2021 BMW 7 Series M760i xDrive
2021 BMW 7 Series Review
- Strong engine options, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbo V12
- Standard adaptive air suspension delivers a comfortable, controlled ride
- Exceptional rear passenger space
- Abundant standard equipment including safety tech
- Not the driver-focused benchmark it once was
- Expensive options menu
- No significant changes for 2021
- Part of the sixth 7 Series generation introduced for 2016
After undergoing a significant update in 2020 that included tweaked exterior styling, a refreshed engine lineup and more in-car tech, the BMW 7 Series continues into 2021 essentially unchanged. We're fine with that, as last year's updates helped the 7 Series maintain its second-place Edmunds ranking among large luxury sedans. The 7 Series is loaded with all the latest tech BMW has to offer and is impressively spacious and comfortable.
Of course, there are alternatives. There's the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche Panamera from Germany as well as the Lexus LS 500 and Genesis G90 from Japan and South Korea, respectively. Each one represents the best these automakers have to offer, from the latest driver aids and in-car tech to powerful yet fuel-efficient engines. We think the sixth-generation 7 Series is just about the best around and well worth consideration if you're in the market for a big, comfortable and tech-laden sedan.
Our verdict | |
The BMW 750i offers astonishing power and an elite level of comfort. It neatly straddles the line between luxury and ultra-luxury with advanced technology and exceptional cabin comfort. Handling isn't its strongest suit, and its bold new exterior design — specifically the grille — might be an acquired taste, but there's no mistaking this for anything other than a sleek executive interstate missile. | |
How does the 7 Series drive? | |
There's an astonishing amount of power and acceleration here. Right when you think you're really hauling, the 750i has another gear that vaults it into triple digits with ease. This car is built for the autobahn after all. It's a shame it'll only ever use a fraction of its power on American highways. The big sedan brakes with similar power and consistency, arrow-straight and free of drama during panic-stop tests. Gear changes are seamless, and the steering is nicely weighted at highway speeds and properly assisted in parking lots. Handling is a mixed bag. It's laser-quick to turn into a corner, but the loads of body roll amazingly never seem to affect the car's stability. It feels floppy but holds its line. | |
How comfortable is the 7 Series? | |
It's a big car with a big cabin that's nearly impervious to any sound or feeling that would indicate there's a world outside the windows. "Bank vault-quiet" is an overused descriptor, but from one of the cars that coined that cliche, it's true here. You'd need to drive over an open manhole to feel something resembling a sharp impact. The adaptive suspension possesses a nearly impeccable ability to absorb and separate the regular road rash of daily life from the passengers. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, with loads of adjustability and quick heating and cooling, although our rear passengers weren't as impressed with the massage function. This experience is world-class luxury cruising all day. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The wide door openings, low side sills and massive rear legroom make entering and exiting the 7 Series as easy as moving from the living room sofa. A broad range of seat adjustments and a power-telescoping steering wheel help dial in a comfortable driving position that allows a commanding forward view. The bulky rear pillars restrict the view out the back, although there's enough side glass to inform safe lane changes. The excellent backup camera also takes the edge off. The 7 Series is listed as a five-passenger sedan, but its middle seat isn't really suited to adults. It's useful in a pinch but don't count on it, especially for an adult. Control buttons, switches and knobs are still among the best and most intuitive in the business. | |
How’s the tech? | |
This new 7 Series received subtle upgrades from the former model, but its tech and driver assistance features represent its largest leap. The latest voice assistant, summoned by a "Hey, BMW" wake-up phrase, can set navigation points and control cabin temps in a conversational style. And the new gauge cluster boasts sharp graphics and customizable data screens, such as inset navigation display, freeing up the center console display for other duties. The optional Bowers & Wilkins system is exceptional and probably the most affordable way to own a Bowers & Wilkins system. The semi-automated driving features are a boon for commuters, although lane keeping assist makes pretty aggressive steering corrections even when you are paying attention. | |
How’s the storage? | |
With 18.2 cubic feet of trunk space, the 750i holds its own with its Mercedes S-Class rival and ranks a few cubes higher than its Audi and Lexus competitors. But the storage space is more deep than wide, the side panels intrude and the floor isn't flat. You'll find it's better suited to stowing items lengthwise. Still, the opening is wide, so you won't have much trouble getting luggage into the trunk. There's plenty of room inside the cabin for personal items, although your drinks will be limited to a pair of cupholders front and rear. Child seat attachments aren't the easiest to access. They're hidden behind zippered flaps, and you'll need to fish your child seat anchors around to locate the attachment points. | |
