options themselves aren't pricey. Let's have a closer look at the first new 7 Series wearing the "Individual badge."

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW 7 Series By BMW Individual.

2016 BMW 7 Series By BMW Individual

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 BMW 7 Series By BMW Individual
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Helping this 7 Series stand out from a crowd is the Almandine Brown metallic paint taken from BMW Individual's palette of bespoke hues, and the 20-inch, light-alloy wheels. Much like other paints from Individual, the Almandine Brown seen here changes color according to the light, enabling the sedan to showcase either a rich metallic brown or a darker hue that provides a stronger contrast with the wheels and the chrome work.

Speaking of the wheels, they have a 10-spoke V design and feature a two-tone finish, as well as "BMW Individual" lettering engraved on one of the spokes. The same lettering can be spotted around back, on the aluminum trim that runs into the taillights, right below the "750Li" badge. Fancy!

Interior

Already impressive thanks to its clean dashboard design and upgraded luxury->ke505 features, the 7 Series' interior becomes an even fancier place to be with Individual add-ons. The highlight of this model is the full fine-grain Merino leather in Tartufo, enriched by hand-woven piping and white contrast stitching. The Alcantara headliner is finished in the same color as the upholstery, while the dashboard, door panels, and center console feature Black Piano and aluminum inserts. The black, leather-wrapped steering wheel and the two-tone (black over Tartufo) dashboard round out the sedan's elegant cabin.

Drivetrain

The "750Li" badge on the trunklid suggests this 7 Series is powered by the range-topping, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine. The mill cranks out 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque and it's paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard launch control. Though it's not the lightest or sportiest Bimmer out there, the 750Li is quite fast from 0 to 60 mph, reaching the benchmark in only 4.3 seconds. As with most German->ke2091 cars, top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.

Prices

BMW hasn't released actual pricing for this specific model, but given the 750i xDrive starts from $97,400 in the U.S., a sedan configured with the same Individual options is likely to fetch in excess of $105,000.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Arguably the most advanced vehicle in its class, the Mercedes->ke187 S-Class->ke359 had a new exterior design, an overhauled interior, and updated V-8 and V-12 powerplants for the 2014 model year. The units crank out 449 and 523 horsepower, respectively, in U.S.-spec models, outgunning the most powerful version of the 7 Series by a significant margin. Arguably, the S-class is also the better-looking sedan, sporting a more dramatic appearance than both the new BMW 7 Series and the bland-looking Audi A8->ke1089.

The S-Class starts from $95,650, with further customization available through the Designo division, which offers special paints, leathers, and interior trims.

Read more about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class here.

Audi A8

Virtually unchanged since 2009, the A8 is a little long in the tooth for its German competitors, but full-size sedan still has everything it needs to give the 7 Series and the S-Class a run for their money. Though the interior is rather dated, it does include the company's fanciest amenities and the best in-car technology Audi has to offer.

The sedan can be had with a wide range of engines in the U.S., including a supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6 with 310 horses and a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that delivers 435 horsepower. Pricing starts from $81,500. For Individual-like features, you need to contact Audi Exclusive, which offers 16 different leather and stitching combinations with seven inlays.

Find out more about the 2015 Audi A8 here.

Conclusion

Despite many new automakers having joined the premium full-size market in recent years, the 7 Series continues to be popular with buyers due to its heritage and powerful brand cachet. However, while most Japanese->ke138 and U.S. brands still have a lot of catching up to do, BMW gets plenty of heat from its German rivals, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. This is where the Individual division comes in, as no luxury-car war can be won without a proper customization program.