BMW 7 Series Expert Review

The unabashedly large kidney grille, the sleek, shard-like LED Daytime Running Lamps that get Swarovski crystal elements, and the excess of cuts and angles around the LED headlamps attract attention like no other. In profile, the over-five-metre length adds to the road presence and even the 20-inch stock wheels are stunning to look at. The sleek LED tail-lamps with chrome surrounds and a chrome element on the bumper bring some drama at the rear. Love it or hate it, you just can’t miss the new 7.

In 740i guise the 7 Series is the long wheelbase version resulting in sumptuous room inside. Up front, the seats are plush, large and hugely comfy with all sorts of features. Heating, ventilation, massage and memory its all there. But of course, the rear seat is where you’d spend the most time. They are exceptionally comfortable and spacious and like the front feature recline, and massaging along with the theatre mode that makes it one of the best rear seats on sale right now. 

The 740i uses a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 381hp, plus an 18hp, 200Nm boost from a 48V mild-hybrid system. It does 0-100kph in 5.4sec—impressive for a two-tonne limo. An 8-speed torque converter gearbox offers smooth, responsive shifts. Driving modes alter the powertrain’s character, with 'Sport' modes adding excitement. Enthusiasts will enjoy the raspy exhaust note above 3,000rpm. While not as thrilling as the M340i, the 740i delivers its own engaging driving experience.

BMW claims 7.93kpl for the petrol engine and 6.04kpl with the diesel engine on a WLTP cycle. We have not tested the car by Autocar Test Standards yet.

Previous iterations of the 7 have always had a bit of an edge over rival limousines when it came to handling, but this one doesn’t shrink around you like other big Bimmers. Ride, though, is simply excellent. It gets adaptive air suspension, which gives it a supple ride over the worst roads and incredible stability on the highways. At cruising speeds, the new 7 simply floats on the road, and is extremely close, if not better, than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

BMW’s new 7 Series spares no expense on luxury. The minimalist front features a 14.9-inch curved display controlling most functions, even climate. But it’s in the rear where opulence shines: massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, plus a 31.3-inch 8K screen that folds down dramatically in ‘theatre mode.’ With blinds closing, ambient sound by Hans Zimmer, and a fully reclining seat, it’s a true in-car cinema. A 5.5-inch touchscreen offers further control—pure wow factor, worthy of top honors.

The 740i comes in at Rs 1.81 crore, and you can have a diesel version for Rs 3 lakh more.
It doesn’t quite feel like 7s of the past in terms of driving dynamics, but frankly, this segment is all about being chauffeured around; even more so here in India. What you will appreciate is its excellent ride, top-shelf luxury and, of course, the ability to stream and binge watch your favourite content on that incredible screen.