BMW 7 Series E23 1977-1986

In 1977, BMW had its eyes on the competition and needed a car to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar’s XJ executive sedans. BMW didn’t think twice and used the E3 New Six platform to create the first 7 Series model, the E23.

Thus, BMW took only the rounded headlights from the E3 model, the rest of the exterior being completely new. The flat and wide hood, continued with a simple greenhouse with chrome elements and a lowered trunk.

As a rival to the Mercedes S-Class, BMW had to bring new technologies to the E23. So he introduced for the first time in a BMW, an on-board computer, a service interval indicator, a “control panel check”, a dictaphone and a climate control system. The E23 was also the first BMW with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a driver’s airbag and double wishbone front suspension.

Despite this, BMW still had the reputation of a manufacturer of sports cars intended only to satisfy the pleasure of the driver, so exclusive customers were still reluctant to purchase the E23. So BMW had to look for solutions to increase the notoriety of this model. So, in addition to the standard range of 2.5-liter six-cylinder engines, BMW launched a more powerful engine, the 745i version, a 3.2-liter turbo or 3.4-liter turbo engine with 252 horsepower.

BMW 7 Series E32 1986-1994

The next generation, the E32, was launched in 1986 and still competes with its rival, Mercedes-Benz, which was based exclusively on passenger comfort. Instead, BMW oriented itself more towards the driver, and the sporty character, the design and the new technologies, made many businessmen drive their cars themselves.

On the exterior design side, the E32 was totally redesigned, it had a wider look, it came with wider grilles, a redesigned front bumper. The same thing can be found at the back, the bumper being redesigned, and the taillights having an “L” shape.

With this model, technologies such as traction and stability control, double glazing, xenon headlights and dual-zone climate control were introduced for the first time on a BMW.
However, to attract even more customers, BMW launched a version with a long wheelbase, which thus offered more legroom for the rear seats.

Under the hood, the new E32 came with a pair of 6-cylinders, a pair of 3.0-liter and 4.0-liter V8s, or a 300 hp 5.0-liter V12, the first of its kind since 1945.

BMW 7 Series E38 1994-2001

The culmination of the 7 series was in 1994, when the third generation was launched. The E38 7 was one of the most sought-after luxury cars of its time, being considered the best and most beautiful 7 series ever made.

The exterior design looks sophisticated, but is at the same time simple, with elegant, yet sporty elements. The E38 had a rather low height, and at the front, the grilles were rectangular and simple, with thin rectangular headlights covered by a transparent lens, equipped with halogen or xenon.

Inside, the new 7 series offered little space in the back due to the reduced height, but the German manufacturer also introduced new comfort elements such as satellite navigation and television, as well as safety, being the first model in the world with curtain airbags.

Next, BMW also offered this model in the version with a long or extra-long wheelbase for state officials. Under the hood, BMW included inline-six, V8 and V12 engines, and the 5.4-liter version of the 750i now produced 326hp. At the same time, the E38 was the first of the 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine.

In 1998, the facelift version of the E38 was launched. Several exterior elements have been modified, such as the headlights, taillights, the suspensions being sportier and a torque converter. As new equipment, BMW has introduced an automatic climate control system, front side airbags and a head protection system, as well as “Active Comfort Seats”.

BMW 7 Series E65/E66 2001-2008

Do you remember the E65, the model that came with a rather controversial design that deviated from specific BMW patterns?! Well, the E65 and E66 are part of the fourth generation BMW 7 Series, launched in 2001. Despite its design, the E65 was awarded in Japan for the most advanced technology in a car.

In terms of size, the E65 is longer, taller and wider than the previous generation. The exterior design was called “flame surfacing”, and it received new headlights, carved into the bar, wider grilles, an inclined and curved back. The interior was full of technology, offering for the first time an infotainment system, which was controlled by a rotary knob, and the double domed dashboard was not the most beautiful for many BMW fans.

Under the hood, the BMW 7 Series came with a wide range of six-cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel and V8 engines, along with a flagship V12 petrol model.

