BMW 7 Series - Will it top the S-Class?

We always thought the sixth generation version of BMW's 7 Series large luxury saloon was good; this revised version promises to be better.

When BMW launched the sixth generation version of its top saloon, the 7 Series, it elevated itself back into contention at the top end of the luxury segment for large saloons. But much has happened since. This significantly revised model has had to get clever to keep up with the demands of the marketplace. With a frugal diesel and a plug-in hybrid available, it proves even luxury barges need a conscience these days.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:41 Background
03:33 Driving Experience
15:56 Design & Build
33:06 Market & Model Range
01:03:08 Cost of Ownership
01:15:57​​​ Summary

Background
BMW's 7 Series has been with us for well over four decades now, with the first generation car having gone on sale back in 1977. Initially available in one length with a six cylinder engine, a V12 was offered back in 1987 on the second generation car with a long wheel base model available too. As the Nineties became the Naughties, increased environmental concerns saw the introduction of diesels for the UK market as the list of available equipment grew along with the car's size and weight.

For this updated sixth generation car, BMW knew they had to offer even more on-board gadgetry, connectivity and camera-driven safety kit - and of course that's exactly what we've got. Plus the styling's been sharpened and there's a much more competitive petrol Plug-in hybrid option.

Driving Experience
The 7 Series has always sold itself as the driver's choice in luxury limos and that doesn't look to be changing any time soon. Even the most sensible (and slowest) six cylinder 730d pumps out 265hp, enough for 0-62mph in a scant 6.1 seconds (which falls to 5.8s if you go for optional xDrive 4WD). This is a far more popular choice than the similarly-price 340hp 740i petrol model. Other less popular engine options in the 7 Series range all come only with xDrive. There's the 320hp 740d diesel, the 530hp 750i petrol V8 and for real plutocrats, the 585hp M760Li V12.

Should you want to be as green as possible - or just escape the London congestion charge - there's a 745e plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 36 miles on electric power alone. All models receive an eight speed automatic gearbox and air suspension for both front and rear axles that allows you to switch from soft to sporty and the touch of a button. As the ultimate party trick, you can even get out of the car and set it to park itself from your smart phone. Very James Bond. Optional Integral Active Steering allows rear wheel steering to tighten the turning circle and sharpen cornering response. And on most models you can also specify Active Chassis Control to reduce body roll.

[Rayk]

The most detailed car reviewers in existence id still take this over the new S class, having said that the new S class interior is stunning, saw the 7 series on the flesh and beautifully aggressive, the grille suits it perfectly when seen in the flesh

[leem]

That man can talk for the whole country! Very good review tho mate!

[jonathanbishop]

Hey, I have no interest in this car (absolutely can’t afford it) but I watch your videos nonetheless because I find them super calming to have on while I work… honestly it’s been a real stress reliever during lockdown. They’re like audiobooks, so I wanted to say thank you for the content. Liked and subscribed. Cheers!

[ngonidzashetaruvinga]

This is by far the best review of my dream car. Great Job there

[nonenone]

Man this presenter really does his research. Nice job.

[meanvecktor]

BMW 7 series in the 90s was in second place compared to it rival S-Class but today is a new day Bmw has been killing Mercedes and Audi for years

[vitogiacalone]

The best review I have watched in long time, fair, consistent to the point and unbiassed

[androidziby]

Excellent review, with everything you need to know from base spec to other vehicle comparison! Subscribed.

[kenkobra]

I waited 16 months to purchase my 7series and saved 45k on a used one with only had 19k miles.

[bulozar]

The review is respectably informative; is the amount of work put in better than the car itself?

[drgsobers]

One of the most Reliable and luxurious cars in the world that's what sells this car...

[theatrenest]

Drinking Game: Everytime the presenter says "frugal" or "Munich Maker" you gotta take a shot

[DexxonGamer]

The 7 series is more technological, and comfort then the current s class, and probably the future one. The 5 series is the x5 is so we can assume so will the 7 be.

[TecNut]

What i find hilarious is, most of the extra BMW charge extra for is almost standard on Kia, s and Hyundai cars

[tjerry]

I`M AMAZED ! ……………..….not in the car, its  a german technobarge, but by you, how do you do such amazing  reviews and REMEMBER all the facts/figures

[TG-pdft]

Good review of this big barge.


S class has it nailed in this segment for my money

[happywelshguy]

Thank you for a very thorough review of this beautiful auto. However, would you consider shortening the length of the review as at 1 hr and 18 minutes it's far too long and I found myself fast forwarding through the review

[johnmcc]

Bye bye 👋 s class. You will never get bored driving one of these fully loaded 7 series.

[America-The-Great]

I would take this over the S-Class for

[IesApac]

thanks, but you know, generally speaking the individuals watching these kinds of videos on these cars cannot afford them whilst the people who can afford them would have absolutely no interest in these kind of videos :)