History of the BMW 7 Series

Throughout the years, BMW has continued to strive for excellence, and none more so than with the evolutionary milestones that have made the 7 Series an enduring icon of the automotive world.

Born in 1977, the inaugural 7 Series flagship model, with refined luxury, comfort and technology, captivated enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. It was a propitious moment for the Bavarian carmaker and a bold step forward, with the luxury sector, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar firmly in their sights.

Its sleek and modern styling underlined the sportiness of the luxury saloon, with a sloping front and rear and the iconic kidney grille front and centre. Embodying the company’s commitment to engineering prowess, the 7 Series featured groundbreaking technology for its time, including the first ever on-board computer, electronic climate control and ABS. Leather upholstery, reclining rear seats and an in-car telephone were optional. A mid-life update saw the kidney grille enlarged and plastic bumpers replacing chrome ones. The cabin also saw minor changes to the upholstery and the dashboard.

All models had straight-six petrol powertrains ranging from 2.5 litres to 3.4 litres, with outputs from 150PS to over 252PS. Some were fuel-injected and turbocharged. The car was launched with a four-speed manual, followed by a five-speed manual and three-and four-speed automatics.

The first generation established the foundations for future models, setting the benchmark that other luxury brands aspired to match. In a 10-year production run, more than 270,000 cars were produced.

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the second-generation 7 Series continued to refine the concept of luxury motoring. It was also the first V12 car produced in Germany since WWII and, at the time, the most technologically advanced car on the market. By this stage, the luxury sector was heating up, with the 7 Series pitted firmly against the Mercedes S-Class.

Aesthetically, the second generation was a bigger car, introducing a more aerodynamic design. The 7 Series presented a more significant road presence with a remodelled front and a wider rear. Customers lapped up the driver-oriented cabin and the new technology. A long wheelbase was introduced for the first time. A narrow kidney grille denoted 6-cylinder models, with a broader grille for V8s and V12s.

Throughout its production run, second-generation powertrains ranged from 3.0-litre to 5.0-litre, and all models were straight-six petrol. Outputs varied from 197PS to 295PS. V8s and V12s were available, with the V12 becoming well-known for its performance. Standard six-cylinder models were known for their fuel efficiency. V8 models were coupled with a 5-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Upon its launch in 1994, the third generation was one of the most wanted luxury cars of its time, and for many fans, is considered the best 7 Series ever made. The third generation won praise for its sleek design and for combining old technology with the digital era. It marked a significant turning point in BMW’s design philosophy and popularity. With its bold redesign, sleek lines, shallow height, and sporty prowess, it cemented BMW’s position in the luxury market. It wasn’t only the bodywork that became evolutionary; changes underneath and inside were also significant.

With reworked suspension and a completely new chassis, the 7 Series delivered better road holding, handling, performance, and levels of luxury and comfort. It was the first European car fitted with a navigation system, front and side driver, and passenger airbags. Governments notably used an extra-long wheelbase variant for official use.

There was a wider choice of powertrains available. For the first time, BMW offered turbodiesels. Powertrains ranged from 2.5-litre to 3.9-litre for diesel and 2.8-litre to 5.4-litre for petrol. Straight-six, V8, and V12 engines delivered outputs varying from 140PS to 322PS. It was also the last 7 Series with a six-speed manual, with the five-speed ZF automatic now the preferred choice.

The third-generation 7 Series gained worldwide fame when James Bond drove the 750iL in “Tomorrow Never Dies.” Bond pilots the car remotely from the back seat in a gruelling car chase.

A mid-life facelift version arrived in 1998 with revised headlights, sportier suspension, and new alloys. Moderate powertrain upgrades and upgraded safety features also arrived.

2001 saw the launch of the controversially styled fourth generation. Departing from the designs of previous models, the sleek lines of old were gone, and in came a boulder, chunkier, almost aggressive appearance. Not everyone liked it upon its launch, though ironically, it outsold all its predecessors. The fourth generation was almost an entirely new car. Lightweight materials, such as aluminium and carbon fibre, enhanced fuel efficiency and delivered better performance.

Developed in partnership with Nokia, BMW introduced their game-changing iDrive infotainment and navigation system. Providing drivers with unprecedented operating and fewer buttons gave access to the car’s operations. The onboard computer used information from the internet. Another innovation unveiled was the six-speed ZF automatic with the gear selector on the steering wheel. By this stage, BMW had taken the decision to stop offering manual gearboxes altogether. A button on the dashboard now controlled the handbrake.

