2022 BMW 7 Series Review: Large And In Charge

The 2022 BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that is sure to draw all kinds of attention from both sides of the law. This big luxo-barge keeps doing what it does so well: it is a refined and luxurious piece of machinery that offers more than enough interior space and interior tech to keep most happy. The 7 Series comes with three engine choices, namely a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, and finally a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 producing 601 horsepower. Power is sent to either the rear or all fours in the 740i, while the rest of the range is exclusively all-wheel drive. The BMW 7 Series is an adept cruiser at high and low speeds and performs well, but we can't help but feel that it is more disconnected from the driver than ever. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8, and goes for a starting price of $86,800.

2022 BMW 7 Series Exterior

This behemoth looks great from all angles and demands attention when cruising down the road. The 740i features 18-inch V-Spoke wheels, as well as chrome accent finishes on the front air intakes, rocker panel strips, and rear trunk strip. The 750i xDrive gets larger 19-inch double-spoke wheels finished in Orbit Grey. Moving up to the M760i xDrive introduces 20-inch M double-spoke wheels along with an aerodynamic kit, M rear spoiler, and Cerium Grey accent finishes. The M760i xDrive also gets an M Sport exhaust system with Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers. The M Sport package adds exterior features such as M alloy wheels and Shadowline exterior trim. All 7 Series models feature LED exterior lighting.

2022 BMW 7 Series Dimensions

The 2022 BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that squares up to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 in terms of size. According to BMW, the 7 Series is 207.4 inches long, 74.9 inches in width (excluding the side mirrors), and 58.2 inches tall. That makes it over one inch shorter than the Audi. The front track is 63.8 inches, and the rear track is 65 inches. The BMW 7 Series sedan is a heavy car, and the lightest model on offer, the 740i RWD, has a curb weight of 4,244 pounds. The 750i xDrive weighs 4,722 lbs, and finally, the M760i xDrive tips the scales at a hefty 5,159 pounds. The 7 Series rolls on a 126.4-inch wheelbase.

Exterior Colors

Make no mistake; the BMW 7 Series is a VIP cruiser, and should only be had in some shade of black, but for those who don't like the cloak and dagger look, BMW offers a color palette of at least 13 colors depending on trim level. The 7 is available with a wide range of no-cost paint options, including your standard Alpine White and Jet Black. Metallic colors on offer include Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, Cashmere Silver, Dark Graphite, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Donington Grey, and Bernina Grey Amber Effect. You'll start paying for metallic colors such as Dravit Grey and Tanzanite Blue II, each of which comes with a price tag of $1,950, while Frozen Bluestone costs $5,000. Aventurin Red has been discontinued for this year's model. If we had the honor of choosing a color, we'd go with Carbon Black Metallic.

2022 BMW 7 Series Performance

Take one of these for a test drive, and you'll understand what all the fuss is about. No matter which trim you go for, the BMW 7 Series offers scintillating performance, which, for its size, is mighty impressive. Starting with the base model, you get a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine which sends its power to the rear. In this configuration, the 7 Series will do the 0 to 60 sprint in only 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with performance tires). The all-wheel-drive version of this car will do the 0-60 sprint in 4.8 seconds. The 750i xDrive is powered by a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine and will accelerate to sixty in a blistering 3.9 seconds. The quickest of the bunch is the M760i xDrive, which is powered by a massive 6.6-liter V12 engine assisted by some forced induction to deliver 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The zero to sixty time is reduced to 3.6 seconds. The beauty of the 2022 7 Series is that you get solid performance at any trim level, and most drivers will be happy with what's on offer from the 740i or 740i xDrive. The BMW range offers less power than Mercedes-Benz models in base and midrange S500 trim - this S-Class model reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds - but the M760i xDrive offers more than the top S580 4MATIC.

