“Extremely comfortable, good looking and a fine performer. A bit too long. Think the 5 series about the right size.”
BMW 7 Series: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW 7 Series is BMW’s flagship full-size luxury sedan, known for its roomy rear cabin, advanced digital features, and strong performance. It combines chauffeured-car comfort with a more rewarding driving feel than its size might suggest.
The 7 Series has long served as BMW’s showcase for luxury, performance, and new cabin technology. Across generations, it has paired generous passenger space and long-distance comfort with engines and handling meant to keep the driver involved. Its powertrain range has repeatedly stretched from relatively sensible six-cylinder models to hybrids and high-performance flagships.
Strengths
- The cabin gives adults real space to stretch out, with 43.3 inches of rear legroom in 2026.
- It blends quiet long-distance comfort with driving manners intended to keep the person behind the wheel engaged.
- Cabin technology has been a consistent priority, from early versions of BMW’s central control system to the broad curved displays in recent models.
- The lineup covers distinct needs, from six-cylinder gas models to a plug-in hybrid and a V8-powered flagship in 2026.
- The 2026 plug-in hybrid was rated for 35 miles of electric driving before its gas engine was needed.
Who it's for
The 7 Series fits someone who wants a large, high-comfort sedan for highway travel, executive use, or carrying adults in genuine rear-seat comfort. It especially suits buyers who value both a luxurious back seat and a satisfying experience behind the wheel.
BMW 7 Series lineup
The 740i is the core six-cylinder model and the sensible pick for buyers who want the 7 Series experience without stepping into the highest-output version. The 740i xDrive adds all-wheel drive and is the better fit when extra traction matters. Since 2024, the 750e xDrive has served as the plug-in hybrid, blending all-wheel drive with useful electric-only travel. The 760i xDrive is the V8-powered performance flagship for shoppers who put stronger acceleration and a more forceful character ahead of efficiency.
BMW 7 Series generations
From 2009 to 2026, the 7 Series spans three generations. The current 7th Generation — G70 arrived for 2023, following the 6th Generation — G11/G12 (2016–2022).
7th Generation — G70 (2023–2026)
The G70 redesign brought a larger body, a completely new screen-heavy cabin, and 48-volt mild-hybrid gas engines. It also introduced the all-electric i7 alongside six-cylinder, plug-in-hybrid, and V8 versions.
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2026
Digital Key functionality expands across the lineup; the rest of the car largely carries over.
2025
The panoramic LED glass roof becomes standard on 740i models and the 750e xDrive.
2024Trim changes
The 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid and all-wheel-drive 740i xDrive join the lineup. The curved-screen interface also begins moving to newer software.
2023New generation
Full G70 redesign with a larger body, a new cabin, mild-hybrid gas engines, and the first all-electric i7.
6th Generation — G11/G12 (2016–2022)
This generation used a lighter carbon-reinforced body structure, new six- and eight-cylinder engines, touchscreen-based cabin technology, and standard adaptive air suspension. A substantial 2020 refresh brought a much larger grille, revised lighting, newer digital displays, and reworked engines.
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2022
A quiet final year with the refreshed styling and broad powertrain lineup carried over.
2021
Drive Recorder and several heated comfort features become standard; styling and engines remain unchanged.
2020Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with redesigned front and rear styling, newer digital cabin technology, and revised engines, including the six-cylinder 745e plug-in hybrid.
2019
The pre-refresh design and powertrain lineup carry over.
2018
No significant styling, powertrain, platform, or permanent cabin-tech changes.
2017Trim changes
The 740e xDrive plug-in hybrid, ALPINA B7 xDrive, and V12-powered M760i xDrive join the lineup. The Display Key becomes standard.
2016New generation
Full redesign with a lighter carbon-reinforced structure, new engines, a touchscreen system, and more cabin technology.
5th Generation — F01/F02/F04 (2009–2015)
The fifth generation introduced a new body and chassis, a twin-turbo V8, and a revised cabin control system with hard-drive navigation. Its lineup later expanded to include six-cylinder, AWD, hybrid, diesel, V12, and ALPINA versions before a broad 2013 refresh.
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2015Trim changes
The 740Ld xDrive joins the lineup with a diesel six-cylinder, a long body, and AWD. Connectivity and some standard equipment also improve.
2014
Navigation gains a touchpad controller, and most gasoline models receive a digital instrument display.
2013Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with revised styling, updated engines and hybrid hardware, an 8-speed automatic across the lineup, and improved cabin technology.
2012
A rear-view camera, sport steering wheel, and iPod/USB connectivity become standard across the regular lineup.
2011Trim changes
Six-cylinder 740 models return. The lineup also adds AWD 750 models, the ActiveHybrid 7, and the returning ALPINA B7.
2010Trim changes
The first AWD V8 7 Series models and a new V12-powered 760Li join the lineup.
2009New generation
Full redesign with a new body and chassis, a twin-turbo V8, revised cabin technology, and added driver-assistance features.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW 7 Series.
2026 BMW 7 Series2025 BMW 7 Series2024 BMW 7 Series2023 BMW 7 Series2022 BMW 7 Series2021 BMW 7 Series2020 BMW 7 Series2019 BMW 7 Series2018 BMW 7 Series2017 BMW 7 Series2016 BMW 7 Series2015 BMW 7 Series2014 BMW 7 Series2013 BMW 7 Series2012 BMW 7 Series2011 BMW 7 Series2010 BMW 7 Series2009 BMW 7 Series
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW 7 Series only a sedan?
Yes. The BMW 7 Series is a full-size, four-door luxury sedan with seating for five. Its focus is a spacious cabin, especially in back, rather than SUV-style cargo space or a sporty two-door shape.
What is the BMW 7 Series known for?
The BMW 7 Series is known for blending rear-seat comfort, strong performance, and technology-heavy cabins. It is built for quiet long trips, but it still aims to feel engaging when the owner is driving.
Is the BMW 7 Series better for driving or being driven in?
It works for both. The roomy, quiet rear cabin suits buyers who are often passengers, while the responsive engines and BMW-style handling give owners a reason to drive it themselves.
Does the BMW 7 Series come as a hybrid?
Yes. Used 7 Series hybrids include the early ActiveHybrid 7 and the later 740e xDrive, 745e xDrive, and 750e xDrive plug-in hybrids. The newer 750e combines a six-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and all-wheel drive.
Does the BMW 7 Series have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Many 7 Series versions use BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, while some 740i, 740Li, 750i, and 750Li models use rear-wheel drive. The trim badge is the quickest way to tell.
Which BMW 7 Series generations will used-car shoppers see most often?
The fifth generation covers 2009–2015, the sixth runs from 2016–2022, and the seventh began for 2023. The 2016 and 2023 models were full redesigns, while 2013 and 2020 brought substantial updates within their generations.
BMW 7 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the BMW 7 Series.
4.4
BMW 7 Series
(1,166 reviews)
“The car is stylish and well made. Driving performance is excellent. Combined gas and electric mileage has been great when charging stations are available, though the overall mileage on a single charge is low. Interior is superior in comfort, style, and roominess. The trunk space is slightly small and there is minimal interior cargo space.”
“Great Ride. The Eco Mode is really incredible. The power of the Diesel with such little horse power is amazing.”
“The new design incorporated a lot of technology and makes the interior look and feel very futuristic. The stainless steel accents add to the luxurious feel.”
“Buy it! It has style/class! The car makes its own statement! The car matches my personal style and enhances my professional presence.[Email]”
“I would look for a vehicle , in the luxury segment , efficient, easy to ride with confidence and a feel of safety.”