2018 BMW 7 Series
What's New?
Minor updates for the 2018 model year include the absence of the Driver Assistance Plus II package (now that its features have been absorbed in the Driving Assistance Plus package), as well as the addition of the Active Driving Assistant as a standalone option on 740 models. Major updates include the debut of the exceptionally luxurious Alpina B7 and the high-performance M760i xDrive models.
Overview
Starting at $83,650,* the BMW 7 Series sedan is positioned at the pinnacle of the automaker's sedan lineup, standing above all others in terms of luxury, performance, style, and technology. As the flagship BMW sedan, the 7 Series lacks for nothing and is an outstanding choice for those that prefer to drive or be driven.
The Perfect Ride for...
Drivers looking for The Ultimate Driving Machine™. Thanks to a variety of engines, driving features, and levels of luxury, the 7 Series is perfect for the driver that wants to have their cake and eat it, too. Add Gesture Control, the Touch Command tablet, remote parking with the Display Key, and a number of driver-assistance and semi-autonomous features, and you get a BMW that delivers on every front.
Drive & Handling
The BMW 7 Series driver has a few choices to make: four, six, eight, or 12 cylinders; and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The available inline-six and V8 engines are both offered with standard rear-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, and both use eight-speed automatic transmission. All 7 Series models use a “Carbon Core” chassis that incorporates carbon fiber to save weight.
The BMW 740i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. That lets the 740i do 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Add xDrive all-wheel drive, and the 0-to-60-mph time drops to 5.1 seconds while the top speed remains the same. EPA fuel economy ratings for the xDrive model are 20 city, 29 highway mpg while the rear-wheel drive 740i offers 21/29 mpg.**
The 750i model gets a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, good for 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. BMW says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while top speed is the same 130 mph as in the 740i models. That time is the same for both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2018 750i are 17/25 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 16/25 mpg with all-wheel drive.**
Those looking for a more eco-friendly option should consider the 740e xDrive iPerformance plug-in hybrid, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver a combined power output 322 hp and 369 lb-ft and an EPA-rated 64 MPGe combined.**
And don't forget about the top-of-the-line models: the Alpina B7 xDrive and the M760i xDrive. The former's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 has been tuned to deliver 600 hp and 590 lb-ft and offers an EPA-rated 16/25 mpg,** while the latter is powered by a beastly 6.5-liter twin-turbo V-12, one that pumps out an impressive 601 hp and 590 lb-ft. It's rated at 13/20 mpg.**
Key Features
Impeccable Sound Quality
Turn every drive into a trip to the concert hall. Thanks to this model's Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, the 7 Series is transformed into the ultimate auditory experience. This 1400W, 16-speaker system (with illuminated speakers) is capable of delivering audio like you've never heard before, all thanks to its Diamond tweeter dome technology and Nautilus design. Whether you enjoy refined classical music or want to jam out to some classic rock, there's no better way to experience it than in the 7 Series.
iDrive 6.0
The 2018 7 Series comes standard with iDrive 6.0, an intuitive system that delivers the latest infotainment features to drivers and responds to natural speech patterns via advanced voice-recognition technology. Quite literally, your wish is its command. With optional Gesture Control, simply moving your hands triggers navigation, communication, and entertainment controls, ensuring you can keep your attention on what matters—the road ahead.
Alternative Options
In addition to the new BMW 7 Series, BMW boasts a number of other options to meet different price points and driving needs. The BMW 5 Series is the Goldilocks of BMW models—not too large or small, and just the right price for a luxury midsize sedan. Those looking for a smaller, more price-conscious alternative should consider the BMW 3 Series. This entry-level, compact sedan rides similarly to the 5 Series, but its smaller frame lends it an even sportier feel.
Gallery
* MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
** EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
Image Credit: BMW