2020 BMW 7 Series: What’s New

The 2020 BMW 7 Series may just be the next in this long running series, but it certainly holds true to the traditions created, making it an excellent heir to the title. Almost everything BMW has done well in the past few years are included in this model, and if you’re looking for an advanced, sophisticated choice, this is it. 

What really sets this line apart is the BMW 7 series’ performance ratings. The entire series means great choices including six, eight, and twelve cylinder engines. You can even select plug-in hybrid options if you’re looking for something a little greener. The powertrain lineup has changed a little as well. In the 750i, they’ve added 80 horsepower to the V8 and 74lb-ft of torque. The hybrid got a new name (745e xDrive) thanks to it’s inline-six engine and a brand new power filled lithium-ion battery, all of which spelled 67 additional horsepower and 73lb-ft of additional torque.

If you’ve looked at the BMW 7 series in the past, you know what to expect, so the biggest change you’re going to notice initially is the larger grille. In fact, it’s 40 percent bigger than it was. The headlights and taillights have changed a bit too, as they now look a bit slimmer, and you can upgrade to Laser lights if you like the look of those over the typical LEDs. You may also notice the light bar across the back of this series.  The hood features stronger, more noticeable lines, and the front bumper’s air deflectors help to cool the brakes a bit. The deflectors on the sides also have larger, more noticeable outlets. You may also notice a wider tailpipe. 

The inside of this model has changed a little too. The instrument panel is now all digital, and you’ll find great acoustics. Each comes with a 10.25 inch iDrive touchscreen infotainment panel complete with voice recognition control. It does integrate with Apple CarPlay, and the backseat also includes entertainment screens and BMW headphones. You can even opt for a luxury rear seating package that adds adjustable seats as well as massage capabilities and heating power. There are three seating configurations, but the entire series has just one body length. 

Naturally, what the BMW 7 Series is really known for is comfort. You can always count on feeling like you’re riding on something as comfortable as a pillow, no matter what the road is like, and the cabin is, as expected, completely quiet. The steering is easy and steady, no matter what the speed, and acceleration is endlessly smooth. 

While most know this brand for the serious comfort it offers, these are BMWs, so performance certainly isn’t lacking. It does, however, vary by the model you’ve chosen. 

• Both 740i models have standard rear-wheel drive and optional xDrive all-wheel drive. Expect 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque out of these, as well as the ability to move from zero to 60 in 5.3 seconds. You’ll see 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. 
• The 750i XDrive has a 4.4-liter turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It can hit 60 in far less time, just 3.9 seconds, but the fuel economy isn’t quite as good, coming in at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. 
• The 745e xDrive hybrid has that inline-six with an electric motor, and the combination means 330 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque. It will hit 60 in 4.9 seconds, and you can get 16 miles out of a charge and 22 mpg with the combination after that. It’s currently rated for 56 MPGe. 
• The M760i XDrive comes with a 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 for serious power. It has 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Expect to hit 60 in 3.6 seconds. Your fuel economy is better than you might imagine, coming in at 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. 
• The Alpina B7 has a 4.4-liter turbo V8 with 600 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. You’ll go from zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds with this one. It does sport a solid fuel economy rating with 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.  

No matter which one you choose, you’re going to have a driving experience you won’t soon forget.