It may be the "entry level" model of BMW’s flagship sedan, but the 740 has all the plush fixtures to place it in the pantheon of premium luxury. And it's no slouch. Many driving enthusiasts covet the performance-minded virtues of the 740's 315-horsepower 3-liter inline-six.
The 7 Series is also available with additional power in the 750, 760 and Alpina B7 models, and as a hybrid.
What's New for 2014
The trunk can be opened and closed through a motion sensor under the bumper: no hands required. The 740 also gets a new instrument cluster and iDrive system.
Choosing Your BMW 740
All BMW 740 come with a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.
Standard features include a heated steering wheel, navigation, a 16-speaker audio system, four-zone climate control, 16-speaker audio system with two subwoofers and adaptive headlights.
Buyers have a choice of wheelbase and drive type:
- Standard wheelbase with rear-wheel drive
- Long wheelbase with rear-wheel drive
- Long wheelbase with all-wheel drive
Despite being well-equipped in standard form, a 740 can still be customized with an array of option packages:
- Cold Weather Package includes heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, a wood steering wheel and a ski bag.
- Executive Package adds concierge services, soft-close automatic doors, Harman Kardon surround sound, Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up display, multi-contour seats, front ventilated seats and power tailgate.
- Rear Entertainment Package includes rear-seat entertainment, iDrive touchpad and 6-disc CD changer.
- Driver Assistance Plus adds on an active driving assistant, active blind spot detection, side and top views cameras and speed limit information.
- BMW Individual Composition includes 20-inch alloy wheels, alcantara headliner, shadowline exterior trim, leather finish on the instrument panel, and options for Merino leather.
- M Sport Package includes gearshift paddles, an aerodynamic kit, anthracite alcantara headliner, an M steering wheel, 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and paint options.
Additional standalone options include parking assist, active front seats, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
As with any BMW, adding options can sent a 740's MSRP into the stratosphere. We'd choose a 740 with the Executive Package, but if you want to splurge on a fully-optioned car, by all means do so.