Engine and Transmission

There are three engines to choose from for 2022, and all are mated to the same eight-speed automatic transmission with automatic sport and manual shift modes. The base model of the range, the 740i, is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. This engine, which is used elsewhere in the BMW model range, offers silky-smooth acceleration, and its wide torque band means that it is as comfortable to drive in town as it is on the highway. There's ample power, and most should be happy with this setup. Power is sent either to the rear or all fours via said eight-speed transmission. Next up is the 750i xDrive, which is motivated by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine. This power plant produces a strong 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. That's more power than most will ever need - but wait, there's more. For the seriously power-hungry, BMW offers the M760i xDrive, which is propelled by a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 engine. This monstrosity delivers 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. This engine eclipses anything the new S-Class can offer until the AMG models arrive, and the Audi A8 doesn't come close to having an answer.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The whole purpose of the 7 Series is to offer good performance, lots of interior space and luxury, and possibly the most crucial factor, a relaxed driving experience. We're happy to report that the 7 Series, in both RWD and AWD configurations, offers one of the most serene driving experiences, especially when fitted with the self-leveling air suspension. That being said, the 7 Series doesn't feel like the driver's car it used to be in previous generations. Comfort has taken over here, which is not a bad thing at all. Over small and medium mid-corner bumps, the 7 Series feels stable, but larger bumps will reveal slight body roll. In town, the 7 Series might come across as stiff, but it never feels jarring, but larger diameter wheels negatively affect ride comfort. Steering feel is almost non-existent, but there is a good response when driving more aggressively, and with large tires at each corner, the BMW doesn't struggle for grip, especially in xDrive guise. The optional integral active steering helps to mold the 7 Series around a bend, but not much more. At the end of the day, this is a large automobile, and signs of understeer are present in AWD-equipped cars.

7 Series Gas Mileage

If you're expecting hybrid levels of fuel efficiency, you've come to the wrong bar. Here it's all about turbocharged power and heavy curb weights, which only spell one word: thirsty. The 740i will obviously be the lightest on fuel, and in fact, it doesn't do too badly: the EPA rates that the RWD version will manage 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined. The xDrive version will see that number drop to 20/27/23 mpg. The V8-equipped 750i xDrive will manage 17/24/19 mpg. There are no official numbers for the M760i xDrive, but expect its estimates to be in the mid to low teens (you won't see great mileage here). All 7 Series vehicles are equipped with a 20.6-gallon fuel tank, which means it will have a maximum range of between 391 and 515 miles.

2022 BMW 7 Series Interior

There's only one word that can describe the majesty that is the 7 Series' interior, and that is opulent. This car exudes quality in every inch of material and trimming, but we'd have nothing less, and that's exactly what customers have come to expect from the 7 Series range. Getting inside the cabin reveals miles of interior space, and both the front and rear seats envelop you with great support and luxury. It must be said that competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and even the Genesis G90, offer a more luxurious and momentous experience. If you appreciate the businesslike way the BMW carries itself, then you'll be more than satisfied. The 7 Series gets standard features such as heating for the front seats, armrests and steering wheel, along with automatic four-zone climate control.

Seating and Interior Space

The 7 Series is a five-seater luxury sedan with some impressively large dimensions. What this means is that you get miles of interior space, exactly what is expected for this class. Getting in and out of the 7 Series is an easy process as both the front and rear doors are pretty massive and open up with a wide berth. Once inside, the BMW offers a good driving position that's not too high or too low, and the 20-way power multi-contour front seats provide the perfect amount of support, no matter what size the customer. Forward visibility is good, but such a big car demands that you make use of parking assistance and a rearview camera to pull off any tricky reversing maneuvers.

Interior Colors and Materials

Starting with the base model, new customers are offered standard Dakota leather upholstery and Fineline High Gloss Wood trim. The leather upholstery can be had in Canberra Beige, Ivory White/Black, as well as more exotic combos such as Nappa leather in Zagora Beige or Mocha for an extra $1,500. Cognac or Mocha with extended quilting will cost you $2,000. If you really want to splash out with the interior, BMW gives you the option to cover the cabin in Merino leather, which, at $5,500 a pop, will add trimmings in Amarone Brown/Black, Fiona Red/Black, and even Tartufo, a shade of brown. Trim options include Grey Poplar wood, Chestnut wood, and Fineline Blackwood. For an extra $1,080, you can get an Individual Piano Black finish, or Ash Grain Black and Red Wood. The Interior Design Package adds an Alcantara headliner and finer details such as grab handles in wood trim and luxury floor mats. The top of the range M760i xDrive gets a Nappa leather instrument panel, an Alcantara headliner, as well as door sill finishers with an illuminated V-12 logo.

7 Series Trunk and Cargo Space

For a car that places so much emphasis on interior space, the BMW 7 Series does offer a decent amount of trunk and overall cargo space. With 18.2 cubic feet of volume on offer, the BMW comprehensively beats the Audi A8, and you should be able to fit enough baggage for a long weekend away. The hands-free trunk lid opens up nice and wide, making loading larger items simple and easy. Unfortunately, the rear seats do not fold flat, but you do get a rear pass-through. Small items can be stored in the center console storage bin, large glovebox, or ample side door pockets (front and rear). You also get a couple of cup holders front and rear, as well as seatback pockets behind the front seats.

