2014 BMW 7-series Expert Review
Reviewed by Erick Ayapana
Vehicle Overview
Those seeking a large, comfortable, and technology-filled sedan should consider the 2014 BMW 7 Series. With items like a head-up display, full-LED lighting, and BMW's its iDrive infotainment system, the 2014 7 Series combines the automaker's latest tech gadgets with luxurious interior finishes one expects in a flagship sedan. The 7 Series also showcases many of BMW's signature traits such as the twin kidney front grille, the Hofmeister kink styling feature in the rear quarter window, and a simple, business-like interior layout.
There are also plenty of powertrains to choose from. The 740i serves as the base model and is powered by a turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 315 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Next is the 750i with its twin-turbo, 445-hp V-8, followed by the 760Li and its powerful 535-hp 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine. The limited-production Alpina B7
makes 540 hp from a performance-tuned 4.4-liter V-8 and a hybrid model is also available for eco-conscious buyers. Called the ActiveHybrid7, its hybrid powertrain includes the same turbo-six from the 740Li combined with a 55-hp electric motor. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic that is both smooth and quick and all-wheel drive is available on certain models.
Also available is a long wheelbase body style, which is offered on all engines except the Alpina B7 (it's also the only body style offered for the ActiveHybrid 7 and 760Li). The stretched 7 series rides on a 126.4-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 205.3 inches, which is 5.5 and 5.5 inches longer than the normal wheelbase model. That translates into 44.3 inches of rear legroom, an increase of 5.4 inches compared to the normal length 7 Series.
New for 2014
A new iDrive touchpad controller allows owners to write out navigation and phone inputs. The Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, which adjusts the instrument panel according to the Driving Dynamics Control settings, is now standard on all models except the ActiveHybrid 740Li and the Alpina. BMW revised the Executive Package and the Driver Assistance Plus Package, which now includes pedestrian warning and approach control warning.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
The ultimate arriving machine
