BMW 7 Series explained

BMW 7 Series
Manufacturer:BMW
Production:1977–present
Class:Full-size luxury car (F)
Body Style:4-door saloon
Predecessor:BMW New Six

The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977.[1] It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.

The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle (including long wheelbase and limousine models). It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.[2]

The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series.

Unlike the 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, BMW does not offer a full M model, but once offered an M performance variant, the BMW M760 with its 6.6L V12 (at the time the most powerful BMW ever made, not to be confused with BMW 760 6.6 V12 which does not offer the same performance). The Alpina B7 (G12) served as the high-performance variant of the 7 Series.

First generation (E23; 1977)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (E23). The E23 is the first generation 7 Series and was produced from 1977 to 1987. It was built in a 4-door sedan style with 6-cylinder engines, to replace the E3 sedans. From 1983 to 1987, a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine was available in some markets.

The E23 introduced many electronic features for the first time in a BMW, including an onboard computer, a service interval indicator, a "check control panel" (warning lights to indicate system faults to the driver), a dictaphone, and complex climate control systems. It was also the first BMW to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a driver's airbag, and double-link front suspension.

Second generation (E32; 1986)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (E32). The E32 is the second generation of the 7 Series, which was produced from 1986 to 1994. It was initially available with a straight-six or V12 engine, the latter being Germany's first passenger car with a V12 since World War II. In 1992, V8 engines became available.

The E32 introduced the following features for the first time in a BMW: Electronic Damper Control,[3] V12 and V8 engines, double glazing, the CAN bus electronic protocol,[4] Xenon headlamps,[5] traction control[6] and dual-zone climate control.[7] The E32 750i was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[8] The 'iL' models were the first time that a long-wheelbase option was offered by BMW.

Third generation (E38; 1994)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (E38).

The E38 is the third generation of the 7 Series, which was produced from 1994 to 2001. The model range consisted of standard length and long wheelbase ("iL" models) sedans.

The petrol engines available consisted of straight-six, V8 and V12 engines. The E38 was the first 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine; initially, a turbocharged straight-six, which was joined by a twin-turbocharged V8 in 1999.

The E38 was the first car available with curtain airbags. It was also the first European car to offer satellite navigation[9] and the first BMW to offer an in-built television.

In 1999, the model received a facelift.

Fourth generation (E65/E66/E67/E68; 2001)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (E65).

The E65/E66/E67/E68 is the fourth generation 7 Series, which was produced from 2001 to 2008. The model range consisted of standard length and long wheelbase ("Li" models) sedans.

The E65/E66/E67/E68 was the first BMW to include iDrive, "flame-surfacing" exterior styling, active anti-roll bars, a 6-speed automatic transmission, an electronic smart Key (dispensing with the traditional metallic key) and night vision. The 760i model was the world's first production V12 engine to use direct injection.[10] [11]

Fifth generation (F01/F02/F03/F04; 2008)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (F01).

The F01/F02/F03/F04 is the fifth-generation 7 Series, which was produced from 2008 to 2015. The model range consisted of standard length and long wheelbase ("Li" models) sedans.

The F01 was the first BMW to be available with a hybrid drivetrain ("ActiveHybrid 7"), 8-speed automatic transmission, and a turbocharged V12 engine. It was also the first 7 Series to be available with a turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive (xDrive).

In 2013, the model received a minor styling facelift.

Sixth generation (G11/G12; 2015)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (G11).

The G11/G12 is the sixth generation of the 7 Series, which has been in production since 2015. It was revealed on June 10, 2015, at BMW's headquarters in Munich.[12] An official public reveal took place at the 2015 International Motor Show Germany.

G11 is the codename for the short-wheelbase model, the Long-wheelbase model is codenamed G12 and designated with an additional L letter.

The G11/G12 is the first car lineup of the BMW Group to be based on the modular OKL platform (Oberklasse, German for luxury class).[13] The OKL platform adopts technology first introduced in BMW i models, namely the introduction of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer as structural chassis components.

As part of BMW's strategy of introducing plug-in hybrid variants for all future car models,[14] both, the short and long-wheelbase models will be available with hybrid powertrains under the designations 740e and 740Le in 2016.[15]

A LCI model appeared in 2019 which prominently features a larger grille.[16]

Seventh generation (G70/G73; 2022)

See main article: BMW 7 Series (G70). The BMW G70 debuted in April 2022. It has an electric variant, the BMW i7, along with Inline 6 740i and V8 760i models. It adopts horizontally split headlight units featured on the X7 LCI which was also launched in April 2022.[17] Engine options remain similar with 3.0-litre Inline 6 and 4.4-litre V8 options but no more V12 engines will be offered.[18] [19]

BMW i7

The BMW i7 is an electric variant to the BMW 7 Series, which was unveiled alongside it in April 2022.[20] The i7 xDrive60 is powered by two electric motors generating a combined output of 536hp and 553lbft of torque. It can accelerate 0-60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.5 seconds and EPA-range around NaNmiles.[21]