Features

The list of features is a long one, but we'd expect nothing less from BMW's 7 Series. Starting with the base-spec cars, you can expect to see features such as 20-way power multi-contour seats with four-way lumbar support, as well as a heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic four-zone climate control, and a power rear window sunshade. A power panoramic moonroof lightens the interior, and you also get extended ambient lighting as well as wireless phone charging and integrated Wi-Fi, with the top-spec variant adding heated rear seats, too. BMW makes the competition in the USA look meek when it comes to standard driver assistance features: there's frontal collision warning, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning and speed limit info, adaptive led headlights, parking assistant plus with surround-view cameras, dynamic cruise control, and BMW's active protection system that prepares the car for accidental impact. The M760i xDrive shares most of its interior features with the rest of the lineup, although it is alone in having a full-color head-up display fitted as standard.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the BMW 7 Series Sedan has come a long way since the early days of the iDrive interface, and we can confidently say that this is one sleek and easy to operate system. The latest iDrive 7.0 system can be controlled via voice control, gestures, or a rotary controller on the center console that is easy to get to grips with. The central display is 10.25 inches in diameter and is flanked by a massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment display shows bright and crisp images and adds a touch of contemporary cool to the dashboard layout. Features include navigation, Bluetooth streaming, AM/FM radio, HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, as well as a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a 464-watt amplifier, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. If that sound system isn't enough, you can go for the $3,400 Bowers and Wilkins system that features 16 speakers and exclusive Diamond Dome tweeters. Those in the rear can also get a stand-alone infotainment system with a rear-seat iDrive controller and screens.

2022 BMW 7 Series Common Problems and Reliability

While the 2022 model hasn't been recalled yet at the time of writing, the 2021 BMW 7 Series was recalled a full seven times for issues varying from the loss of brake assistance and ABS to a malfunctioning rearview camera, a failing output shaft, and a misassembled battery connection. The general reliability rating for these cars is good, especially for all new cars, but reliability will depend on how much you invest in looking after the vehicle, too. The 2022 BMW 7 Series comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and drivetrain warranty, as well as a 12-year corrosion protection plan, a three-year or 36,000 miles maintenance plan, and four years of roadside assistance.

Warranty

7 Series Safety

No one in their right mind would willfully smash a BMW 7 Series against a wall. That's why neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has subjected it to safety reviews. That doesn't mean that BMW has skimped on safety, and we would go as far as to say that the 7 Series is one of the safest cars on the road today, despite there being no official crash-test review of the BMW 7 Series to reference.

Key Safety Features

The 2022 BMW 7 Series comes jam-packed with safety features. Starting from the outside, each car gets adaptive LED headlights with adaptive brake lights. Inside the cabin, you get six airbags, and BMW's active protection system that prepares the car for impact by tightening the seatbelts and closing the windows and moonroof. Active driver assistance features include frontal collision warning, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning and speed limit info, as well as dynamic cruise control with optional active cruise control, and parking assistant plus with surround-view cameras. Optional safety extras include Active Driving Assistant Pro and extended traffic jam assistant. A full-color head-up display is standard on the M760i xDrive.

Verdict: Is the 2022 BMW 7 Series A Good car?

The BMW 7 Series continues to do what it has always done well: cart around the rich and famous in athletic style and grace. This car clearly caters to wealthy buyers who appreciate the exclusivity and comfort of a large car, such as the 7 Series. The exterior of this car still looks great and doesn't overdo it. Under the hood, BMW offers a range of excellent performance engines, and the 7 Series never feels slow, even in entry-level 740i guise. The eight-speed transmission is a pleasure to use, and this vehicle will happily plod along in town or storm down the highway in equal measure. Once inside, you are enveloped in a world of premium luxury. The interior boasts excellent materials and state of the art technology that keeps the 7 Series in contention for the best full-size luxury sedan title. The interior space is fantastic, with both the front and rear seats easily capable of swallowing a few six-footers. Cargo volume is also on the good side. Although the 7 Series hasn't been crash-tested, we believe that with the sheer amount of driver assistance tech on offer, it is bound to be a safe ride. Starting at $86,800, the BMW 7 Series is a solid bet in the luxury sedan market.

What's the Price of the 2022 BMW 7 Series Sedan?

