Used 2012 BMW 7 Series 740Li for sale 

The 2012 BMW 7 Series lineup is split into several trims mostly based on powertrains. However, the equipment levels offered are also quite different but the main distinctions remain mechanical. These trim levels are called 740, 750, and 760. An addition of L to the trim level signifies a long wheelbase, whereas ‘i’ signifies gasoline. Apart from this, there are both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions offered in the lineup.

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Even though all the trim levels of the new BMW 7 Series are equally desirable, we feel that the 740 variants are a bit too underpowered to exercise the capabilities of the car. The 760 trim comes at almost double the price of the 740 trim and hence becomes a little too expensive for its own good. Hence, the 750Li strikes the best compromise in our minds. We believe that the rear-wheel-drive configuration itself is pretty much fun to drive, but the 4.4 L V-8 is hardly the pick for the customers who are conscious about fuel prices.

The 2012 BMW 7 Series comes with three engines. The 740i and 740 Li are powered by a 3 L in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 315 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 750 gets a turbocharged 4.4 L V-8 engine that produces 445 hp and 480 pound-feet of torque.

Finally, the 760Li gets a 6 L turbocharged V12 engine that produces 535 hp and 550 pound-feet of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic along with a rear-wheel-drive is standard while an all-wheel drive is available as an option on the 4.4 L V-8.

When it comes to real-world performance, the BMW does exceptionally well even though it is not a shout like the Cadillac CTS V sedan. It has slightly slow 0 to 60 mph as well as quarter-mile timing due to its super-refined power delivery but that is compensated when you equip the all-wheel-drive system. 

The Porsche, even though low on paper does quite well in its on-road figures. The Cadillac truly kicks the ball out of the ballpark but it’s a different kind of experience when you factor in luxury. The BMW for us represents the best compromise between luxury and athletic capabilities.

Although we expect the bare minimum out of it, the BMW returns much better MPG figures than we hope would ever come out of a turbocharged V-8 engine. It returns an EPA estimated 17 mpg in the city, 25 MPG on the highway, and 20 MPG in the combined cycle. Along with the fuel tank with a huge capacity of 21.1 gallons, it returns a respectable 359 miles in the city and 528 miles of range on the highway.

Although the BMW engine returns excellent fuel efficiency, it is the Porsche Panamera that is the most fuel-efficient by virtue of its smaller engine. But the BMW is quite at its heels while producing little more horsepower and being much more refined. The extra performance of the Cadillac has to pay a penalty in the department of fuel efficiency as it offers 14 mpg in the city, 19 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined. The biggest tank comes in the BMW and Porsche but the Porsche has the highest range due to its better fuel efficiency figures.

The interiors of the BMW 7 Series should rather be experienced than talked about. It is the flagship sedan from BMW and offers the best that the company has to put forward. Even though it is slightly similar to the interiors you can find on lesser BMWs, it is a nice place to be in. 

The new iDrive system is one of the most advanced ever and demands a bit of practice to get used to. The materials used are top-quality leather, rich wood accents, and the comfort levels are something else entirely. Space offered is plenty, to begin with, but the long-wheelbase versions set the bar very far apart. The trunk space is also quite generous at 14 ft.³.

The BMW 7 Series is not only the most spacious but also the most well-designed and comfortable cabins. All cars in this category seat five adults, except the Porsche, which seats only four. The Porsche is also quite luxurious and the overall fit and finish are amazing just like the BMW. The Cadillac has decent interior space despite not looking so. Some of its interior features include:

• Leather steering wheel
• Ambient LED lighting
• Headliner in Alcantara
• Optional massaging seats
• Abundant legroom
• Rearview camera
• Four-zone climate control
• Wood inlays

2012 BMW 7 Series Infotainment unit

The infotainment unit in the BMW 7 Series is BMW's latest iDrive system and is simply one of the best infotainment systems of all time. It employs the latest touchpad with the fingertips scribble recognition and is a seamless experience. But it is made easy to learn and users can start getting to grips with it very soon. Few standout infotainment features available are-

• Harman Kardon premium speakers
• AM / FM stereo
• USB connection
• Memory card slot
• 2 subwoofers
• 16 speakers
• 600 watts studio output
• Satellite radio
• Speed sensitive volume control

The new BMW 7 Series is a luxury barge, its exterior design definitely plays the part. However, it is elegant and never imposing. BMW has really worked on the exterior details very well after a controversial design of the last generation.

It measures 200 inches in length, 74.9 inches in width, and 57.9 inches in height. The car is not of modest dimensions by any standard but this recipe does give it a lot of interior space.

One can see that all cars in the segment are somewhat of the same dimensions, except the Cadillac. The Porsche is one of the largest cars of the lot as well as the lightest which is quite surprising. The BMW, however, is the heaviest, especially in higher trims. When it comes to ground clearance, BMW offers the most at 6 inches. It is amazing that the car is able to provide the kind of ride quality it does at that ride height. Some of its standout exterior features include:

• LED Headlights
• Giant rear exhaust outlets
• Panoramic sunroof
• Standard 18 inch wheels

The BMW 7 Series has not been crash-tested by the IIHS on the NHTSA and it is unlikely that it might be anytime soon. However, it packs the best of amazing safety technology that includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear parking sensors, airbags, ABS, and so on. Some standout safety features include:

• BMW Assist emergency communication system
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Self-leveling headlights
• Blindspot warning system
• Rearview camera

The 2012 BMW 7 Series is definitely one of the best offerings in the full-size luxury sedan segment. It is also a fresh model and promises a lot of cutting-edge technology and features. It offers excellent powertrains, supreme ride quality, and some of the best and well-built interiors one can find in cars today. It is definitely a very much recommended pick.