Production and sales

Calendar year Total production Europe salesUS sales Canada sales China sales
199522,637[22]
199622,775
199749,700[23] 21,601-
199847,30019,459-
199943,00017,86618,233[24]
200039,00013,42416,619
200132,74910,71613,389[25]
200253,50416,05022,006
200357,89914,90520,473[26]
200447,68913,07116,155[27]
200550,06212,50518,165[28]
200650,22711,88417,796
200744,421[29] 8,28014,773
200838,835[30] 8,01712,276
200952,680[31] 12,5349,254[32] 16,006[33]
201065,814[34] 9,59912,253 26,553[35]
201168,774 9,20011,299[36] 33,500
201259,184 8,17311,098 75526,808
201356,001[37] 5,98010,932[38] 37325,916
201448,519 5,3079,744[39] 37421,896
201536,364[40] 5,9859,292[41] 35813,692[42]
201661,514[43] 13,32012,918[44] 626
201764,31111,5339,276546
20189,5528,271441
20199,2488,823375
20206,3465,985188
20215,2357,705181
20224,1965,974

Sales of hybrid-powered 7 Series models in the United States are as follows:[45] [46] [47] [48] [49]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: BMW 7 Series models - overview . www.bmw.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120120063242/http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/7series/overview.html . 20 January 2012 . dead.
  2. Web site: 2011 BMW 5-series / 535i – Second Drive – Auto Reviews . 23 February 2010 . Car and Driver . 2010-10-15.
  3. Web site: Retro drives: BMW E32 and E38 V12 7 Series. www.carenthusiast.com. 8 March 2017.
  4. Web site: Bus System Troubleshooting. www.e38.org. 6 March 2017.
  5. Web site: BMW E32 specs, speed & engine review. www.thesupercars.org. 15 July 2006. 8 March 2017.
  6. Web site: E32 – The Second Generation BMW 7 Series. www.bmwblog.com. 8 March 2017.
  7. Web site: 1986 BMW 735i E32 7-Series - giant road test. www.drive-my.com. 27 November 2015. 31 March 2017.
  8. Web site: BMW 7 Series (E32). www.autoevolution.com. 8 March 2017.
  9. Web site: 20 JAHRE NAVIGATION Was ist aus ihnen geworden?. auto-motor-und-sport.de/. 15 July 2014. 4 May 2017.
  10. Web site: BMW World - 12 cylinder engines. www.usautoparts.net. https://web.archive.org/web/20130627010021/http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/engines/12cyl.htm. 27 June 2013.
  11. Web site: BMW 760Li - First Drive Review. www.caranddriver.com. March 2003. 18 May 2017.
  12. News: BMW touts computing power more than horsepower in new 7 Series . Elaine Hardcastle . Reuters . 2015-06-28 . 2015-06-10.
  13. News: BMW's 'Oberklasse' 2016 5 Series will thankfully mark the end of the boring Bimmers . Stephen Edelstein . Digital Trends . 2013-12-03 . 2015-11-30 . Under the new sheet metal will be an equally new platform dubbed OKL (Oberklasse or “luxury class”), which will form the basis for many of BMW’s future models, including the next 6 Series and 7 Series, [...]..
  14. News: BMW Will Make Plug-In-Hybrid Versions of Every Major Model . Robert Sorokanich . Car And Driver . 2014-12-01 . 2015-11-30 . The company announced today that it will spread the plug-in-hybrid tech [...] across all of its models..
  15. News: 2015 BMW 7 Series - first images leaked ahead of official reveal . Greg Kable . autocar.co.uk . In the first half of 2016, BMW will also provide the 7 Series with a plug-in hybrid petrol-electric system in a new 740e model. . 2015-06-07 . 2015-06-10.
  16. Web site: Capparella . Joey . 16 January 2019 . The 2020 BMW 7-series Has 40 Percent More Kidney Grille . 16 January 2019 . Car & Driver.
  17. Web site: New 7 series and I7 previewed in the 2022 X7 . . 13 April 2022 .
  18. Web site: A Farewell To The BMW V12 (1987-2022) . HotCars . 21 April 2022 . 21 January 2022.
  19. Web site: Capparella . Joey . 2023 BMW 7-Series Doubles Down on Its Flagship Status . Car and Driver . 21 April 2022 . 20 April 2022.
  20. Web site: The new BMW 7 Series . BMW Group . 20 April 2022.
  21. Web site: 2023 BMW 7 Series And i7 EV Revealed: You Choose Big V8 or Battery Power. Motor1. Perez. Jeff. 20 April 2022. 23 April 2022.
  22. Web site: BMW Ends Best Year Ever By Shattering 100,000-Vehicle Luxury Automotive Sales Barrier in the U.S. . Thefreelibrary.com . 1997-01-07 . 2011-08-24 . 2017-07-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170715224800/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/BMW+Ends+Best+Year+Ever+By+Shattering+100,000-Vehicle+Luxury...-a018995033 . dead .
  23. Web site: BMW (Rover) Sales & Production Databook . 2006 . 2011-08-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20110717055107/http://www.autointell.com/european_companies/BMW/business-figures/BMW-business-figures-1997-2006-WB.xls. 17 July 2011 . live.
  24. Web site: BMW Delivers Strongest Sales Success Ever in 2000 . Thefreelibrary.com . 2001-01-03 . 2011-08-24 . 2014-02-21 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140221202108/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/403.htm . dead .
