2016 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) 750Ld xDrive 8AT AWD (400 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In top-of-the-class, BMW 7 series returned with a new attitude into a new generation in 2015 as a 2016 model year. It is the first 7 series to be built on the CLAR platform, which means it sits onto a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer chassis, as seen on the i series (ex: i8).

Almost everything except for the greenhouse on the new 7 Series is brand new, including redesigned bumpers, side air vents, laser headlights now connected to a bigger kidney grille, taillights, exhaust tips, rims, and paint colors.

The same story goes for the interior too, with the model receiving redesigned seats, dashboard, and extra features, especially for the rear occupants. If the previous versions of 7 series interiors were conservative, the new 2016 model is equipped with the latest technology.

Features include a standard LED “light carpet” illuminating your entry as you approach the car. On the inside, you’re welcomed by ambient LED lighting and the version of iDrive 5, which notably adds touchscreen functionality and the Gesture Control system.

The 7 Series’ standard offers a lot of rear legroom and it is complemented by rear-seat luxuries, including the optional and very cool tablet-based infotainment system that will make you feel like you are traveling in a spaceship.

Luxury doesn’t stop here, the wood-trimmed seatbelts, multi-contour seats, and stylish heated armrests all combined with the HQ Bowers&Wilkins Diamond Surround System while admiring the Count in a night-sky-replicating panoramic roof with 15.000 LEDs. What an amazing cabin to be in.

Under the hood are new engines with added power, better efficiency, and a revised 8-speed automatic transmission. CFRP is used along with aluminum for weight reduction, and all models now get a 2-axle self-leveling air suspension.

The 7 series is available with either a rear-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive xDrive system. The available engines are either inline-6 cylinders or V8s, diesel, gasoline, or a plug-in hybrid for the BMW 740e with four cylinders and an electric motor with a total output power of 326 hp. A 12-cylinder M760i completed the lineup later.

BMW also keeps the standard high when it comes about safety, offering almost every safety feature known to man. Standard safety equipment includes knee airbags, rear-seat side airbags, and front-seat active head restraints. BMW fits a standard rearview camera and standard parking sensors so that the drivers will not have problems parking a car of such a size.

Attention Assist monitors the driver for nodding heads and displays a coffee cup if it detects an unsafe level of fatigue. The New adaptive headlamps are also standard, taking into account speed and steering angle.

The ultimate Driver Assistance Plus Package adds surround-view cameras and a forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. The surround-view cameras also show a Panorama View showing side traffic in front and behind the vehicle.

If you think this is safe enough, the BMW- pushes it forward with The Driver Assistance Plus Package II, with adaptive cruise control and active lane-keep assist, Side Collision Avoidance, and Traffic Jam Assistant.

The adaptive cruise control and Traffic Jam Assistant allow semi-autonomous driving, which means that it will follow cars ahead and provide steering assistance to keep the car in its lane.

Having said all this, the G11/G12 series impersonates with its efficiency, style, safety, and very good performance, BMW justifying its price in the luxury cars category.