What's New
After going through a major refresh last year, the 2021 BMW 7-Series enters the new model year without any significant changes. That shouldn’t be an issue, since last year's changes made the large luxury sedan more than opulent enough for the majority of consumers.
Furthermore, the 7-Series still exudes all of the same upscale features and designs that make it an excellent option to be used as a chauffeur vehicle. Whether you’re sitting in the back and getting driven around or doing the driving yourself, the 7-Series’ silent ride, stately performance, and high-end features are sure to impress.
Choosing Your BMW 7-Series
There are five BMW 7-Series trim levels to choose from: 740i, 745e, 750i, Alpina B7, and M760i. The 745e is a plug-in hybrid, while the rest of the lineup are gas-only models. Prices start at $87,795 including destination for the 740i and go up to $160,495 for the M760i.
Engine Choices
BMW offers five different engine options for the 7-Series, one for each trim level.
Engine Type | Trim Level | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder | 740i | 335 hp | 331 lb-ft | 25 mpg |
3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid | 740e | 389 hp | 443 lb-ft | 22 mpg (56 MPGe) |
4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | 750i | 523 hp | 553 lb-ft | 19 mpg |
4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | Alpina B7 | 600 hp | 590 lb-ft | 19 mpg |
6.6L Twin-Turbo V12 | M760i | 601 hp | 627 lb-ft | 16 mpg |
Every powertrain is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 740i comes standard with rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive ("xDrive," in BMW parlance) available for $3,000. The rest of the lineup comes standard with AWD.
The standard turbocharged six-cylinder engine should be plenty powerful for the majority of owners, though the twin-turbo V8 options raise the performance level of the 7-Series without a massive hit in fuel economy.
If you’re really looking for a somewhat efficient sedan, the 745e is impressive. It adds an 111-horsepower electric motor and 12-kWh lithium ion battery to the standard engine, allowing it to cover 17 miles on electricity.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All 7-Series sedans can seat up to five passengers. The gas-powered variants offer up 18.2 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk, one of the largest in the class. The 745e has a 14.8-cubic-foot trunk because of its battery pack.
Safety Features
For a vehicle with a starting price tag above $87,000, the 7-Series comes with all sorts of standard safety features.
A surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic high beams, and adaptive LED headlights are standard. BMW’s Active Driving Assistant suite is also included, bringing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.
The Alpina B7 model brings standard adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic jam assist.
On the other four trims, the available Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700) adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic lane changing, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. Remote control parking with the sedan’s key fob is available for an additional $850 on all but the 745e.
Connectivity
The 7-Series comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen that includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, navigation, satellite radio, and HD radio. The system can be controlled via touch or through gesture control.
Also standard are wi-fi hot spot capability, two USB ports, wireless device charging, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a 12.3-inch digital driver information display.
The Alpina and M760i get a standard head-up display. It's available on the other trims through the $3,000 Premium Package.
A Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound audio system is available for $3,400 as a standalone option. A rear-seat entertainment system that adds two 10-inch screens on the front seat backs and a Blu-ray player is an extra $2,700.
The base 740i comes handsomely equipped with Dakota leather upholstery, 20-way power front seats, heated front seats, heated armrests, a panoramic moonroof, a heated and power steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, soft-close doors, wood trim, remote start, and keyless entry.
Other standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, power and heated exterior mirrors, a hands-free trunk, a self-leveling air suspension, adaptive dampers, LED headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
The Premium Package ($3,000) brings Nappa leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade, rear side window shades, and a head-up display. Ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped dashboard, ceramic controls, and a panoramic roof are available through the Executive Package ($2,500).
The 745e model adds the plug-in hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive, a 3.7-kW AC charging system, and a charging cable. Otherwise, it can be had with the same optional packages as the 740i.
Powered by the 523-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the 750i also adds 19-inch wheels and Nappa leather seating over the lower trims.
The Luxury Rear Seating Package ($3,900) adds ventilation, heating, power-adjustability, and massage functionality to the rear seats. Ventilated front seats ($500) are required with the package.
The Alpina B7 comes with the more powerful twin-turbo V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, a unique exhaust system with quad tailpipes. A unique body kit, sport suspension, damper control system, and adaptive driving system are also included.
On the inside, it adds unique black trim, a head-up display, heated rear seats, and ventilated rear seats, alongside various Alpina badges.
The range-topping M760i is powered by the V12 engine and comes with an M sport exhaust system, unique 20-inch wheels, an increased top speed, an aerodyanmic body kit, and an M rear spoiler. Unique to the inside is an Alcantara headliner, an M sport steering wheel, an infrared windshield, and climate control laminated glass.
Compare 7-Series Trims Side-By-Side
Unless you’re the CEO of a company or recently won the lottery, we recommend sticking with the 750i in the 2021 BMW 7-Series lineup. You’ll feel like a million bucks in the vehicle, especially with the Luxury Rear Seating Package. The performance of the V8 engine is more impressive than the base inline-six and is well worth the upgrade.