  25. Web site: BMW Group Ends Best Year Ever With Record Month; December Sales Up 43 Percent; Year-to-date Sales Up 20 Percent . Thefreelibrary.com . 2003-01-03 . 2011-08-24 . 2012-10-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121022134029/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BMW+Group+Ends+Best+Year+Ever+With+Record+Month%3B+December+Sales+Up+43...-a096074416 . dead .
  26. Web site: BMW Group Shatters All Past Annual Sales Records in 2004 . Theautochannel.com . 2009-09-25.
  27. Web site: BMW Group Sets All-Time Annual Sales Record, Highest Sales Month Ever in 2005 . Theautochannel.com . 2006-01-04 . 2009-09-25.
  28. Web site: BMW Group Reports 2006 – Strongest Year Ever . Theautochannel.com . 2009-09-25.
  29. Web site: Annual Report 2007 – BMW remains the most successful premium car brand in the world . BMW Group . 2008-03-18 . 2011-08-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110721013949/http://www.bmwgroup.com/annualreport2007/nav/index.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmwgroup.com%2Fannualreport2007%2Fzahlen_und_fakten_2007%2Fmarke_bmw.html . 21 July 2011 . live .
  30. Web site: Annual Report 2008 – BMW sales volume influenced by model life cycle factors . BMW Group . 2009-03-18 . 2011-08-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110721013901/http://www.bmwgroup.com/annualreport2008/nav/index.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmwgroup.com%2Fannualreport2008%2Fzahlen_und_fakten_2008%2Fmarke_bmw.html . 2011-07-21 . dead .
  31. Web site: Annual Report 2009 – BMW brand sales volume below previous year's level. . BMW Group . 2010-03-17 . 2011-08-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110721013851/http://www.bmwgroup.com/annualreport2009/nav/index.html?http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmwgroup.com%2Fannualreport2009%2Fzahlen_und_fakten_2009%2Fmarke_bmw.html . 2011-07-21 . live .
  32. BMW Group U.S. Reports December 2010 Sales . New Jersey . Prnewswire.com . 2011-01-04 . 2011-08-24.
  33. Web site: 不食人间烟火的D级车，究竟谁才是王中王？. www.sohu.com. 2016-07-12 .
  34. Web site: BMW Group . BMW Group . 2011-08-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110721013016/http://www.bmwgroup.com/e/nav/index.html?..%2F0_0_www_bmwgroup_com%2Fhome%2Fhome.html&source=overview . 2011-07-21 . live .
  35. Web site: 2010年BMW品牌销售16万辆 MINI品牌超万辆-汽车频道_中华网 . Auto.china.com . 2011-01-11 . 2011-08-24 . zh . https://web.archive.org/web/20110718190611/http://auto.china.com/dongtai/qy/11031467/20110111/16336008.html. 18 July 2011 . live.
  36. BMW Group Achieves Second Best Sales Year Ever in the U.S. – WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ . New Jersey . Prnewswire.com . 2012-01-06.
  37. Web site: Archived copy . 2014-09-13 . 2015-09-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193032/http://www.bmwgroup.com/e/0_0_www_bmwgroup_com/investor_relations/downloads/_pdf/InvestorPresent_March_2014_online.pdf . dead .
  38. BMW Group U.S. Reports December and 2013 Sales. BMW of North America. LLC. www.prnewswire.com.
  39. BMW Group U.S. Reports December and 2014 Sales. BMW of North America. LLC. www.prnewswire.com.
  40. Web site: Archived copy . 2016-11-07 . 2018-09-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180927224457/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/bmw-group-websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2016/Annual_Report_2015.pdf . dead .
  41. Web site: BMW Group U.S. December Sales Chart. BMW Group.
  42. Web site: 看看哪家强 2015年各级别车型销量榜. www.autohome.com.cn.
  43. Web site: Archived copy . 2017-05-07 . 2017-03-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170323055159/https://www.bmwgroup.com/content/dam/bmw-group-websites/bmwgroup_com/ir/downloads/en/2017/GB/13044_BMW_GB16_en_Finanzbericht.pdf . dead .
  44. Web site: BMW USA News - BMW Group U.S. Reports December and 2016 Sales.
  45. Web site: December 2010 Dashboard . Hybrid Cars . 2011-01-07 . 2011-08-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20110712233547/http://www.hybridcars.com/hybrid-clean-diesel-sales-dashboard/december-2010.html. 12 July 2011 . dead.
  46. Web site: December 2012 Dashboard. www.hybridcars.com. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130113042332/http://www.hybridcars.com/december-2012-dashboard/. 13 January 2013.
  47. Web site: December 2014 Dashboard. www.hybridcars.com. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150107031240/http://www.hybridcars.com/december-2014-dashboard/. 7 January 2015.
  48. Web site: Car Reviews: New Car Prices and Used Cars Classifieds. 16 March 2023.
  49. Web site: Car Reviews: New Car Prices and Used Cars Classifieds. 16 March 2023.

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