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2020 BMW 7 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 BMW 7 Series gets a major mid-cycle refresh, led by a dramatically redesigned front and rear. It is a substantial update rather than a full redesign, with refreshed cabin technology and reworked powertrains.
About the 2020 BMW 7 Series
6th gen (G11/G12), mid-cycle refresh year within the 2016-2022 run.
BMW positions the 7 Series as its flagship luxury sedan: a roomy, long-wheelbase executive car that still tries to feel more engaging from the driver’s seat than many rivals. Its core appeal is the blend of rear-seat comfort, strong engine choices, air-suspension ride quality, and a tech-heavy cabin. Compared with other big luxury sedans, the 7 Series leans a little more toward smooth response and driver involvement while still delivering the quiet, high-comfort character expected in this class.
The 740i serves as the comfort-focused foundation, with a 335-hp six-cylinder engine, air suspension, a digital instrument display, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The 745e xDrive adds plug-in hybrid driving, while the 750i xDrive brings a 523-hp V8. At the top, the ALPINA B7 xDrive and V12-powered M760i xDrive emphasize effortless speed and flagship luxury.
What changed, by category
Styling
BMW redesigned the front and rear with a much taller kidney grille, a new hood and bumpers, slimmer headlights, revised tail lights, and a full-width rear light bar.
Powertrain
The 740i’s six-cylinder engine rose from 320 to 335 hp, while the 750i xDrive’s V8 jumped from 443 to 523 hp. The ALPINA B7 xDrive increased from 591 to 600 hp, and the M760i xDrive gained torque. The 740e xDrive became the 745e xDrive and received a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid system with a larger battery and 389 hp. The rear-wheel-drive 750i was dropped, leaving the 750i xDrive.
Tech
A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen, and BMW’s newer iDrive 7 interface became standard across the lineup.
Safety
Adaptive LED headlights and Parking Assistant Plus became standard. The parking system includes a surround-view camera and Back-up Assistant, while the ALPINA B7 xDrive also gained standard adaptive cruise control and additional driver-assistance features.
2020 BMW 7 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.6 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | 25 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 335 hp | 389 hp | 523 hp | 600 hp | 600 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.2 cu-ft | |||||
| Rear Legroom | 44.4 in | 44.4 in | 44.4 in | 44.4 in | 44.4 in | 44.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 16 | |||||
| MPGe Combined | 56 | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 BMW 7 Series a full redesign?
No. The 2020 7 Series is a major mid-cycle update of the sixth-generation model, not an all-new generation. Its body structure and basic platform continue, but the exterior, cabin technology, standard equipment, and engines receive substantial updates.
What changed on the outside of the 2020 BMW 7 Series?
The 2020 7 Series received a redesigned front and rear. The changes include a much larger and taller grille, a new hood and bumpers, slimmer headlights, revised tail lights, and a light bar stretching across the rear.
How did the 2020 BMW 745e xDrive change from the 2019 plug-in hybrid?
The 2020 plug-in hybrid became the 745e xDrive and replaced the previous four-cylinder system with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and electric motor. It also gained a larger 12.0-kWh battery, 389 hp, standard all-wheel drive, and the refreshed styling and cabin technology.
Did the 2020 BMW 7 Series get more powerful engines?
Yes. The 740i rose from 320 to 335 hp, the 750i xDrive climbed from 443 to 523 hp, and the ALPINA B7 xDrive increased from 591 to 600 hp. The M760i xDrive kept its 600-hp V12 but gained torque, rising from 590 to 627 lb-ft.
What equipment became standard on the 2020 BMW 7 Series?
The 2020 7 Series gained standard adaptive LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7, and Parking Assistant Plus. Several core trims also gained a standard heated steering wheel, while the ALPINA B7 xDrive added more standard driver-assistance equipment.
2020 BMW 7 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 BMW 7 Series.
4.3
2020 BMW 7 Series
(81 reviews)
“Everything about this vehicle is top notch. Exceptional sedan overall. Nothing not to like.”
“This is a superior vehicle, styling and looks are a small part - its just perfect. I was totally surprised with it's intelligence, it's quiet sophistication and elegance. My UDM seems to 'know me' now! Each day I look forward to sliding into it's seat and prepare for a new experience.”