745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
745e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid 8A)
If you wish to exude confidence and make a statement with the car you drive, there is no better way than to do it in a BMW 7 Series.
BMW's flagship sedan, the 2022 7-Series returns for another stint this year with next to no changes. By adding in a number of comfort creatures and luxurious niceties, the 7-Series has been a public choice for celebrities and business tycoons, both as a family hauler and a vehicle that commands an undeniable road presence. Speaking of features, the 7-Series now offers the remote-control parking feature as a stand-alone option. Starting off at an MSRP of $86,800 for the base model, the 7-Series also comes in a 745e xDrive version, which will set you back by $95,900.
The 7-Series comes in both RWD and AWD models, while BMW offers a range of turbocharged engines with the flagship sedan. The core 740i version comes with a rather paltry 335 hp 3.0L turbo Inline-6 unit. It helps it to achieve a 0-60 MPH time of 4.8 seconds. Along with the silky-smooth and potent powertrain, the 7-Series also exudes a technologically advanced interior, with comfort being a priority. The safety aspect introduces a bevy of the latest driver aids in the 7-Series. If you wish to exude confidence and make a statement with the car you drive, there is no better way than to do it in a BMW 7 Series.
Carrying forward unchanged from the outgoing iteration, the 2022 BMW 7 Series comes equipped with an expansive list of standard features, even with the base trim. For those not familiar with the trim structure, BMW offers the 7 Series sedan in five variants. However, for the purpose of this review, we stick to the base 740i and 750i trims. Prices for the same start from an MSRP of $86,800 for the base trim and go all the way up to $103,000 for the topmost trim.
Trims |
740i |
750i xDrive |
---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$86,800 |
N/A |
MSRP (AWD) |
$89,800 |
$103,000 |
Key Features |
18-inch alloy wheels |
Adds to or retains features of 740i |
|
Dakota Leather Upholstery |
19-inch alloy wheels |
|
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity |
Nappa Leather Upholstery |
|
Automatic Quad-zone Climate Control |
Rear Seat Executive Lounging Package |
|
Fatigue and Focus Alert |
Head-Up display |
|
Adaptive LED Headlights |
|
While the feature set, as the table indicates, remains similar with minute differences, it is the potent engine unit that sits under the hood that distinguishes both these trims. While the former makes use of an inline-6 engine with two drivetrain configurations, the 750i xDrive that is priced upwards of the $100,000 mark, uses a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine and is channeled as an AWD configuration as standard.
While luxury is not a cause of concern for both the trims in the lineup, the final decision would be contingent on how much power does the buyer wants at the tap of a pedal. If you are someone confined to the city limits, the base 740i trim with around 335hp should adequately cater to your expectations. However, if you have the kind of cash and want an extra bizazz in your everyday drive, the 750i xDrive is a no-brainer choice.
Opting for the V8 in the 750i yields an unremarkable experience, as the engine fails to be as silent as a luxury car powerplant should be and simultaneously isn't stimulating enough to play plus-size sport sedan - Motortrend
While the BMW 7 Series has been developed keeping in mind sheer luxury and refinement, its powertrains have a different story to tell. Based on the trim you opt for; the 2022 7 Series has either of two engine options on offer. With the base 740i trim, BMW fits a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 unit under the hood. This engine produces 335 hp and 331 lb.-ft of torque, which may not be the highest outputs, but allow for respectable performance when on the go. The 7 Series manages to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 13.2 seconds.
Moving to the 750i xDrive trim, the engine gets upgraded to a V8 option that produces 523 hp and 553 lb.-ft of torque. As standard, it powers all the wheels of the sedan and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission like the base trim. The 740i, however, can be had in two drivetrain configurations. With both trim options, the driving dynamics fail to surpass the competitors. The steering lacks any sort of feedback but considering that the 7 Series is a typical chauffeur-driven vehicle, the ride quality in both rows remains supreme. This can be credited to the adaptive suspension system that eliminates all bumps and undulations and controls body roll with aplomb.
