2016 BMW 7 Series

New for 2016

The 2016 BMW 7 Series has been totally redesigned inside and out. In addition to design changes, the 7 Series has grown in overall length. To compensate for that growth and reduce weight, the 7 Series now sports an all-new high-strength-steel, aluminum and carbon-fiber structure, among other enhancements.

Born to Lead

The BMW 7 Series has long enjoyed a respected reputation among full-size luxury sedans. But as time has marched on, rival makes and models are now better equipped to match its quality. BMW, realizing the need to reinvigorate its flagship sedan, has met this challenge head-on. In an effort to cement its leading position, the 2016 BMW 7 Series was born, and now sports a new adaptive air suspension, a standard longer wheelbase, and a revolutionary lightweight Carbon Core that creates a lower center of gravity for improved agility.

Is it the best 7 Series ever created? All signs point to ja.

Powertrains and Performance

BMW bills the latest 7 Series its most sophisticated yet and, based on what we’ve seen, we’re inclined to agree. The model range consists of two engine options, each with its own charms and benefits.

The “standard” BMW 740i engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder rated at 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a buttery-smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. While fuel economy is rarely a priority in this segment, the 2016 7 Series impresses with an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway).*

Drivers looking for a bit more oomph and performance will naturally gravitate toward the 750i xDrive. In addition to packing BMW’s world-famous xDrive all-wheel drive technology, the 2016 7 Series features the same automatic transmission as the 740i but opts for a more powerful turbocharged 4.4-iter V8 engine. This monstrous mill pumps out 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, and earns an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined (16 city/25 highway).*

We don’t need to remind you that the competition is fierce at this level, so BMW has wasted no effort to ensure the 7 Series remains the best in its class when it comes to road manners and performance.

The 2016 7 Series retains its penchant for athletic maneuverability without sacrificing ride comfort thanks to a number of advanced technologies. Chief among these is a new air suspension, which gives each drive maximum comfort, responsiveness, and performance by tailoring the vehicle's ride height and handling characteristics to the driving conditions.

The 7 Series also features an Adaptive Mode with five selectable drive settings that help empower drivers and provide an added dose of flexibility and performance depending on your mood. These include: Eco Pro, Adaptive, Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. We’ll let you venture a wild guess as to what mode we’d keep ours in.

The Adaptive Mode is especially impressive because it integrates data from the navigation system to anticipate the road ahead and adjust accordingly. There’s also a launch control mode for high-performance lift-off.

Features and Trims

The 2016 BMW 7 Series is a luxury full-size sedan that starts at $81,300.** It’s offered in 740i and 750i xDrive trims and comes in a single wheelbase specification (previous models were available in short and long-wheelbase forms).

The 2016 BMW 7 Series is packed with content befitting a vehicle of its stature. Standard exterior highlights include 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights (with automatic high beams), LED foglights, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. There are also a number of other helpful touches such as power-closing doors, keyless entry/ignition, and a hands-free power trunk lid.

While the 2016 7 Series comes with a large amount of interior and tech-focused standard features, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, iDrive infotainment with touchpad-enhanced controller, and a 10.2-inch central display, our personal favorite feature is the 7 Series’ new gesture control. This new feature lets drivers sweep their hand over the center console to accept or decline phone calls, adjust volume, or even program a specific command, like telling the navigation system to map a route home by pointing two fingers at the dash.

In addition to all the 740i’s applicable features, stepping up the 750i xDrive adds all-wheel drive, a more powerful engine, 19-inch wheels, unique LED headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, a head-up display, and power rear-window sunshade.

The 2016 7 Series can be outfitted further to ensure maximum comfort and convenience. There’s an Executive Package that adds ambient pillar lighting, ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. An Interior Design Package that lets you select custom trim materials. And an M Sport package that adds performance-focused features like lighter 19-inch wheels, an aero body kit, and a sport exhaust.

Standalone options include 20-inch wheels, cabin perfume diffuser, a wood and leather steering wheel, and a night-vision camera system, to name but a few.

Design

The BMW 7 Series has always commanded attention on the road, and the latest version is no different. Instead of a radical redesign, BMW opted for more of an evolution of the car’s previous design.

Up front, the twin-kidney grille is more pronounced and incorporates a new active-shutter system to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy, while the vehicle’s profile now features striking chrome brightwork. At the back, the 7 Series design is complemented by LED taillights, along with twin chrome exhaust tips that further accentuate its sporty yet sophisticated styling.

The 2016 BMW 7 Series is just as appealing inside, too. The interior is adorned with elegant wood veneer and pairs wonderfully with aluminum trim and chrome accents. BMW has taken great steps to design an interior that is both welcoming and refined.

In terms of comfort, the 10-way power adjustable heated front seats are the perfect foil for a chilly morning or evening. Although, in terms of comfort, the 750i xDrive’s upgraded 20-way multicontour power front seats can’t be matched. There’s also the aforementioned executive package that features seatbacks that recline and a fold-out footrest, as well as a tablet-based infotainment system. For the longest time the driver seat has been the best seat in the house, but the 2016 7 Series is aggressively challenging that notion.

We could quite literally fill the length of this review with details on the interior, especially all the wondrous technology,  but suffice it to say BMW has outdone itself when it comes to the sheer quality and detail seen throughout the 2016 7 Series.

Safety

Every 2016 BMW 7 Series comes with an impressive array of standard safety features. This includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front knee airbags and active front head restraints. Also standard is the BMW Assist emergency communications system, which includes automatic crash notification, an emergency response button, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle recovery. The available surround-view camera system includes a wide panoramic view, a top view and a 3D view that features a computer-generated landscape of the car and its surroundings.

For added peace of mind, the 2016 7 Series can be outfitted with a number of additional safety technologies via the Driver Assistance Plus packages.

Bottom Line

It’s no secret expectations were high for the 2016 BMW 7 Series. But rather than suffer under the weight of that expectation, the 7 Series impresses by focusing on what it has always done best: delivering unprecedented driving dynamics and pushing the luxury envelop further than it ever has before.

A new benchmark for the full-size luxury sedan segment has been set, and it bears the badge of Bavaria’s finest automaker.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at BMW of Silver Spring today.

* EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Use for comparison purposes only.

** MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.

Image: BMW (European model shown)