The 7 Series is polarizing like never before. Are its predecessors better?
The internet is in a frenzy again, bickering wild about design. BMW has revealed a new car. That’s exactly what happened. The redesigned 7 Series and its i7 sibling, BMW, were launched this week. People are finding the design to be polarizing.
Is the 7Series always so confrontational? Are there divided opinions? We would not say so. The Munich flagship was for a long time the embodiment of elegance and fine proportions. There were, however, some outliers in the last few generations.
We look back at six previous model series to see how we feel about them. This includes the all new 2023 7 Series and the i7. What is your favorite 7 Series? Let us know in the comments below.
7 Series E23 (1977-1986)
From today’s view, the first-generation BMW 7 Series (E23), looks very small. It looks great today, thanks to the shark nose and all of the chrome. BMW states that the 7 Series was a luxurious sedan with sporty lines and a driver-oriented cockpit.
The world’s first electronic speedometer and speed-sensitive power steering were among the innovations. The first ever onboard computer that displayed outside temperatures was introduced in 1980.
BMW introduced gasoline-injected engines in 1979 to replace carbureted engines. The BMW 728i replaced 728 and 730 models. The previous 733i was also replaced by the 732i.
The BMW 735i was added to the range in 1980 with 3.5 liters displacement and 218 horsepower (162kW) In 1980, the BMW 745i was the top-of-the-line model. It featured a six-cylinder engine of 252-hp (187 kW) with an exhaust gas turbocharger.
7 Series E32 (1986-1994)
BMW had originally intended the second 7 Series to have an aerodynamically advanced and sleek sedan. However, Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle (later head of development) was able stop the project in favor of a more elegant shape. Initial shock at the idea of a V12 was sparked by Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle. The rest is history.
The new 7 Series was a stunning debut with its elegant lines, sporty handling and innovative chassis control systems. The E32 is still considered the most beautiful 7 Series.
The vehicle’s front was dominated by the BMW kidney, which conveyed a strong presence. L-shaped taillights at the rear were added as a trademark. For the first time, the BMW 7 Series was available in a long wheelbase version. The ASC slip control system, which includes an electronic accelerator pedal as well as drag torque control, was one of the most significant technical innovations.
It arrived in 1987 as the first German twelve-cylinder sedan. The V12 light alloy five-liter V12 engine produced 300 horsepower (223 kW) and had separate ignition, injection, and catalytic converter systems. The twelve-cylinder model also saw the debut of the AGS adaptive transmission controller system. Two inline six-cylinder models and two V8 models were also available.
7 Series E38 (1994-2001)
The third BMW 7 Series edition continued its success with virtually unchanged exterior dimensions, an enhanced design, increased comfort, and better driving dynamics. We believe that the E38 is the most appealing 7 Series. And we’re not the only ones who think so. It’s difficult to draw a sedan better and more coherently.
At the beginning, there were two eight-cylinder engines available and a new version of the twelve-cylinder. The V12’s displacement was increased to 5.4 Liters and the output to 326 HP (243 kW). The average BMW 750i fuel consumption fell by about eleven percent.
The third generation BMW 7 Series was also pioneered in active safety with its new driving stability systems. The eight-cylinder models were also equipped with anti-lock brakes and automatic stability control (ASC). The 750i was equipped with ESP.
A permanently mounted navigation system was also included as comfort and convenience equipment. The monitor’s color could be used to display other functions. Standard equipment included eight airbags as well as a tire pressure monitoring device.
The BMW 725tds was introduced in 1996 and offered an economical alternative. The 2.5-liter, 143 horsepower (106-kW), six-cylinder diesel engine was a great choice because of its economy and smooth operation. The BMW 730d was the next model, with a three-liter six cylinder engine, common rail fuel injection and 184 horsepower (137 kW) The BMW 740d was 1999’s initial highlight. It was the world’s first sedan to feature a V8 diesel engine with common-rail fuel inject and produced 245 horsepower (182 KW).
7 Series E65 (2001-2008)
With its totally new and avant-garde design, the fourth 7 Series (E65) caused a lot of horror. The image of the 7 Series (E65) has seen a lot of change over the past 20 years. One can look back at it quite positively, especially when compared to many current BMW designs.
BMW’s new model set the standard in many areas and gave the industry a boost. This is evident in the iDrive operating platform, which has been continually improved to this day, as well as the elements of modern BMW design language. In 2005, further innovations were made with the introduction of a night vision system as well as the first European high-beam assistant.
The BMW 735i, BMW 745i featured new eight-cylinder engines that were continuously variable in timing (double VANOS), and lift (VALVETRONIC). The world’s first six-speed standard transmission handled power transmission
Automatic transmission. The BMW 760i was launched in January 2003. Its 6.0-liter twelve cylinder engine produced an impressive 445 hp (327 kW), and a maximum torque output of 443 poundfeet (609 Newton-meters).
BMW was the first automaker to introduce a hydrogen-powered luxury sedan based upon the BMW 760Li in the fall 2006. BMW Hydrogen 7, a twelve-cylinder bivalent combustion engine, was the first hydrogen vehicle to go through the entire series development process. It was made in small numbers of 100 units, and made available to select customers for everyday use.
The 7 Series was a great choice for ride comfort and driving dynamics, thanks to its aluminum chassis, roll stabilization, and electronic dampers.
7 Series F01 (2008-2015)
The 5th generation of the 7 Series was significantly reduced in excess, and it still looks very pleasing. The F01 features a completely new chassis, the first-ever integration of Active Steering and unique driver assistance systems. Innovative infotainment features such as unlimited Internet access in the vehicle were also included.
At market launch, six- and eight-cylinder models were both available. Shortly after, the top models of the series, BMW 760Li and BMW 760i, were available. A new twelve-cylinder engine was developed with TwinPower Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection. It was also equipped with an eight-speed auto transmission. It produced 544 horsepower (405 kW) with a maximum torque output of 553 lb/ft (750 Nm).
The 7 Series’ first 7-Series model was equipped with the xDrive all-wheel drive system in 2009. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 was another first, which combined an eight-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
7 Series G11 (2015-2022)
The 7 Series 6 platform featured lots of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Although it was meant to make the vehicle lighter, it was also very expensive. Highlights included the BMW 740e’s plug-in hybrid system, gesture control and the Executive Drive Pro active suspension system. The driving experience switch with ADAPTIVE mode and laser light were also highlights. The main contributor to the well-being at the rear was the Executive Lounge equipment with massage function, and Vitality program.
Remote-controlled parking and steering assistance were some of the features offered by driver assistance systems. The M760LixDrive featured the top engine option, a V12 engine producing 610 horsepower (454 kW). Three plug-in hybrid versions were also available.
The facelift of G11 in 2019 was a big deal for BMW’s design critics. They placed a kidney in the face 7 Series to meet the needs of markets in Asia and the Middle East. Although the comments were mostly negative, it was only a preview of what was to follow.