2017 BMW 7 Series
A new level of technology
Lots of automakers boast about having the latest technology in their cars, but nothing short of the starship Enterprise can hold a candle to the 2017 BMW 7 Series. From gesture controls to active grille shutters, and from touchscreen displays to a semi-autonomous driving system, the 7 Series has every feature and gadget conceivable.
Performance
The BMW 7 Series driver has two choices to make: four, six, or eight cylinders; and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The available inline-six and V8 engines are both offered with standard rear-wheel drive or BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, and both use eight-speed automatic transmission. A four-cylinder plug-in hybrid model is on the way as well. All 7 Series models use a new “Carbon Core” chassis that incorporates carbon fiber to save weight.
The BMW 740i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. That lets the 740i do 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Add xDrive all-wheel drive, and the 0 to 60 mph time drops to 5.1 seconds while the top speed remains the same. EPA fuel economy ratings for the xDrive model are 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).* The rear-wheel drive 740i matches the 2016 model’s 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).*
The 750i model gets a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, good for 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. BMW says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while top speed is the same 130 mph as in the 740i models. That time is the same for both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 750i are 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*
This year, BMW also launched the 740e xDrive i Performance plug-in hybrid. This new model packs as much technology into its powertrain as it does words into its name. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack, which work together to drive all four wheels. This model is EPA-rated at 64 MPGe.*
Features
The 2017 BMW 7 Series is a four-door full-sized luxury sedan with seating for four or five, depending on how it is equipped. Pricing starts at $83,100.**
Befitting a car touted as BMW’s flagship, the list of standard equipment is extensive. Among the standard features are 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, power-folding heated side mirrors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, 16-speaker harman/kardon® surround-sound audio system, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, iDrive 5.0 infotainment system with touchpad controller and touchscreen display, gesture control, four-zone automatic climate control, and much more.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous options to add more luxury, technology, or performance to the 7 Series as well. Among the highlights is the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package. It deletes the rear middle seat and replaces it with a center console that includes its own tablet-like interface. The outboard chairs have a massage function, and the front passenger’s seat is configured to fold flat into an ottoman.
Other notable option packages include the Executive Package—which adds front massaging and ventilated seats, ceramic controls, and power side window shades—and the M Sport Package, which includes things like an M Sport exhaust system and aerodynamic body kit.
Design
The 2017 7 Series shows that cars don’t have to be flashy to be stylish. Its design is subtle, and hides some interesting details. While it looks fairly trim, the current 7 Series is the roomiest sedan BMW has ever made. The carmaker’s signature Twin Kidney Grille now features active elements that close to reduce drag and open when more cooling air is needed for the engine and brakes. The stylish vents in the front fenders are actually functional, helping to pull air out of the front wheel wells.
The interior is designed around technology. In addition to traditional luxury-car hallmarks like comfortable leather seats, the 7 Series features cutting-edge tech like an all-digital dashboard display and gesture controls that allow the driver to adjust the audio system or make phone calls with a wave of the hand. The extravagantly appointed rear seats make the 7 Series almost better to ride in than drive. They can do everything from massaging and reclining to keeping occupants in shape with the Vitality Program of in-seat exercises.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 BMW 7 Series includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, BMW’s Active Protection System pre-collision system, a full array of airbags, and more. Optional features include a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, Traffic Jam Assistant semi-autonomous driving system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with City Collision Mitigation, blind spot detection, and speed limit info.
Verdict
The 2017 BMW 7 Series is a technological tour de force.
Be sure to contact us online or visit BMW of Silver Spring at 3211 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 to schedule a test drive.
* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
** MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
Image Credit: BMW