Models |
2022 BMW 7 Series |
2022 Audi A8 L |
2022 Lexus LS 500 |
2022 Porsche Panamera |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$86,800 |
$88,500 |
$79,250 |
$89,750 |
Engine |
3.0L turbocharged inline-6 |
3.0L turbocharged V6 |
3.5L Bi-turbo V6 |
2.9L twin-turbocharged V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
AWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
10-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
335 hp @ 5500 RPM |
335 hp @ 5500 RPM |
416 hp @ 6000 RPM |
325 hp @ 5400 RPM |
Torque (lb.-ft) |
331 lb.-ft @ 1500 RPM |
369 lb.-ft @ 1370 RPM |
442 lb.-ft @ 1600 RPM |
331 lb.-ft @ 1800 RPM |
0-60 MPH |
5.3 seconds |
5.6 seconds |
4.6 seconds |
5.3 seconds |
Quarter mile |
13.2 seconds |
13.9 seconds |
13.2 seconds |
13.5 seconds |
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
130 MPH |
136 MPH |
145 MPH |
In its segment, BMW’s luxury sedan finds itself in a jiffy against its direct rivals. While all of them use a turbocharged six-cylinder option, the Lexus LS 500 creates a niche for itself with its highest power and torque outputs of 416 hp and 442 lb.-ft, respectively. It also delivers best-in-class performance and runs to the 60 mph mark in just 4.6 seconds. On the other hand, both the Porsche Panamera and Audi A8 L seem fitting rivals producing similar outputs as the 7 Series and clock similar timings when put to the test. However, with a well-weighted steering system that is rather responsive, the German counterparts find themselves on the positive side of things and do compete neck and neck with the BMW.
The 2022 BMW 7 Series is neither the most efficient option nor is it shambolic in its performance. In its base avatar, the luxury sedan with the turbocharged six-cylinder engine manages to average 22/29/25 MPG in city/highway/combined driving conditions. However, these are figures when power is sent to the rear wheels. With the AWD configuration, these figures are expected to fall by a notch or two. With the V8 engine in the 750i xDrive, the combined mileage falls to 19 MPG. While the range is decent, the 7 Series comes with a standard 20.6-gallon fuel tank.
Models |
2022 BMW 7 Series |
2022 Audi A8 L |
2022 Lexus LS 500 |
2022 Porsche Panamera |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
22 |
17 |
18 |
18 |
MPG (highway) |
29 |
26 |
29 |
24 |
MPG (combined) |
25 |
23 |
22 |
20 |
Fuel tank capacity (gal.) |
20.6 |
19.7 |
21.7 |
23.7 |
Range (miles) (city/highway/combined) |
412/ 576/ 473 |
369/564/456 |
369/586/500 |
427/ 569/ 474 |
When compared to the 2022 7 Series, the Audi A8 L and Lexus LS 500 average lower efficiencies of 23 and 22 MPG, respectively. However, unlike the Audi, Lexus’s fuel tank is larger than the BMW’s and helps cover a total range of 500 miles. While Porsche’s efficiency is not yet ascertained, its fuel tank is the most voluminous in the segment and can hold about 23.7-gallons, which will definitely help the sedan gain ground over its competitors in terms of the range it manages.
Lacking the ethos, the latest 7-Series affords occupants the bandwith to notice build quality, materials, and design that are merely average for this rich segment - Car and Driver
The 2022 BMW 7 Series extends on the idea of leisure and luxury by providing a well-furnished cabin with a truckload of comfort features and amenities. It’s truly a chauffer-driven vehicle in the sense that it provides better legroom at the rear and has dedicated entertainment screens for added luxury. The seats are ample comfortable and feel adequately bolstered and cushioned to hold you in your place when on the move. While with the front seats, do get power adjustability, heating functionality, and a driver seat thigh extension feature with the higher trims, at the rear, we’d recommend seating two adults only for a more enriching experience.
Being a luxurious proposition, the BMW 7 Series is packed to the hilt with premium quality materials. These include Dakota/Nappa Leather Upholstery on the seats, woodgrain inserts on the dash, doors, and central console, and ambient interior lighting. Even the steering wheel comes with heating functionality and the availability of a four-zone climate control system adds to the opulence on the inside. As for the infotainment system, the new 7 Series comes with the same frustrating and clunky unit that is not specifically difficult to use, but it supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity and makes use of a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with both the trims, which increases its affability by a bit.
Models |
2022 BMW 7 Series |
2022 Audi A8 L |
2022 Lexus LS 500 |
2022 Porsche Panamera |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.) |
39.9/59.2/41.4 |
38.3/59.1/41.5 |
37.3/58.8/41 |
N/A |
Second (head/shoulder/rear) (in.) |
39.9/57.7/44.4 |
38.5/57.6/44.3 |
37.3/56.4/38.9 |
N/A |
Cargo Capacity (cu.-ft) |
18.2 |
10.4 |
17 |
17.6 |
When compared, the Porsche Panamera with its almost Sportback-like design fails to impress the buyers, credits to its 4-seat configuration and a sloping roofline. While its cargo capacity is one of the best in the segment and just behind the class-leading 18.2 cubic feet cargo of the BMW 7 Series, the Porsche could be a perfect fit for smaller families. On the other hand, the Audi A8 L has similar interior dimensions as the BMW, but its least voluminous trunk renders it impractical. Amongst all the options then, we feel that the Lexus LS 500, with its proportionately designed cabin, sizable trunk, and ergonomic cabin design reflects true luxury in its interior setup.
