Luxury saloons such as the BMW 7 Series are in a constant race of innovation. Manufacturers aim to produce the most advanced and technologically-rich models to showcase their engineering expertise.
Each generation of the 7 Series seeks to outdo its rivals, the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, by offering more of everything — power, efficiency, features, and, most importantly, luxury. The newest 7 Series is the latest of the trio. It is also the largest, with a bigger footprint and an imposing road presence. When it comes to powertrain technology, the 7 Series outperforms its rivals. It has done away with diesel and pure petrol options, instead offering the all-electric i7 or a selection of two plug-in hybrids. This review focuses on the 750e, which is the entry-level model. It features a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electrified eight-speed transmission. The 750e also has an 18.7kWh battery, providing a zero-emission driving range of almost 50 miles. Total power output is 489PS, with 700Nm of torque, resulting in incredible performance. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes fewer than five seconds, and the car’s top speed is 155mph.
The 750e’s powertrain is not just about performance; it’s also incredibly smooth. If used for chauffeuring, the silent electric-only operation enhances passenger comfort and refinement. Depending on the operating mode and battery charge level, the 750e can achieve upwards of 40mpg on longer runs and electric-only drives of about 40 miles. We found the system most effective in ‘hybrid’ mode. In this mode, it uses available battery charge at lower speeds and then switches the engine on at higher speeds. With a 65-liter fuel tank and a full charge, the car can theoretically travel 600 miles.
Standard air suspension delivers a supple ride, while the xDrive all-wheel-drive system provides confidence and reassurance in any driving condition. There’s a dynamic edge to the 750e, too. The power delivery from the six-cylinder engine can become addictive as it effortlessly carries the 2.5-tonne saloon. You can also make the suspension firmer for quicker cornering. Though driver engagement is important, the passenger experience is most relevant in cars like the 7 Series, and it doesn’t disappoint. BMW has heavily invested in technology. Touchscreen control panels are located in both rear doors, which give occupants access to media, climate, and seat settings. Then there’s the BMW Theatre Screen – a 31.3-inch display that folds down electrically from the roof. It is combined with rear sunblinds, which close electrically when the screen is deployed to create an immersive experience. The screen uses Amazon Fire TV and has HDMI inputs for external devices. Elsewhere, the leather is soft and supple, the seats are incredibly comfortable, and on-board refinement is top-tier. Boot space is also impressive for a plug-in hybrid, at 525 liters; both the A8 and S-Class equivalents offer less than 400 liters.
While BMW’s tech focus is impressive, some elements can frustrate the driver. The iDrive infotainment system is BMW’s latest and is utilized across a wide array of models. It integrates the climate settings and a range of other features, all controllable via the touchscreen or the central rotary control. However, for the latest generation, the system has become more complex to navigate than before, and using the rotary control is less intuitive. Also, there are fewer shortcut buttons, so, for example, accessing the hybrid powertrain settings, is buried in the car menu rather than a physical switch.
Prices for the 750e start at £101,765 but escalate quickly with optional equipment. Our M Sport Test model had a price tag of over £130,000, but it was very well equipped. The Audi A8 TFSIe is available for less, although it is an aging model with a shorter electric-only range. Mercedes requests more for its S 450e, starting at £110,720. The S-Class has the longest electric range at 62 miles but is the least powerful and has the smallest boot.
So, the BMW 750e is currently the leader in the luxury segment. It has the most technology, performance, and space. It’s also cheapest for fleets, with running costs of 98p per mile (Audi and Mercedes both exceed £1 per mile), and it offers the lowest company car tax.
The BMW 7 Series offers a luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience.
