BMW 7 Series Model Years and History

The BMW 7-series carries over with no changes for 2026, and rumor has it that BMW has been working on a refreshed 2027 7-series which has been caught on camera already.

The BMW 7-series carries over with minimal changes, with the 740 and 750e trims getting a standard panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof. Other small changes affect the iDrive operating system, making Apple's Siri assistant easier to use by no longer needing to press a button to connect with it. BMW's highway assistant feature has also been upgraded to suggest a lane change, to which the driver can confirm by merely looking at the side mirror corresponding to that direction.

The BMW 7-series carries over with minimal changes while a new 750e model was added to the lineup.

The BMW 7-series is redesigned for 2023.

For 2022, the BMW 7-series carries over with minimal changes.

For 2021, the BMW 7-series introduces a refreshed exterior that resembles the rest of the luxury automakers lineup. The interior also receives an update which includes technology and passive safety features.

The 2020 BMW 7-Series heads into the new year with some serious upgrades. Crisper design features and 40% larger kidney grilles dominate the new front end of the vehicle. Adorned in optional laser LED headlights and a slick 3D LED strip taillight design out back the new 7-series looks mean and is availabile in a variety of configurations including an in-line 6-cylinder turbocharged engine all the way to a plug-in hybrid.

The BMW 7-Series continues into 2019 with no major changes.

Following an extensive series of updates for 2017, the BMW 7-Series carries over into 2018 with only a few minor tweaks and changes to trim levels. The Parking Assistance Package is now available for 740i, 740e and 750i models and includes surround-view camera. Driver Assistance Plus II Package is no longer offered, as its contents are now included in the Diving Assistance Plus Package

Following an extensive redesign for 2016, the BMW 7-Series carries over into 2017 with only a few changes. Among them, BMW's Display Key, with touchscreen on the fob, is now standard, M Sport brakes are now a standalone option, and remote controlled parking is available. The biggest news is the debut of the 740e xDrive, a new all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powered by a 2.0L twin-turbocharged inline-four that makes 255 horsepower and is mated to a 111-horsepower eDrive electric motor. Total output is rated at 322 horsepower. The 740e starts at $90,095. Also new this year is the Alpina B7 xDrive, a high-performance variant rated at 600 horsepower with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 3.6 seconds. It is priced at $137,995.

The BMW 7-Series has been freshly redesigned for 2016. The body, exterior styling and interior of the car are all new. The 2016 7-series also features plenty of new tech goodies to go with the new look, meaning that it should be even more luxurious and relaxing than it has been in previous versions. Despite this, extensive use of modern materials has allowed the car to lose nearly 200 lbs. of mass, a change that positively affects acceleration, handling and fuel economy.

For the 2015 7-Series lineup, BMW adds the 740Ld xDrive, a long-wheelbase model which features a 3.0L TwinPower turbo diesel straight-six delivering 255 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive car will hit 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. The new model is priced at $82,500. Elsewhere, Bluetooth and USB audio connection are now standard on all models and select equipment such as a leather dash and full LED lighting has been made standard on certain models.

After several notable changes to the drivetrain in 2013, the 7-series enters into 2014 unchanged.

For 2013, BMW's flagship 7-series sedans get updated powertrains and a revised exterior treatment. Transmissions in all models are replaced by BMW's new 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. To save fuel, auto stop-start and regenerative braking appear in all models, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is now available on the 740Li. The 750i features an upgraded 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8, now with BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing system. The engine now makes 445 hp, a 45-hp increase over last year's unit, and 480 ft-lb of torque. In the ActiveHybrid 7, the previous 4.4L twin-turbo V8 has been replaced by the 3.0L inline-6 found in the 740i, mated to a 55-hp synchronous electric motor and the eight-speed transmission. The system produces 349 hp and 367 ft-lb of torque. Outside, the 7 Series also features a new grille and front fascia, and can be ordered with adaptive LED headlamps.

The entire BMW 7-Series lineup of sedans carries into 2012 with no significant changes. Last year, BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system was offered for the first time in the 7-Series, on the 750i and 750Li models, and 6-cylinder engines came back to the 7-Series in the new 740i and 740iL. 2012 also marked the comeback of the high-performance Alpina B7.

For 2011, the 7-Series adds a new entry-level 740 trim in addition to the returning 750 and 760 trims. All models are available as rear-wheel drive, while an xDrive all wheel drive trim is available for the 750. The 740s get a new engine, a 3.0 L TwinPower inline-6, and the 750 gets a new, powerful 4.4L V8. An ActiveHybrid 7-series is newly available for 2011.

The BMW 7-Series was completely redesigned for the 2009 model year, with just a single powertrain in 750i and extended 750Li models. For 2010, the full-size luxury sedan gets an expanded model lineup with a new M Sport Package, optional xDrive all-wheel drive, and a new twin-turbo V-12-powered 760Li. Also slated to reach the U.S. market late in the 2010 model year is a new ActiveHybrid 7, which mates a twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor system to boost fuel economy and lower emissions while performing as well as the 750i.

Only the 750i and the 750iL will be available for 2009's 5th generation 7 Series. The only engine available will be a direct-injection 4.4L Twin Turbo, which first appeared in the X6. The engine produces 400 horsepower, which is 40 more than previous generations, and 450 lb/ft of torque, an increase of 90. Only in a six-speed automatic transmission for 2009. Top speed is 155 miles per hour, made possible in part to more aluminum in the body. A new suspension system consists of a multi-link, double-wishbone front suspension. Shifting is now done through E-Shift, a "joystick" in the center console. The electronic shifter on the column with additional shifting buttons on the steering wheel is gone. Seat controls are now on the seat and are no longer on the door panel. Possibly the biggest change from previous generations will be the iDrive control system, which is completely redesigned. One central knob now allows drivers to scroll easily through choices rather than deal with dozens of menus and submenus. The display screen is bigger, now 10.2 inches. All temperature controls are displayed prominently and easily on the dashboard and are no longer part of the iDrive control system. The Owners Manual is now available electronically on the iDrive. Also new for 2009 is a 40-gigabyte hard drive for navigation and entertainment, which allows for 13-gigs of music storage

Two new variations of the color black--Azurite Black Metallic and Ruby Black Metallic--are introduced for the 2008 BMW 7-Series. There's also a special-order Individual Package, which includes special exterior colors offering varied color intensity and glistening effects, plus unique 20-inch wheels and illuminated door sills. Otherwise the 7-Series is carried over from 2007 with no significant changes.

BMW has enhanced the 2007 7-Series with a number of new options, more standard features and a new model available in very limited quantities. BMW Roadside Assistance is now included for four years. The Individual Package upgrades the interior with Merino leather, an assortment of exclusive wood trim selections, and new 20-inch alloy wheels. Following today's audio trends, there is now an auxiliary input for an iPod. Parking in tight quarters has been made easier with power-folding exterior mirrors. BMW Alpina B7, new for 2007, is a limited-edition 7-Series with a supercharged V8 that makes a remarkable 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque.