A car that's ahead of its time

2016 BMW 750i xDrive Review

The luxurious 7-Series is the pinnacle of German engineering

By: Amos Kwon

Web2Carz Editor-In-Chief

Published: March 22nd, 2016



Not all vehicles can live up to the lofty claims of their catchy taglines, but when BMW says it has made the "ultimate driving machine," it delivers. And, when it comes to its new 7-Series luxury sedan, BMW delivers in spades. Known to be the launch pad for BMW's latest innovations and technology, the new 7-Series is the most advanced flagship sedan to date, with more power, tech, and amenities than one will know what to do with. It's a miracle the manual isn't a 10-volume series. The 2016 7-Series is the ultimate example of what German engineering can bring.


  • Exterior: Subtle wealth

    Reworked for 2016, the new 7-Series emerges from BMW's design chambers as a sleek, athletic tigress. Slightly wider and lower than its predecessor, the sedan looks less bloated, with a seductive physique that slinks down the road. The new front fascia unifies the headlights and twin kidney grilles, giving a slight resemblance to a lion's snout. While not overtly flashy, the 7-Series is as handsome as ever. It's also roomier than ever, coming standard with a long-wheelbase. BMW has decided to ditch all short-wheelbase versions, rendering the "Li" designation obsolete. Our 750i xDrive came with an upgraded M Sport Package that offers bold touches to further accentuate its sporty personality.

    • Shadowline trim offers a sporty touch around rear side-window frames and door sills.
    • Optional 20-inch Light alloy wheels make the sedan look sharper than ever, with a
    • Narrow LED headlights and fog lights pierce the air in front of you for excellent visibility.
    • Soft-close automatic doors ensure the BMW is always securely closed without any slamming needed.
    • Leaner taillights are bisected by a thin chrome strip that gives the rear more visual width and less visual height.
    • hint of style flair.
    • The 7-Series also takes a page from the 6-Series Gran Coupe, sporting its boomerang-style front fender in place of the previous horizontal decorative chrome slit.

  • Interior: Personal luxury comes alive

    Fewer interiors are as inviting and pampering as the 7-Series'. With heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, an aromatic scent dispenser, and massaging chairs, it feels as if you're at a spa. A Luxury Seating package gives passengers the same comforts of heat, ventilation, and massages, with plush pillow cushions on their headrests. Two 10-inch displays are mounted on the seatbacks of the front chairs for rear entertainment, while a seven-inch removable command tablet acts as a luxury controller for all the numerous features - lighting, sound, seat comfort, etc. While there's an incredibly thrilling V8 at the helm, the backseat is so comfortable it's a toss-up as to whether you'd prefer to drive or be driven in this vehicle.

    • Multi-contoured seats can be configured every which way for maximum personalization.
    • Ceramic controls and Fineline Black Wood trim offer a rich look with a unique tactile feel.
    • A Panoramic moonroof with Sky Lounge LED roof features over 15,000 etching in the glass that can be illuminated with six various ambient light settings, making it seem like you're always driving under a big night sky.
    • Whether you're listening to satellite radio, a CD, or streaming from Pandora, everything you hear will have studio-grade acoustics thanks to the 16-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system.
    • BMW Display Key features an LCD touch screen that provides vital info on the vehicle such as fuel status, estimated range, and even service notifications. It's conveniently charged via the Wireless Charging pocket in the front center console that can also charge your smartphone.

  • On The Road: A propensity for speed

    Despite how large and spacious the interior of the 7-Series is, don't let its size deceive you. Made with an ultra-durable Carbon Core that weighs half as much as steel, the new 7-Series sheds nearly 90 pounds. Despite its robust size, it is incredibly light and quick on its feet, with a low center of gravity that enables its class-leading 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Perfectly balanced throughout, you never actually feel the size of the 7-Series, and that's the ingenious of German engineering at play. With three drive modes to choose from - Eco, Comfort, and Sport - you can be as aggressive, or restrained, as you want to with the vehicle. But be warned, this car beckons trouble, so you'll need to exercise some caution when you want to tear through the open road.

    • For every yin there's a yang, so, complementing the heart-racing V8 are four-wheel ventilated disc brakes that stop on a dime.
    • Wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Launch Control offer a more engaging driving experience.
    • Perfectly even weight distribution provides a smooth suspension system that yields excellent driving dynamics. The 7-Series is a pro at taking orders, with incredibly responsive acceleration, cornering, and braking.
    • Surround view camera with 3D combines the images from the four cameras on the vehicle with 3D computer graphics for an enhanced 360-view, so you have an extra set of eyes when you're backing up or parking.
    • Vibrations are sent to the steering wheel to alert the driver when they deviate from their lane without signaling or when there is a vehicle approaching in their blind spot as they try to change lanes.
    • Parking Assistant takes all the guesswork out of parking, steering you perfectly into a spot while you just take care of the gas and brake.
    • Daytime Pedestrian Protection alerts the driver of a potential impact when they're traveling in daylight at speed under 37 mph. A visual and audio alert are given, but if the driver makes no response, the system will automatically apply the brakes.
    • BMW Gesture Control allows certain gestures to control basic functions like turning the volume up or down, and rejecting a phone call.

  • Final Impressions: BMW's ultimate driving machine

    With its host of advanced driver assist technologies and intuitive systems, riding in the 7-Series is like getting a glimpse of the future of driving. Though the future looks bright, it's also expensive, and will cost you a pretty penny, especially if you want to go all-in with options. But for those with deep pockets, the 7-Series' potent V8 and wealth of personal luxuries makes it one hell of a Bimmer to drive and be driven in. But make no mistake, the vehicle isn't sheer opulence. It's a driver's car through and through, and it's ready to take on the S-Class.

  • Specifications & Price:


    Engine: 4.4-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo V8

    Transmission: Eight-speed sport automatic with paddle shifters

    Drivetrain Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel drive

    Power Output: 445 horsepower / 480 lb-ft

    Fuel Economy (mpg): 16 city / 25 highway

    Base Price: $97,400

    As Tested: $128,445 (incl. $995 destination)

    Standard Features: > Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, xDrive all-wheel-drive system, LED lights, Nappa leather upholstery, BMW Navigation system with 10.2-inch high-resolution touchscreen, gesture control, full-color head-up display, soft-close automatic doors, panoramic moonroof, Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System, HD Radio, Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

    Options on our test vehicle: Autobahn Package - Integrated Active Steering, Active Comfort Drive with Preview; Driver Assistance Plus - Active Driving Assistant Plus, Surround View 3D View; Executive Package - Power side window shades, front ventilated seats, instrument panel with leather, front massaging seats, ceramic controls; Luxury Seating Package with Cold Weather - Rear ventilated seats, rear comfort seats, heated steering wheel and front and rear armrests, rear massaging seats; M Sport Package - M Sport exhaust system, 20-inch M Light alloy wheels, sport leather steering wheel, Sport Automatic Transmission, Fineline Black Wood trim, ambiance lighting, LED fog lights, aerodynamic kit, shadowline exterior trim, Anthracite Alcantara headliner; Display Key, Ambient Air Package, Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, rear-seat entertainment, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, NightVision with pedestrian detection.

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