2013 BMW 7 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The key change for the 2013 BMW 7 Series is a substantial mid-cycle refresh. It updates the design, cabin, suspension, and much of the powertrain lineup, making 2013 a meaningful step beyond the 2012 model.
About the 2013 BMW 7 Series
5th generation (F01/F02/F04, 2009-2015), mid-cycle refresh year.
BMW positioned the 7 Series as its flagship luxury sedan for buyers who wanted both executive-car comfort and a more athletic driving feel than many rivals. In BMW’s own language, it was the brand’s benchmark for performance, luxury, efficiency, and safety. Compared with softer large luxury sedans, the 7 Series leaned into strong engines, sharper responses, advanced cabin tech, and long-wheelbase rear-seat comfort without giving up everyday refinement.
The shorter 740i and 750i emphasize a more driver-focused feel, while the long-wheelbase 740Li, 750Li, and 760Li provide extra rear-seat room. The lineup spans a 315-hp turbocharged six-cylinder, 445-hp V8 models, a 535-hp V12 flagship, and a newly reworked 349-hp six-cylinder hybrid. The 540-hp ALPINA B7 sits at the performance end with its own transmission, suspension tuning, and exterior hardware.
What changed, by category
2013 BMW 7 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, 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 | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | 6-Cyl, Hybrid, Trbo, 3.0L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Switchtronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Switchtronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | 22 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 315 hp | 445 hp | 315 hp | 445 hp | 540 hp | 445 hp | 315 hp | 445 hp | 349 hp | 540 hp | |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 538 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 538 lb-ft | |
| 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 | |||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | |||||||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||
| Side View Cameras | |||||||||||
| Top View Camera | |||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 BMW 7 Series a full redesign?
No. The 2013 BMW 7 Series is a mid-cycle refresh of the fifth-generation model, not a full redesign. It keeps the same basic generation while updating the styling, cabin technology, suspension, and several powertrains.
What engine changes did the 2013 BMW 7 Series receive?
The 2013 engine updates were substantial. The 740 models received a revised 315-hp turbocharged six-cylinder, the 750 models’ V8 increased from 400 to 445 hp, the hybrid switched from a V8-based system to a 349-hp turbocharged six-cylinder setup, and the ALPINA B7 rose from 500 to 540 hp.
Is the 2013 ActiveHybrid 7 different from the 2012 hybrid?
Yes. The 2013 ActiveHybrid 7 uses a new second-generation hybrid system with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and electric motor instead of the previous V8-based setup. It produces 349 hp, uses a hybrid-specific 8-speed automatic, and has a long-wheelbase body in the U.S.
What changed inside the 2013 BMW 7 Series?
The 2013 BMW 7 Series received a redesigned iDrive navigation interface, updated screen graphics, revised ambient lighting, and additional sound insulation. Equipment changes also made proximity keyless entry standard on the 740i and 740Li, heated front seats standard on the 740i, and a smartphone interface standard on the 760Li.
Did BMW add an all-wheel-drive six-cylinder 7 Series for 2013?
Yes. The 740Li xDrive joined the U.S. lineup for 2013, combining the long-wheelbase body and turbocharged six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive.