2012 BMW 7 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2012 BMW 7 Series
5th generation 7 Series (F01/F02/F04, 2009-2015), final pre-facelift year before the 2013 refresh.
BMW positions the 7 Series as its flagship luxury sedan for buyers who want full-size comfort without giving up a driver-focused feel. The core pitch is a blend of strong powertrains, long-distance comfort, advanced technology, and sharper handling than traditional luxury rivals. In this generation, BMW also spreads the formula across several personalities: efficient six-cylinder models, stronger V8 versions, a hybrid, a V12 flagship, and ALPINA performance variants.
The 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li pair a 315-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a more driver-focused take on BMW’s flagship sedan. The 750 models step up to a 400-hp twin-turbo V8, while the ActiveHybrid models use a 455-hp V8 hybrid system. The 535-hp V12 760Li emphasizes rear-seat luxury, and the 500-hp Alpina B7 adds specialized suspension tuning for a more performance-focused feel.
What changed, by category
2012 BMW 7 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter | 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 Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 8-Spd Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 6-Spd Manual | Auto, 8-Spd Manual | Auto, 8-Spd 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 | 400 hp | 315 hp | 400 hp | 535 hp | 500 hp | 400 hp | 400 hp | 500 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 | 13 cu-ft | 13 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.9 in | 38.9 in | 44.3 in | 44.3 in | 44.3 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 in | 44.3 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 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 |
| 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 | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Massage Front Seat | |||||||||||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||||||||||
| Memory Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | |||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 BMW 7 Series?
The biggest change is expanded standard equipment, led by a rear-view camera across the regular lineup. BMW also made a sport steering wheel and iPod/USB connectivity standard more broadly.
Is the 2012 BMW 7 Series a redesigned model?
No. The 2012 7 Series is a light-update model and the final version before the more substantial 2013 refresh. Its basic body, chassis, engines, and transmissions carry over.
Did the 2012 BMW 7 Series receive new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2012 lineup carries over its existing six-cylinder, V8, V12, and V8 hybrid powertrains. The major mechanical updates arrived for 2013 instead.
What changed on the 2012 BMW 750 models?
The 2012 750i and 750Li gained more standard upscale equipment. Premium audio and a rear-view camera became standard on the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, alongside the broader connectivity and steering-wheel updates.
What changed on the 2012 ActiveHybrid 7?
The 2012 ActiveHybrid 7 gained standard iPod/USB connectivity, while ventilated front seats changed from standard to optional. Its 455-hp V8 hybrid system and eight-speed automatic transmission carried over.