How’s the fuel economy? | |
Rated by the EPA at 20 mpg combined, our test car came in at 18.9 mpg in the course of around 750 miles of driving. It did a little better on our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation loop, returning 19.1 mpg. Dipping into the car's prodigious power will deliver fuel economy not far above single digits. | |
Is the 7 Series a good value? | |
At just a hair more than $126,000 as tested, calling the 750i a poor man's Rolls-Royce is a bit ironic. But it's not a stretch either. It has astonishing power, excellent build quality, exceptional big-car cruising comfort, and a corporate lineage with Rolls-Royce (Rolls is part of the BMW Group) that makes this statement not without some accuracy. This new 7 Series is maybe one of the best values around since it straddles the line between luxe and uber-luxe comfort and convenience. The warranty coverage is fairly standard, but the ownership experience is commensurate with the price tag, with BMW offering 24-hour roadside assistance for four years with unlimited mileage. | |
Wildcard | |
In the past decade, the 7 Series has increasingly moved away from its roots as a big performance sedan to something more like an executive cruise missile. That's fine with us since there are plenty of smaller sedans that pack a satisfying blend of performance and luxury (BMW's own 5 Series, for example). So while the 7 Series lacks razor-sharp handling and firm body control, it's still a stunningly fun car to drive simply by dipping into its gas pedal on a wide-open road. Its styling — that larger kidney grille design is downright comical — is a tad too bold and aggressive for our tastes, but we're sure many will like it. There's no doubt that it will not be mistaken for anything other than a BMW. | |
Which 7 Series does Edmunds recommend?
BMW 7 Series models
The 2021 BMW 7 Series is available in five trim levels: 740i, 740i xDrive, 750i xDrive, 745e xDrive and M760i xDrive. The major difference between the trims comes down to the powertrain, though some features and options further separate the trims.
2021 BMW 7 Series M760i xDrive pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 BMW 7 Series M760i xDrive Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $160,495
- MPG & Fuel
- N/A City / N/A Hwy / N/A Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.6 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 8-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- V12 cylinder
- Horsepower: 601 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 627 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 207.4 in. / Height: 58.2 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 85.4 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 74.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 5159 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 18.2 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 7 Series safety features:
- Collision Mitigation
- Alerts the driver if a collision is imminent and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary.
- Side Collision Prevention
- Applies automatic steering input to guide the car away from potential side impacts.
- Daytime Pedestrian Protection
- Warns the driver and can automatically apply the brakes if a pedestrian suddenly appears in front of the car.
BMW 7 Series vs. the competition
2021 BMW 7 Series
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
BMW 7 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the benchmark for the large luxury sedan segment for decades. It's loaded with Mercedes' latest and greatest tech and driver aids, though what's available in the BMW is generally comparable. It offers nearly identical passenger and cargo space as the 7 Series, though you should expect to pay slightly more for the Benz. We rate the S-Class slightly higher than the 7 Series, but it's hard to go wrong with either car.
BMW 7 Series vs. Audi A8
The Audi A8 was recently redesigned, helping it look and feel a little more fresh than the 7 Series. We like the Audi's comfortable, handsome and well-crafted interior as well as its surprisingly engaging handling, though we feel the ride quality is a bit too soft at high speeds and too bumpy around town. It also lacks the 7 Series' available engine lineup and falls short of the BMW in interior and cargo space.
BMW 7 Series vs. Porsche Panamera
It should come as no surprise that the Panamera is easily the best-driving vehicle in its segment. It's available with a wide array of engines, including a twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid model. It's not as spacious inside as the 7 Series, but the standard hatchback and available wagon variant mean there's a huge amount of cargo space. The Panamera lacks some of the 7 Series standard features, and options can quickly send the price much higher than the BMW.
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FAQ
Is the BMW 7 Series a good car?
What's new in the 2021 BMW 7 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 BMW 7 Series:
- No significant changes for 2021
- Part of the sixth 7 Series generation introduced for 2016
Is the BMW 7 Series reliable?
Is the 2021 BMW 7 Series a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 BMW 7 Series?
The least-expensive 2021 BMW 7 Series is the 2021 BMW 7 Series M760i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (6.6L 12cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $157,800.
Other versions include:
- M760i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (6.6L 12cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $157,800
