2017 BMW 7-Series | Consumer Guide Auto

2017 BMW 7-Series

Pros: Outstanding ride quality; limousine-like rear-seat legroom; incredibly well finished, luxurious cabin; loads of high-tech optional features available

Cons: Steep prices get steeper as options are added; no regular-length wheelbase model, at least for the time being; lots of gadgetry makes for some complicated controls

CG Says: After its redesign for the 2016 model year, the BMW 7-Series lineup gains new models for 2017. First off, the line-topping Alpina B7 rejoins the range; it has a 600-horsepower turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that BMW says is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a 193-mph top speed. Later in the 2017 model year, a new M760i joins the lineup. The M760i is powered by a turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 with an estimated 600 horsepower. Top speed is 155 mph and 0-62 mph is estimated at 3.9 seconds. Also slated to debut later in the 2017 model year is a 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid model; it combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 326 horsepower. A new Display Key that shows digital readings of the car’s status is standard on all 7-Series. Remote Controlled Parking is a new option that allows the driver to use the Display Key to move the car in or out of a parking spot while standing outside the vehicle. The 7-Series’s structure features aluminum and carbon fiber for weight savings and improved rigidity. The 740 models have a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine; the 750 has a turbocharged 4.4-liter. As expected, a plethora of luxurious features is standard, such as power-closing doors, a hands-free power trunk lid, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Wi-Fi Internet capability, wireless device charging, and adaptive air suspension. The standard iDrive infotainment interface includes a touchscreen that recognizes gestures for some controls. The optional Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview system uses a camera to detect changes in the oncoming road surface and adjusts the suspension accordingly. Available luxury features include heated armrests on the doors; an air ionizer that emits one of eight perfume scents; and a Touch Command Tablet for rear-seat passengers that offers driving information, various seat and infotainment controls, and Internet access via the car’s Wi-Fi system. In any of its forms, 7-Series is a technological tour de force that boasts a formidable array of ultra-luxurious features and cutting-edge gadgetry. It’s a compelling competitor in its class—particularly against its primary rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The Facts

Class	Premium Large Car
Body Style(s)	4-door sedan
Passenger Count	5
Drive Wheels	rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer	BMW
Nation of Manufacture	Germany
Base Prices	740i: $81,500 AWD 740i xDrive: $84,500 AWD 740e xDrive: $89,100 750i: $94,600 AWD 750i xDrive: $97,600 AWD M760i: $153,800 AWD Alpina B7: $137,000