“If you love a V-8 luxury sedan that really moves and is comfortable, the 750 is the best.”
2016 BMW 7 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2016 BMW 7 Series is an all-new sixth-generation model, making this a major redesign year. Its defining change is the lighter Carbon Core structure, which anchors a ground-up remake of the car.
About the 2016 BMW 7 Series
6th generation (G11/G12), first year of the full redesign
BMW positions the 7 Series as its large luxury sedan at the top of the brand’s car range: a roomy, long-wheelbase flagship-sized sedan that blends rear-seat comfort, strong power, and unusually driver-focused road manners for this class. BMW’s own messaging centers on lightweight construction, refinement, intelligent connectivity, and intuitive controls. Against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, the 7 Series is meant to feel both relaxing for passengers and more engaging for the person behind the wheel.
The rear-wheel-drive 740i pairs a 320-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with adaptive air suspension, touchscreen navigation, Gesture Control, digital gauges, wireless phone charging, and a panoramic moonroof. The 750i adds a 445-hp twin-turbo V8, multi-contour front seats, a head-up display, and adaptive LED headlights, while the 750i xDrive adds all-wheel drive for better traction.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 740i received a new 320-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, while the 750i and 750i xDrive used a redesigned 445-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic. The prior diesel, hybrid, V12, and Alpina trims did not return in the redesigned launch lineup.
Styling
BMW introduced an all-new exterior and interior design. U.S. models used the roomier long-wheelbase body, and LED headlights became standard on the 740i.
Safety
Automatic high beams became standard on the 740i.
Tech
The new cabin introduced the iDrive 5.0 touchscreen system, standard Gesture Control, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument cluster. Premium audio also became standard on the 740i.
Structural
A new Carbon Core body and redesigned chassis reduced weight by as much as 190 pounds while increasing body rigidity. Adaptive air suspension was standard across the lineup.
2016 BMW 7 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4L | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4L |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Sport MM | Auto, 8-Spd Sport MM | Auto, 8-Spd Sport MM |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 320 hp | 445 hp | 445 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 44.3 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Hill Descent Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Head-Up Display | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 BMW 7 Series fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 BMW 7 Series began the sixth generation with a new body structure, chassis, exterior, interior, engines, and touchscreen-based cabin technology.
What engines are in the redesigned 2016 BMW 7 Series?
The 2016 740i has a 320-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. The 750i and 750i xDrive have a 445-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, and every listed version uses an 8-speed automatic transmission.
What new technology did the 2016 BMW 7 Series receive?
The 2016 redesign introduced iDrive 5.0 with touchscreen control, Gesture Control, wireless phone charging, and a digital instrument cluster. The 740i also made premium audio standard.
Does every 2016 BMW 7 Series have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2016 740i and 750i have rear-wheel drive, while the 750i xDrive has all-wheel drive.
Which earlier 7 Series versions did not return for 2016?
The 2015 740Ld xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, ActiveHybrid 7, Alpina B7, and Alpina B7 xDrive did not carry over into the redesigned 2016 launch lineup.
2016 BMW 7 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 BMW 7 Series.
4.5
2016 BMW 7 Series
(115 reviews)
“Car is high tech. Need someone who can explain simply and clearly. This did not happen for me.”
“It has a wonderful balance between a quiet and smooth ride, yet responds to input with stability and safety.”