Overview
In recent years, the BMW 7-series has evolved from sports sedan to plush luxobarge, and the 2021 model follows suit. Its soft suspension, quiet cabin, and pampering luxury features make it an appealing limo for affluent buyers, most of whom won't mind if their chauffer isn't particularly entertained by the car's almost lifeless helm. A host of powertrain options is offered, ranging from the 320-hp inline-six to a fire-breathing twin-turbo V-12.
Interior
The lead-footed among us may disagree, but the base powertrain—a turbocharged inline-six—in the 740i is perfectly suitable for this car's relaxed nature. It still provides plenty of gumption when you need it, but otherwise it's quiet and smooth, so it's the one we'd recommend. Plus, its lower starting price frees up your money to go toward some luxury interior features.
Exterior
Every 7-series shares some variation of the same slick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive (xDrive in BMW marketing speak) is optional on the 740i and standard on the rest of the lineup. No matter which of the car's drive modes you select, the suspension is pillowy soft and body control is in short supply. The 7-series has adequate cornering grip, but the suspension's moves in general—and the numb, light steering in particular—discourage their exploration.
Specs
That was acceptable when its cars were more about the serious business of driving. Lacking that ethos, the latest 7-series affords occupants the bandwidth to notice build quality, materials, and design that are merely average for this rich class. Sure, it's spacious, but so is every limousine in this class. Sure, it's luxurious, but one turn in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or even the Genesis G90, and you'll be left wanting more from a car that starts well north of $80,000. Volumetrically speaking, the BMW's trunk has competitors such as the Cadillac CT6 and the G90 licked.
Exterior Color
Interior
Engine
8-speed automatic
Power
Premium unleaded
Transmission
4.4L, 32 valve V8
Seating Capacity
Twin turbocharged
Drive Features
553 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Special Features
523 hp @ 6,000 rpm
