The BMW 7-Series is a luxury saloon (sedan) made by BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977.

There have been four generations of the 7-Series:

• BMW E23 (1977–1986)
• BMW E32 (1986–1994)
• BMW E38 (1994–2002)
• BMW E65/E66 (2002–present)

Contents

1 E38 2 E65/E66 2.1 2005 3 Competitors

E38

The E38 generation had a five speed automatic or manual gearbox. The engine variants were 728i, 735i, 745i and 750i (with a 5.4 L 322 bhp (240 kW) engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph). In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL, and 750iL.

E65/E66

The current 7-series is the first of a new generation of BMWs featuring controversial styling by designer Chris Bangle. It also features BMW's iDrive system, consisting of a video screen in the dashboard and a controller mounted on the centre console that is used in a similar way to a computer mouse. Using a system of eight menus, most of the car's climate, audio, navigation, suspension and communication settings are controlled via iDrive. However the system has been criticised by some for being too complex and for distracting the driver from the road. As such, it is sometimes referred to as 'iDistract'. The car is available in six variants:

	Engine	Power	Torque	0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)	Top speed
730i	3.0 L petrol straight-6	170 kW (231 bhp)	200 Nm (148 lbf.ft)	8.1 s	237 km/h (147 mph)
730d	3.0 L diesel straight-6	160 kW (218 bhp)	500 Nm (369 lbf.ft)	8.0 s	235 km/h (146 mph)
735i	3.6 L petrol V8	200 kW (272 bhp)	360 Nm (266 lbf.ft)	7.5 s	250 km/h (155 mph)*
745i	4.4 L petrol V8	245 kW (333 bhp)	450 Nm (332 lbf.ft)	6.3 s	250 km/h (155 mph)*
745Li (extended length)	4.4 L petrol V8	245 kW (333 bhp)	450 Nm (332 lbf.ft)	6.3 s	250 km/h (155 mph)*
740d	3.9 L diesel V8	190 kW (258 bhp)	600 Nm (442 lbf.ft)	7.5 s	250 km/h (155 mph)*
760i	6.0 L petrol V12	327 kW (445 bhp)	600 Nm (442 lbf.ft)	5.5 s	250 km/h (155 mph)*

*All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Also, note that in the Americas, only the 745i, 745Li, 760i and 760Li are sold and that the 740d is only available in mainland Europe.

2005

The 7-Series will be refreshed for 2005 with tweaked styling and a new, more powerful V8 engine. The 4.4 L V8 will be replaced by a 4.8 L unit producing 360 hp (269 kW) and 360 ft.lbf (488 Nm).

Competitors

The 7-Series' competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Jaguar XJ, the Volkswagen Phaeton, the Lexus LS 430, the Audi A8, and the Maserati Quattroporte.