Diesel and petrol powertrains were available in straight-six, V6, and V12. 3.0-litre to 6.0-litre petrols produced 225PS-490PS, and 3.0-litre to 4.4-litre diesels produced 212PS-320PS. The Alpina B7 model managed 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. A limited-production hydrogen-fuelled model used a modified V12 and produced 250PS. A long-wheelbase variant was also optional.

2005 saw a minor refresh, with some styling tweaks and refined curves added. Minor cabin changes included standard night vision. Despite outselling previous models, the fourth generation goes down in the history books as a BMW 7 series that is loved and hated in equal measure.

The fifth generation was introduced in 2008. BMW took a more traditional approach to styling, with cleaner lines, a longer bonnet, a wider stance, and a low roof line. It was bigger than the model it replaced, and two wheelbases—standard and extended—were available.

The new interior added to the sense of luxury and comfort, with technology again playing a crucial role. A new infotainment system was mated with an evolved iDrive. Instrument clusters combined analogue and digital displays. Five cameras were added as part of revised assistance measures. Active cruise control, lane assist, and heads-up display led the way. New technology introduced rear-wheel steering, all-wheel drive, and radar cruise control, which helped evolve BMW's driving dynamics.

Powerful and efficient powertrains with twin-turbocharged V8s, V12 petrol, and diesel were offered. Only one diesel powertrain was available—a 3.0-litre, which produced 250PS-370PS. Petrol powertrains ranged from 3.0-litre to 6.0-litre, with 250PS-530PS. An ActiveHybrid 7 model brought lower emissions, but sales were minimal. Six—and eight-speed automatics were offered.

2012 saw a mid-life refresh with model updates, including 3D visuals to the dashboard display, tweaked powertrains, and minor exterior tweaks.

2015 saw the arrival of the sixth generation 7 Series. Embodying the pinnacle of BMW engineering and innovation, the car adopted the new CLAR platform – a lightweight carbon fibre body and chassis - leading the way in weight reduction, rigidity, and handling. Almost everything on the model was new. With redesigned bumpers, headlights, and kidney grille, the latest 7 looked luxurious and sleek.

Showcasing state-of-the-art technology, including gesture control, driver assistance, touchscreen functionality and many safety features. The car was fitted with semi-automated parking - the car could manoeuvre itself into spaces and garages under driver supervision. The sixth generation was named one of the top ten tech cars on the market. A high level of luxury and comfort was on display throughout the cabin. Rear passengers had individual HD touch screens and luxurious seating. Efficiency levels were higher than that of its predecessors as was reliability and performance.

Four-cylinder and straight-six diesel powertrains were available in 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre turbos, producing 225PS -390PS. Petrol powertrains ranged from a 2.0-litre turbo to a 6.6-litre V12 twin-turbo, producing 250PS-600PS, respectively. 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre hybrids produced 320PS-385PS. BMW announced that this 7 Series would be the last of its kind to be fitted with a V12 powertrain.

iPerformance and the factory-tuned Alpina B7 helped sell the luxury saloon to a broader demographic. A 2019 mid-life refresh saw minor changes inside and out, as well as tech enhancements.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Bavarian carmaker launched its seventh and current model in 2022. The new 7 Series represents a bold leap forward in luxury and sustainability. Its intriguing design features and iconic front took many by surprise upon its launch. The illuminated kidney grille certainly has a road presence, and a class-leading fully electric model oozes innovation.

The new 7 is loaded with technology, including a 14.9” infotainment touchscreen, and a rear optional 31.3” 8K rear interactive theatre screen certainly adds to the luxurious experience. With leather, cashmere wool, Swarovski crystals, and tech, elegance, comfort, and innovation are prominent.

A slimmed-down powertrain range offers 3.0-litre petrol and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8s, 3.0-litre diesel, a 3.0-litre plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric i7 model.

From humble beginnings to the present day, exuding luxury and refinement, there’s no denying that the BMW 7 Series has left its mark on the automotive industry. Consistently delivering a blend of power, comfort, and style, the 7 Series has continually evolved, embraced new technologies and redefined luxury. The BMW flagship saloon has cemented itself in history as a true icon, inspiring many, with many being inspired.

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