2020 BMW 7-Series

The controversial “hockey stick” side molding is gone too, replaced by a similar design with a squarer angle, and the rear end gets a handsome taillight treatment that is more modern looking than the 2019 version. 

Inside, the only big change are new front seats from the X7. Less ostentatious than its German contemporaries, the dashboard design looks a lot like the ones in other BMWs, but material quality is top-notch and accents like metal, wood, and Alcantara turn the 7-Series cabin into a beautiful sanctuary.

The 7-Series is available with a 6-, 8-, or 12-cylinder engine, a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and rear- or all-wheel-drive. We’ll start at the bottom with the 740i, which comes with rear-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged inline-6 that makes 335 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is available on this model and standard with every other powertrain. BMW says it’s good for a 0-60 mph time of between 4.8 and 5.3 seconds; it’s quicker off the line with all-wheel drive.

The 750i xDrive uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft; BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. The M760i xDrive packs a big 6.6-liter twin-turbo V-12 with 600 hp and 627 lb-ft if you like your luxury sedans to be able to move mountains—and to rush to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds behind the unearthly whorl of a big 12-cylinder engine.

A plug-in hybrid 745e xDrive model is also available and gets a new turbocharged inline-6 to go along with its electric powertrain. The combination makes 389 hp and 442 lb-ft combined, good for a run to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Unfortunately, the electric-only range on a full charge is minimal, at 16 miles.

Adaptive air suspension comes standard, and while BMW still uses the “Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline, the 7-Series is more a boulevard cruiser than a thoroughbred athlete. Even in Sport mode, the steering of non-M-Sport models can feel vague and indirect, and though the two-plus-ton sedan will handle admirably on tight roads, this big beast is a far cry from its ancestors.

It is supremely comfortable, however, with both a Comfort and a Comfort Plus mode as well as smart sensors that scan the road ahead and prepare the suspension for large bumps to smooth out the experience. This is perhaps the only BMW where we’d happily hop in the back seat rather than the driver’s every single time.

The front seats are plucked from the new X7 SUV, and are supremely comfortable and adjustable, provided you spend on the right options. Leather and heat are standard in the front, while massage and cooling are both available. The rear-seat space is cavernous, and can be reupholstered with a pricey executive package that adds cooling as well as heating, massage, and power recline to its twin seats, as well as two touchscreens that can control the infotainment system and a removable tablet that acts as a remote. The new features render the 7-Series as one of the most opulent cars that doesn’t wear a Rolls-Royce or Bentley or Maybach badge.

The trunk is larger than that of both the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 and will swallow two large and two small suitcases, but no under-floor storage is available.

Material quality is truly top-notch, with hardly a single piece of hard plastic found anywhere in the cabin. Leather, wood, metal, Alcantara, and other soft-touch synthetics abound, and the whole interior feels buttoned-down and high-quality, even the rear vanity mirrors with their soft opening springs.

A head-up display, night vision, active parking assist, an interactive 3D camera system, pedestrian and animal detection, speed limit sign recognition, and even a display key that can roll the vehicle backwards or forwards out of tight parking spots are all available.

The 750i xDrive costs $103,645 and includes a 523-horsepower turbocharged V-8, and bigger wheels, while the insanely powerful turbo V-12 M760i xDrive will set you back a breathtaking $158,695 but gets 20-inch M-Sport wheels and bigger sport brakes, as well as other improvements. We’re torn between all three versions, but bet BMW buyers are most interested in the V-8 editions.

Our backup pick of the bunch would be the 745e xDrive with its plug-in hybrid powertrain for $96,545, for its luxuriant take on efficiency. 

Across the lineup, options include the executive rear-seat package, premium audio from Bowers & Wilkins, a display key with remote-controlled parking, and more. Fully loaded, the 7-Series can push $200,000 easily, and you’re unlikely to find even a base model that costs less than $100,000. But then again, few vehicles can match the opulence of the 7-Series.

BMW iDrive

We’re a far cry from the very first iteration of iDrive which had a particularly rough introduction. The updated system in the 7-Series is among the best in the business, featuring both dial- and touchscreen-controlled functions that are smooth, intuitive, and clear. 

With optional packages, the rear cabin features twin touchscreens on the seat backs that can play media and control nearly everything in the car, including the infotainment system up front. A removable 7.0-inch tablet is also available and can be used like a remote for nearly every feature as well.

The 7-Series also features gesture control for the center screen, but it’s finicky to use and more of a party trick than a truly useful function.

Apple CarPlay is available, and runs wirelessly.

The 750i xDrive performs worse at 17/25/20 mpg thanks to a much more powerful V-8 engine and standard all-wheel drive. While the M760i xDrive and its immense turbo V-12 hasn’t been rated for 2020 just yet, the 2019 model got 13/20/16 mpg, so don’t expect this year’s version to be much better.

The 745e xDrive plug-in hybrid manages a combined 56 mpg equivalent (MPGe) with a full charge, but on gasoline alone it gets only 22 mpg combined. It’s still a good pick, but a bit more electric-only range would be appreciated, as it's EPA-rated at just 16 miles of plug-in range.