Best Year BMW 7 Series

‍What's New?

The BMW 7 series' sixth generation is widely accepted as their best generation. It started in 2016, but the 2017 model came with new features and new trim levels.

The 740e hybrid, Alpina B7, and M760i were the new trim levels introduced in 2017. The new features included a remote control key with a display that shows the fuel level, car lock status, and service details.

Performance-wise, BMW introduced an all-wheel drive train for the base models of 7 series, M sport brakes, and remote-controlled parking in the 740i, 740i xDrive, 750i, and 750i xDrive trims.

The sixth generation of the 7 series ran from 2016 to early 2019. However, there were no significant changes within the generation after 2017's models. So you can get the best options without spending more money on the later models that provide no real value.

Nevertheless, make sure to get the latest versions of the 2017 model to get the best-used car.

How Does the 2017 BMW 7 Series Perform?

Engine and Transmission

The 2017 BMW 7 series is available in six trim levels:

• 740i
• 750i xDrive
• 750i
• 740i xDrive
• 740e xDrive iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid
• Alpina B7 xDrive

The 740i xDrive and 750i xDrive are the famous attractions of the 7 series. They throw up enough juice to climb up hills with a smooth ride due to the All-wheel drive options in these trims. The rest of the trims account for only a tiny fraction of the 7 series popularity.

Most drivers are even satisfied with the entry-level trim, 740i sedan. This variant has an Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-6 3.0 L, a six-cylinder engine that produces 320hp.

The 740i trim also has an xDrive version, which is an all-wheel-drive alternative. These trims are an excellent choice, giving you the most features included in the 7 series.

Its eight-speed automatic transmission gives a streamlined performance. You can conquer the most challenging on-road climbs with ample power in your hands.

The 740e xDrive iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid is the new addition to the family, consisting of an Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-4 2.0 L. This four-cylinder engine produces 255hp and has an electric driving range of 20 miles. Combined with its 111hp electric motor, the total horsepower produced is 366.

Though Tesla is the current leader in the electric vehicle market, you can opt for the BMW 7 series if you're skeptical about only running on electricity and running out of range now and then.

Next comes the 750i trim level, equipped with a Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8 4.4 L. Though this trim produces 445hp, its lower mileage in the city has dented its chances of taking over the entry-level trim. Similarly, the 750i xDrive sedan is the all-wheel-drive variant of this trim.

Next up, ALPINA B7 xDrive Sedan powered by Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-8 4.4 L, and M760i trims turn up the true heat with super speedy performance, hitting 0-60 mph under four seconds. Still, their poor fuel economy affects the efficiency of owning the car in the long term.

Drive

As mentioned above, most drivers are satisfied with the powerful performance and efficient fuel economy of the 3.0 L engine with six-speed transmission. However, the V-8 engine in the 750i trims takes the sedan's performance to the next level.

You will feel a punch every time you slightly overstep the accelerator. These trims cross the 60 mph mark within 4.5 seconds. But you won't feel a jerk as the eight-speed transmission switches gears up swiftly. But that's not all.

The part that makes your ride seamless is the Autobahn package's predictive suspension. These are activated by the adaptive mode, using air suspensions to provide spotless driving over bumps and potholes, keeping the car flat around corners to uplift your driving experience.

The Autobahn package also includes an Integral Active Steering, increasing your control over your vehicle at slow and high speeds.

Other modes that you can select in the 2017 BMW 7 series are the Eco Pro, Comfort, Sports, and Sports Plus. The comfort mode is a slick driving mode that uses active satellite images to proactively adjust its suspension system according to the road's condition, providing a highly comfortable ride.

We just like to leave our car in sports mode. It gives a pleasurable driving experience with just the right mix of speed and stability while soaking up the bumps and rough patches for a smooth ride.

Mileage

The BMW 7 series has an overall satisfying mileage. 740i and 740e xDrive gives you the best mileage with 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The latter trim gives a similar gas mileage with 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The 750i sedan manages 17 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. The xDrive version matches it nearly with 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Advancing the trim level, ALPINA B7 xDrive Sedan trim offers more power but manages only 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The M760i has the poorest gas mileage in the series, with just 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

If you want to get the best mileage, opt for the 740e xDrive iPerformance Plug-In Hybrid to get the most economical ride giving a 20 miles electric range and a 27 mpg in the city/highway when running on hybrid mode.

Seating

The 7 series is a perfect family sedan with a seating capacity of five. The cabin of this luxurious-filled sedan is as roomy as they come. Front seats are comfy, leather-padded, and 10-way adjustable, making long drives in this sedan enjoyable.

With 41.2 inches of front legroom in this car, you won't feel crumbled up in a single position. The rear seating is similarly comfortable with leather upholstery.

The rear legroom is 44.4 inches, and the shoulder room amounts to 57.7. Even tall passengers won't feel uncomfortable with headroom of 38.9 inches throughout the car.

You can get the additional Executive Lounge Seating Package, including center console, individual rear seats, dual 7" Touch Command Tablet, and folding tables. However, this package limits the seating capacity to four.

Heated seats are base features equipped in all trims, along with a mixed interior of wood, aluminum, and cushion padding, combined to provide an exclusive sporty look starting from the base trim.

Comfort and Luxury

As the 2017 7 series belongs to the later generation of this sedan, you can expect dozens of features, taking the luxury of driving and riding in this car to the next level.

Starting with the entertainment, you get an infotainment system with a 10.2-inch display, equipped with a navigation system, rear camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Radio, USB Ports, and rear seats touch entertainment screens.

BMW's iDrive is one of the most convenient infotainment systems in the automotive industry, with an easy user interface. A simple knob and steering wheel control allow you to control the system single-handedly without forcing away your attention from the road.

However, such simplicity and straightforward menus start feeling redundant to some drivers and might bore you. On the other hand, command by hand gestures is one feature that keeps the iDrive system interesting. You can accept or decline a call and adjust volume only by signaling in front of the screen.

Stepping into the 2017 BMW 7 series feels like stepping into the future as the LED lighting on the carpet lights up as you approach the car. Certainly, a way to impress specific passengers.

Remember that not all features are given in all trims. Generally, the more expensive you go, the more features you get. Check the features of the trim level you are looking to buy.

How Much Does It Cost to Own a 2017 BMW 7 Series?

You can get a 2017 BMW 7 Series for an average price of $70,800. However, the price of the car can heavily vary depending on its trim, features, condition, mileage, and location. That's just the purchasing cost.

You have to consider the annual cost of owning the car. The average cost of gas, maintenance, and insurance of the 2017 7 series is around $7,500. Luckily, it is just around the average cost of owning a super luxury car.