The BMW 7 Series is not only luxurious but also an attractive choice. While the past series have received compliments for harmonizing the gap between athleticism and luxury, the BMW 7 Series is not consistent with this concept. It's an entirely different version of a sports sedan.
The soft ride, light steering, and incredible comfort are meant to pamper its occupants even during a rough-terrain journey. What’s more, the BMW 7 Series is at its best when embedded with semi-automatic driving option mode where you can relax and leave the driving to it.
First Generation (E23)
In 1977, BMW launched the 7 Series to strengthen its position in the full-size luxury car sector. The standard equipment for the E23 includes a service interval indicator, ABS, climate control, leather upholstery, and new mirrors. It was fitted with straight-six mostly M-30 engines and 3- or 4-speed automatic or 4- or 5-speed manual gearboxes. The engines released in this generation were:
- 3.2L 6-cylinder leaded petrol engine (145kW, 280Nm)
- 3.2L 6-cylinder leaded petrol engine (145kW, 285Nm)
- 3.4L 6-cylinder leaded petrol engine (150kW, 310Nm)
Second Generation (E32)
BMW launched a new 7 Series generation in 1986. This development was based on the E32 platform. Initially, the second generation was available in three engine variants: 730i, 735i, and 750i. The latter had a power range of 188-300hp. Six years down the line, the model received V8 and V12 power plants. Here’s the engine range for this generation:
- 3.4L 6-cylinder petrol engine (150kW, 310Nm)
- 3.4L 6-cylinder petrol engine (155kW, 305Nm)
- 5.0L V12 petrol engine (220kW, 450Nm)
- 3.0L 6-cylinder petrol engine (138kW, 260Nm)
- 4.0L V8 petrol engine (210kW, 400Nm)
Third Generation (E38)
The 3rd generation of the 7 Series was introduced in 1994 to 2001. The models were a combination of the long wheelbase and standard length sedans. The petrol engines were a full package of 6-straight, V8, and V12. It was the first 7 Series in the market with diesel option and curtain bags, although the diesel variant did not reach Australia during this period. It was also the first BMW to have inbuilt television and satellite navigation. The engine range in the 3rd generation includes:
- 3.0L V8 petrol engine (160kW, 290Nm)
- 4.0L V8 petrol engine (210kW, 420Nm)
- 5.4L V12 petrol engine (240kW, 490Nm)
Fourth Generation (E65/E66/E67/E68)
The 4th generation of this series was launched from 2002 to 2008. The version was a combination of the long wheelbase and standard length sedans. It was the first series to include active anti-roll bars, 6-speed automatic transmission, iDrive, smart electronic key, and night vision. The 760i model was the first production V12 engine that used direct injection. These are some of the engines in this generation:
- 3.6L V8 petrol engine (200kW, 360Nm)
- 3.5L V8 petrol engine (175kW, 345Nm)
- 4.4L V8 petrol engine (245kW, 450Nm)
- 4.8L V8 petrol engine (270kW, 490Nm)
- 6.0L V12 petrol engine (327kW, 600Nm)
Fifth Generation (F01/F02/F03/F04)
The 5th generation 7 Series was introduced in 2008 to 2015. It was the long wheelbase and standard length version of sedans. It was the first in the market to have a hybrid drivetrain, 8-speed automatic transmission, and V12 turbocharged engine. It was also the first series that had an all-wheel-drive and turbocharged petrol engine. The range of engines in this generation includes:
- 3.0L DT6 diesel engine (180kW, 540Nm)
- 4.0L V8 petrol engine (225kW, 390Nm)
- 3.0L T6 hybrid petrol engine (260kW, 500Nm)
- 6.0L TV12 petrol engine (400kW, 750Nm)
Sixth Generation (G11/G12)
The 6th generation was fully unveiled in 2015 with new technology and improvements worth of a sedan flagship. Except for the greenhouse feature, all the 7 Series features are new, including side air vents, redesigned bumpers, exhaust tips, and rims, to mention but a few. Under the hood is a pack of a new engine with better efficiency and revised 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine variants are:
- 3.0L DT6 diesel engine (195kW, 620Nm)
- 2.0L T4 hybrid petrol engine (190kW, 400Nm)
- 3.0L T6 petrol engine (240kW, 450Nm)
- 4.4L TV8 petrol engine (330kW, 650Nm)
All models have self-levelling air suspension.
What is new for 2020?
BMW moves towards creating a more appealing design for the 2020 model year, with prominent front grills, modern exterior lighting, and a high flat hood. Some of the standard features across the 7 Series lineup are a self-parking element with headlamps that are LED adaptive and a heated steering wheel.
The 740i and 745e versions come standard with 20-way adjustable front seats. Buyers who need an economy fuel can go for the 745e plug-in quality model. On the other hand, the 750i version comes with an all-wheel-drive and gets a stronger double-turbocharged 4.4L V8 that churns out a maximum power output of 390kW. The new plug-in versions leave the previous four-cylinder engine for a new six-cylinder gasoline engine.