Some of the salient interior features include:
Perhaps, the 2022 BMW 7 Series is the only vehicle in the brand’s lineup that does not fall prey to a polarizing stance despite housing the large kidney grilles upfront. It still looks stately and imposing and with free-flowing lines and curves, which gives it a defined and aesthetic look at its disposal. Even when viewed from the side, the German sedan reeks of luxury. There is an abundant use of chrome to add to the opulent aura and the large doors do hint at the excessive passenger space available on the inside.
However, hands down, it is the rear end of the BMW that makes it a tantalizing option. While the taillights of the sedan do have a familiar look, it is the LED strip that runs between them and joins the two that adds to the visual appeal of the sedan. The trunk feels bulky and muscular and complements the overall beefy presence of the vehicle. It sits on 18/19-inch V-spoke alloy wheels and adds an element of subtlety in a rather flamboyant setup.
Models |
2022 BMW 7 Series |
2022 Audi A8 L |
2022 Lexus LS 500 |
2022 Porsche Panamera |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4,244 |
4,773 |
4,905 |
4,222 |
Length (in.) |
207.4 |
208.7 |
206.1 |
198.8 |
Width (in.) |
74.9 |
76.6 |
74.8 |
78.2 |
Height (in.) |
58.2 |
58.6 |
57.5 |
56 |
Ground clearance (in.) |
5.7 |
4.8 |
5.9 |
5.3 |
Wheelbase (in) |
126.4 |
123.2 |
123 |
116.1 |
While the exterior design might be a subjective choice for all, we believe that both the Audi and Lexus, which are equally as large as the BMW, have better and more holistic designs at their disposal. While the A8’s conjoined taillamps improve its aesthetic appeal manifold, Lexus’s spindle grille sets the tone for the sedan’s design. On the other hand, the most compact option in comparison, the Porsche Panamera, is built to cater to a younger class of buyers who would find peace in a sloping roofline and a sculpted hood. However, even with a less likable design, the 7 Series’ oneness lies in the space it provides and its wheelbase of 126.4 inches is indicative of the fact. Moreover, the 7-Series also gets the best ground clearance of 5.7 inches, which improves the ride quality, and its lighter curb weight, only second to the Panamera, allows it to easily maneuver within city limits.
Some of the standout exterior features include:
The BMW 7 Series has not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS in both its 2022 and 2021 MYs. However, falling under the purview of BMW’s Cluster Architecture platform, the G11 7-Series introduced back in 2015, is known for its structural integrity and resilience. It makes use of steel, aluminum, and carbon-fiber elements to provide a lightweight yet sturdy body structure that has increased crumple zones for better safety. Moreover, being the flagship model in the lineup, the full-size luxury sedan gets the best set of safety specifications including adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitor, and acoustic safety belt warning. Additionally, buyers also get an Active Driver Assistant which includes features like a forward collision warning, lane departure warning system, and automatic high beams.
Some other salient safety features include:
In a bid to be the best luxury sedan in the market, both the German counterparts, the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 L act as comprehensive packages for the buyers that come with a bevy of standard features and several customization options for a personalized experience. However, amongst the two, our pick has to be the Bavarian.
While the Audi A8 L is undoubtedly opulent and gets a better infotainment system, the BMW sedan leads in the practical aspects. It is marginally quicker and is more efficient, which makes it a pragmatic proposition despite its diminutively higher price tag.
The Lexus LS 500, like the BMW 7 Series, has been on the market for quite some time now. While it has had its negative criticisms in the past, the LS 500 has evolved into an all-encompassing option that cohesively unifies luxury with performance. Being a Japanese product, the Lexus reeks of reliability. It also features a potent engine option under the hood and emerges as the quickest sedan in the segment with the highest recorded top speed.
However, this is where its ascendancy over the German starts to fade. The new 7 Series leads over the LS 500 in terms of interior space, cargo capacity, and also efficiency. But it does carry a premium of over $10,000. So, amongst the two, the final decision will depend on the depth of the buyer’s pocket, but if we were to suggest, we’d recommend opting for the BMW.
In a segment populated by stalwarts, the BMW 7 Series stands as an undisputed choice with its rich antics, premium build, and mouth-watering performance. For an executive sedan that is meant to be chauffeur-driven, the 2022 7-Series impress buyers with its space and comfort. It gets a plethora of technological features onboard and with a comprehensive set of safety specifications, it reeks of reliability. But its clunky infotainment system can be a deal-breaker for some. However, considering that you would be spending most of the time in the back seat far from the frustrating system, this BMW could be an ideal choice for you.