The BMW 7 series was born in 1977. A vehicle that embodies dynamic sportiness, innovative technical progress and elegant luxury at the highest level. The successor to the BMW E3 series has 6-cylinder engines which show incomparable refinement and performance at every power stage and make the car the sportiest sedan in the high-end class. The body shape is based on a design by Paul Bracq and is characterized by the sloping front and rear sections, which, like the low beltline, underline the sportiness of the luxury sedan.

Modern features such as an electronic climate control system and cruise control are available as early as 1978, with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and digital engine electronics following in 1979. In the same year, all engines are converted to gasoline-injection.

1980 sees the release of the top-of-the-range model: The BMW 745i delivers 185 kW (252 hp) to achieve a top speed of 227 km/h. The 1982 model update features a modified, even more aerodynamic front, four-speed automatic transmission and a reworked chassis. Over nine years more than 270,000 vehicles leave the factory, and the highly-successful series continues the dominance of BMW in modern luxury-class sedans.

Production period: 1977–1986
Engines: 2.5–3.4 liters (110–185 kW, 150–343 hp), 6-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,860 mm/1,800 mm/1,430 mm

The new generation of the BMW 7 series arrives in the showrooms in 1994 and boasts a range of technical innovations. It is the first European car with a navigation system and, from 1996, has side airbags for the driver and front passenger as standard. Front airbags protect rear seat passengers from 1997. The design is wider and sportier, but also more elegant.

It is the first BMW 7 series model available with a diesel engine, with a 6-cylinder engine that delivers 135 kW (184 hp), assisted by common rail technology. From 1996, a 6-cylinder diesel engine with a 2.5 liter displacement and 105 kW (143 hp) serves the lower diesel engine range. And in 1999 the high-end sedan with a V8 diesel engine and a power output of 180 kW (245 hp) sets a further record: The vehicle is the most powerful diesel passenger car ever.

The BMW 750i/750iL spearheads performance: Its twelve cylinders with 5.4 liter displacement generate 240 kW (326 hp). The 1998 model update features more dynamic headlights and rear lights, as well as redesigned side sills and a slightly wider kidney. The engine range is reworked, and assemblies become more efficient and, at the same time, more powerful. From 2000, the BMW 7 series is the home for a new engine technology: The BMW 750hL is produced on a small scale and uses hydrogen. In addition to the regular long-wheelbase version, around 900 vehicles are manufactured under the name L7 and are a total of 39 centimeters longer than the standard version. A total of 327,000 BMW 7 series (E38) are produced.

Production period: 1994–2001
Engines: 2.5–5.4 liters (105–240 kW, 143–326 hp), 6-, 8- & 12-cylinder
Length/width/height: 4,984–5,374 mm/1,862 mm/1,425–1,435 mm

At its launch in Munich the BMW 7 series (F01) defines a new standard for combining superior driving dynamics, outstanding presence and exceptional travel comfort. The elegant and sporty design is reflected in the long hood, the low roof line and dynamic proportions. A chrome band extends across the entire rear which, together with the rear lights, accentuates the width of the vehicle.

The interior boasts exclusive, exceptionally-crafted materials and a multitude of modern assistance systems: From active cruise control and lane assist to the head-up display. Additional safety is provided by cameras that show the rear view and can also provide an all-round view. This option generates a picture of the vehicle from above, guaranteeing the best possible overall view.

Diesel and gasoline engines provide sporty performance, including double-charged turbo engines and the BMW 760i, whose V12-cylinder engine delivers 400 kW (544 hp). And for the first time, a hybrid drive is available in the BMW 7 series. The optional four-wheel drive, Adaptive Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damper Control (EDC) all contribute to the typical BMW driving dynamics – for safe, precise driving.

The 2012 model update brings a new central display with 3D visuals, redesigned assistance systems including the LED high-beam assistant, and reworked, more efficient engines.

Production period: 2008–2015
Engines: 3.0–6.0 liters (180–400 kW, 245–544 hp), 6-, 8- & 12-cylinder
Length/width/height: 5,072–5,212 mm/1,902 mm/1,479 mm

Since 2022, the BMW 7 Series (G70) as the new face of the luxury class  has seen the light of day by combining pure elegance with outstanding driving characteristics and multi-sensory entertainment. 

On the outside, the iconic front and a monolithic design language attract all attention. The illuminated kidney contour and the two-part, slimline LED headlights lend elegance at first glance and are also available on request in a particularly noble version as BMW crystal headlights 'Iconic Glow' with backlit Swarovski elements. In combination with the impressive lighting of the "Great Entrance Moments" welcome scenario, this creates an image of outstanding and exclusive personality.

In the interior, high-quality materials such as 'Merino' leather, cashmere wool and Swarovski crystals spread a luxurious ambience. Combined with modern technology ergonomically designed for the driver, the result is an impressive interplay of elegance, comfort and innovation: the multifunctional control element of the BMW Interaction Bar, for example, sets a captivating accent with its crystalline appearance and combines visual and haptic controls. Together with the high-resolution, 14.9'' BMW Curved Display, this creates a unique, multimedia cockpit.

In the new BMW 7 Series, however, the driving experience is not just reserved for the driver. Passengers also enjoy full comfort. The optional 31.3'' BMW Theatre Screen creates a large-scale cinema atmosphere. Together with the crystal-clear sound and 4D audio of the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, the result is a unique rear seat experience that also sends eyes and ears on a journey. 

The luxury-class sedan is available in both powerful petrol and diesel engine versions and with efficient plug-in hybrid drive, as well as for the first time as an all-electric pioneer BMW i7 since 2022. Thanks to an output of 400 kW (544 hp) and an all-electric range of more than 600 km, you can enjoy maximum dynamic and flexible sustainable and locally emission-free mobility. Specially composed by Hans Zimmer, BMW IconicSounds Electric accompany every driving mode with a special soundscape to make the driving experience even more immersive and impressive.

Production period: Since 2022
Engines: 3.0–4.4 liters (200–400 kW, 272–544 hp), 6- & 8-cylinder
Length/width/height: 5,391 mm/1,950 mm/1,544 mm