In 2005, BMW launched a facelift version of the E65/E66 models. This version came with an improved design, where BMW modified the cutout of the headlights in the bar, and the rear part and taillights received a more elegant shape. Inside, the infotainment system, iDrive, received new functions such as Bluetooth phone connection and navigation.

BMW 7 Series F01/F02 2009-2015

The fifth generation BMW 7 Series was launched in 2008 and includes the models F01 (sedan version) and BMW F02 (sedan version with a long wheelbase).

Again, this generation came with a new design, but much softer. Thus, the new 7 Series was outlined by straight and long lines, which highlighted its length. The headlights were completely new and were elongated to the front fenders. The back had a simpler, more elegant appearance, and the taillights were also completely modified.

The interior was completely new, with a well-defined border that continued to the door panels. Of course, the F01 received a new infotainment system, and the instrument cluster was a combination of analog and digital. A new feature brought by BMW was the equipment with up to 5 video cameras to offer the driver many viewing angles.

Under the hood, the F01 offered turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines with rear or all-wheel drive through a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The F01 was also the first BMW to be available with a hybrid drivetrain, but it was not very successful.

In 2012, BMW fans received a facelift version for the fifth generation. The exterior did not come with major changes, it came with new LED headlights, slightly modified bumper and grille, and the interior was also similar to the previous model.

BMW 7 Series G11/G12 2015-2022

The sixth generation BMW 7 Series was launched in 2015 and comes with radical design changes. The series includes the G11 and G12 models and is the first 7 series built on the CLAR platform, a carbon fiber reinforced polymer chassis.

The G11 comes with a new exterior design, with modified bumpers, side air vents, laser headlights that merge with the grille which is also bigger now. The interior looks spectacular, it has redesigned seats with massage, new dashboard with a new iDrive system, a removable 7-inch tablet, gesture control, Traffic Jam Assistant, remote parking, ambient lighting system and many more and new features.

Under the hood, BMW has brought new, more powerful and more efficient engines, available with either a 6-cylinder in-line or V8, diesel, gasoline or plug-in hybrid for the BMW 740e with four cylinders and a 326HP electric motor. Later, an M760i was launched with a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged 601 hp 12-cylinder.

In 2019, BMW launched an updated version, the G11 LCI. It came with a new hood, modified front bumper and fenders, redesigned headlights and grille. Also, BMW introduced a light strip at the back that connects the taillights. In the interior, the new G11 was available in full Nappa leather and full BMW Individual Merino leather.

At the same time, BMW made changes to the engine range, where on the hybrid model we have an optional new XDrive system, and for the 8-speed automatic transmission, a launch-control mode was installed.

BMW 7 Series G70 2022-Present

In 2022, BMW presented the new generation of the 7 Series and it seems that it is repeating the history of 2001, shocking the world with the new design. However, the new 7 series is full of innovations and technologies.

On the outside, the G70 attracts attention with its large grille, but also with the new design of the headlights, which are divided this time. Moreover, the front grille is also available in an illuminated version for those who want something more. Also up front, another set of grilles and air intakes have been added. Looking from the side, we notice many lines that outline the car, and the design element Hofmeister kink, receives a new design. Also, the new 7 series received new handles, which only require a touch of the sensors. At the rear, the G70 has slimmer taillights with a subtle “L” shape. The rear bumper is quite imposing, especially with those notches on the sides.

As imposing as it is on the outside, it is as interesting on the inside. So, the new 7 series comes with a huge display, divided into two zones, a 12.3-inch one for the instrument cluster, and a 14.9-inch one for the infotainment system. We also find a standard Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof and a 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen equipped with Amazon Fire TV.

In Europe, the new BMW 7 Series will be launched exclusively in the electric version, the BMW i7 xDrive60. The model is powered by two electric motors that together develop a power of 544 HP. For the USA and China, two models are available with a gasoline engine and 48V mild-hybrid technology. Here, the top of the range will be the BMW 760i xDrive, with the new 544 hp V8. A six-cylinder in-line diesel engine developing 300 hp in the BMW 740d xDrive will complete the powertrain portfolio in Europe in spring 2023.