BMW 7 Series Review

Gumtree Rating

4.5 rating

The 7 Series has been BMW’s flagship model since it was launched back in 1977. It’s now on its sixth generation, with a few eco-friendly hybrid engines accompanying the ferocious diesel and petrol units. This luxury sedan car is usually produced in limited numbers, introducing new technology and design features that trickle down to more widely available vehicles on the BMW roster. A high price tag means that it’s not for everyone, but if you can spring for even the most basic 7 Series model, you won’t be disappointed. It offers a unique driving experience, with everything except the chauffeur included.

Take a look at the BMW 7 Series model page to learn more.

What we think about the BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is a huge prestige vehicle that matches its elegance with raw power.

Pros

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Powerful engine line-up

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Distinctive looks

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Luxury interior cabin

+

Smooth, relaxed handling

+

Efficient plug-in hybrid available

Cons

Petrol engines are very inefficient

High price tag

Quite bulky

The BMW 7 Series is a five-seater sedan car. The most basic version is the 730d, which has a 3.0-litre diesel engine offering 44.8 mpg. Other trims include the 740d, another diesel-powered model, as well as the 740i, 750i and M760Li petrols. There’s also a 745e plug-in hybrid.

Driving performance of the Bmw 7 Series

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Despite the 7 Series’ size, it’s an extremely agile vehicle that can be manoeuvred around town with relative precision and poise. As well as the excellent grip and steering setup, this handling is likely down to the carbon fibre construction, making the car much lighter than might be expected. The fine-tuned air suspension will keep you pleasantly insulated from all but the toughest of terrains. If you want the best driving experience possible, it’s worth opting for the M760Li xDrive model, which offers rear wheel steering and advanced tech to limit body roll in corners.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw 7 Series

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

The 7 Series is a limited production model, so it hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP. However, it’s built on a similar platform to the 5 Series, which was last put through its paces in 2017, when it achieved a full five-star rating. Adult passenger protection was given a 91% rating, and there was an 85% score awarded for protection of children. A lot of safety equipment is available with the 7 Series, especially if you get the Driving Assistant Professional package, which offers lane change and departure warning, forward collision warning and remote controlled parking.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw 7 Series

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The engine line-up in the 7 Series is truly impressive, from the entry-level model upwards. The basic 3.0-litre 730d provides 261 bhp, with a top speed of 155 mph. It’ll get you to 62 mph from standing in just over six seconds. If you really want to make the most of what BMW has to offer, the petrol-powered M760Li model will be hard to resist. It was the fastest car the German manufacturer ever produced until it was overtaken by the M580i in 2018, and it has a 0-62 mph time of 3.7 seconds.

What you'll find in the Bmw 7 Series

Our Design Rating8 / 10

The 7 Series is one of the most distinctive cars in the BMW line-up, particularly since a facelift in 2019. Though its new looks have divided opinion amongst prestige car enthusiasts, there’s no denying its ability to turn heads. It has a long, bulky body that aims to be an imposing presence out on the road, without much in the way of streamlined sleekness. Its most eye-catching feature is its front end, which greatly expands the classic BMW split grille, extending it over the rim of the high bonnet. Large lower vents are another standout touch.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw 7 Series

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

Inside the cabin of the 7 Series is where you’ll really feel the design expertise and elegance that you’ve paid extra for. It’s incredibly quiet and spacious, allowing five adults to sit comfortably, and passengers are sure to enjoy all the little luxuries along the way. The materials are all of the highest calibre, with soft-touch plastics and ceramic finishes on some of the instruments. This is complemented by authentic wooden panels and finely-stitched leather for the seats, trims and accents

bmw 7 series interior dashboard

What features you'll find in the Bmw 7 Series

Our Features Rating9 / 10

The 7 Series comes with the excellent BMW iDrive infotainment system, operated via a 10-inch touchscreen. As you’d expect from a high-end BMW, there are also plenty of additional features available, in case the already-impressive standard kit isn’t enough. You can swap out the basic Nappa leather for a higher-quality Merino alternative, and upgraded rear seats are also available. Paying a bit extra will allow you to trade the 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system for a Bowers and Wilkins setup, which is a lot louder and brings even more aesthetic refinement to the cabin.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw 7 Series

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Fuel economy is quite a mixed bag with the BMW 7 Series. If you opt for one of the petrol engines, you’re likely to be disappointed. The 740i model offers a maximum of 34 mpg, while the top-end M760Li won’t get you more than 21 mpg. However, the plug-in petrol hybrids are impressive. You can get up to 141 mpg from the 745e, with CO2 emissions of no more than 57 g/km and an all-electric range of 36 miles. The 745Le offers around 118 mpg.

Running costs of the Bmw 7 Series

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Try out one of the hybrid engines and you stand to make some great savings over the long-term – particularly if you’re using the 7 Series as a fleet car. But the thirsty petrol units will see you shelling out a lot more for fuel costs than you might want to. BMW’s standard warranty in the UK is three years, and you might have to pay a little more for replacement parts, though the quality of engineering means that you’re unlikely to run into too many problems.

Our verdict of the Bmw 7 Series

4.5 rating

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The BMW 7 Series is one of the best luxury cars available. It offers a truly impressive blend of power, performance and interior opulence.