2011 BMW 7 Series: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 13, 2026

The biggest change for the 2011 BMW 7 Series is a much broader lineup. New 740i and 740Li six-cylinder models joined ActiveHybrid 7 and ALPINA B7 variants, while the basic body and cabin design carried over.

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About the 2011 BMW 7 Series

F01/F02 fifth generation, third model year, before the 2013 facelift.

BMW positioned the 7 Series as its flagship luxury sedan for buyers who wanted more driver involvement than the usual big luxury car. Across the range, the pitch centered on advanced in-car technology, strong turbocharged power, and a cabin that could serve both an owner-driver and a chauffeured rear-seat passenger. What set the 7 Series apart was that it paired full-size comfort and tech with a noticeably more athletic feel than many rivals.

The 2011 range spans the driver-focused 740i, the roomier long-wheelbase 740Li, V8-powered 750 models, the V12 760Li, and specialized hybrid and ALPINA versions. The 740 models pair a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with features such as navigation and four-zone climate control, while the 500-hp ALPINA B7 adds a specially tuned suspension without giving up a full luxury cabin. Long-wheelbase models place more emphasis on rear-seat room, and the ActiveHybrid models combine a twin-turbo V8 with electric assistance and an eight-speed automatic.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li brought turbocharged six-cylinder power back to the U.S. lineup. New short- and long-wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7 models paired a twin-turbo V8 with electric assistance and an eight-speed automatic. The returning ALPINA B7 and new ALPINA B7 xDrive used a 500-hp version of the twin-turbo V8.

Tech

Comfort Access proximity keyless entry became standard on the 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, and 750Li xDrive.

2011 BMW 7 Series specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 BMW 7 Series740i0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series750i0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series740Li0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series750Li0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series760Li0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 SeriesAlpina B70 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series750i xDrive0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series750Li xDrive0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 SeriesAlpina B7 xDrive0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series750i ActiveHybrid0 in stock	2011 BMW 7 Series750Li ActiveHybrid0 in stock
Engine	6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0L	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0L	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	V8, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter	V8, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter
Transmission	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 8-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 6-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 8-Spd OD Manual	Auto, 8-Spd OD Manual
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD	AWD	RWD	RWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Hybrid
MPG City	17 mpg	15 mpg	17 mpg	14 mpg	13 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	14 mpg	17 mpg	17 mpg
MPG Highway	25 mpg	22 mpg	25 mpg	22 mpg	19 mpg	22 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	20 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg
Horsepower	315 hp		315 hp		535 hp					455 hp	455 hp
Torque	330 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	330 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	550 lb-ft	516 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	450 lb-ft	516 lb-ft	515 lb-ft	515 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft	14 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	38.9 in	38.9 in	44.3 in	44.3 in	44.3 in		38.9 in	44.3 in		44.3 in	44.3 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake
Hill Descent Control
Lane Departure Warning
Rear View Camera
Side View Cameras
Top View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Power Close Liftgate/Trunk
Rear Spoiler
Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats
Dual Power Rear Seats
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Massage Front Seat
Massage Rear Seat
Memory Front Seats
Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start
Rear Window Shades
Ventilated Front Seats
Ventilated Rear Seats
Wood Interior Trim

How the 2012 BMW 7 Series compares

The 2012 BMW 7 Series gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is a broader list of standard features, led by a rear-view camera across the regular lineup.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2011 BMW 7 Series redesigned?

No. The 2011 7 Series kept the same basic body and cabin design as 2010. Its major news was a much wider selection of trims and powertrains.

What six-cylinder models were added to the 2011 BMW 7 Series?

The 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li were added for 2011, bringing a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six back to the U.S. 7 Series range. The 740Li also provides added rear-seat legroom.

Did the 2011 BMW 7 Series add a hybrid?

Yes. The 2011 lineup added the 750i ActiveHybrid and long-wheelbase 750Li ActiveHybrid. Both combine a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with electric assistance and an eight-speed automatic.

What is different about the 2011 ALPINA B7?

The 2011 ALPINA B7 is the performance-focused 7 Series, with a 500-hp twin-turbo V8 and a specially tuned adaptive suspension. It joined the lineup in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms while retaining luxury features such as navigation, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front seats.

Is the 2011 BMW 7 Series a major upgrade over the 2010 model?

It is a major lineup expansion rather than a redesign. The 2011 model is most meaningfully different if you want a six-cylinder 740, an ActiveHybrid, or an ALPINA B7; the core body and cabin remain largely unchanged.