If you're reading this, then you should understand that the BMW 7 Series isn't a cheap car; to get behind the wheel of one of these bad boys is going to cost you. The price of the BMW 7 Series speaks to its premium nature, and the BMW 7 Series cost will vary from trim to trim, but the lowest MSRP you're going to get is for the RWD 740i with a base price of $86,800, which does not include tax, registration, or a destination fee of $995. The 740i xDrive will set you back $89,800. The V8 750i xDrive breaks the 100k mark with an asking price of $103,000, and finally, the M760i xDrive will cost you a massive $157,800.

2022 BMW 7 Series Models

The 2022 BMW 7 Series lineup is offered in three derivatives, namely the 740i (and its AWD 740i xDrive version), the 750i xDrive, and the M760i xDrive. The 740i comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six gas engine developing 335 hp and sending the power to either the rear or all four wheels in the xDrive variant. Standard equipment includes self-leveling air suspension, 20-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, remote engine start, automatic quad-zone climate control, advanced key memory, Wi-Fi, and wireless charging. The iDrive infotainment system has a 10.25-inch touchscreen and comes with Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a SiriusXM radio, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Among the driver-assistance features are frontal collision warning, lane-departure warning, blind-spot detection, parking assistance with surround-view cameras, and speed-limit information. The 740i xDrive is identical except for its AWD system. All derivatives send their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 750i xDrive's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine develops 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque and it is only available in an all-wheel-drive configuration. It runs on double-spoke orbit grey alloy wheels.

The flagship is the M760i xDrive and it can be distinguished from the outside by its 20-inch M alloy wheels, M rear spoiler, and an aerodynamic kit. The engine is a 6.6-liter V12 with two turbochargers producing 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. It has rear seat heating and a full-color head-up display fitted as standard.

Additional Packages

As if the 2021 BMW 7 Series wasn't packed with enough features, the German auto manufacturer gives you a pile of optional extras to choose from. There are so many, in fact, that we've only selected our favorites here. The M Sport package on the 740i goes for $3,400 and adds Shadowline exterior trim, 19-inch double-spoke M wheels, and an M steering wheel. The Autobahn Package costs $4,100 and adds integral active steering, and active comfort drive for a pleasurable cruise. The Luxury Rear Seating package includes front and rear heated seats, rear massaging seats with ventilation, and a seven-inch command tablet, all for $3,900. Individual extras include remote control parking for $850, front massaging seats for $1,000, and a Bowers and Wilkins sound system for an extra $3,400. On the 750i and M760i, the lavish Rear Executive Lounge Seating package costs a pricey $5,750 but adds rear entertainment screens, a reclining rear seat with footrest, and an executive lounge rear center console. This package requires the Luxury Rear Seating Package too, that will further inflate the final bill to $7,550.

What BMW 7 Series Model Should I Buy?

Most people buying a new BMW 7 Series aren't going to be in it for the track day experience or all-out performance, but will rather look at how refined, luxurious, and spacious it is. It is for that very reason that we would go with the cheapest, perfectly capable 740i. We'd have it in xDrive guise, however. For $89,800, you get a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 335 hp and a more than adequate zero to sixty sprint time of 4.8 seconds. The 740i xDrive offers nearly all the goodies you'll find in the other cars, including 20-way adjustable front seats, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless phone charging, four-way climate control, and a Harman Kardon sound system. We think it's a clear winner.

2022 BMW 7 Series Comparisons

2022 BMW 7 Series vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

This is a rivalry as old as the class itself, and Mercedes-Benz has traditionally had the upper hand in this division. Against the new S-Class, the BMW struggles to keep up. Powering the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is your choice of 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque in the S500 or a more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 rated at 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque in the S580. A hybrid version is set to be released soon. Inside the cabin, the S-Class is the superior vehicle, not only in terms of features, but in terms of sheer quality. The S-Class feels seriously opulent and gets features such as a 12.8-inch central infotainment screen with OLED technology and an advanced AI voice recognition system that can interact with 27 different languages. On the road, the S-Class feels slightly less engaging to drive, which isn't saying much, but does offer a more relaxed overall driving experience. Both cars are built like Fort Knox when it comes to safety, but the Merc manages to pip the BMW for overall tech-savviness. Both are great cars, but the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains king.

2022 BMW 7 Series vs Audi A8

The Audi A8 is the most nondescript of the big three German luxury sedans, and we like it for that very reason. It doesn't shout but does its own thing rather well. The A8 starts with a price of $86,500, which is $300 less than the BMW. In base trim, it is powered by a 3.0-liter Turbo V6 engine producing the exact same 335 hp, but slightly more torque. In terms of interior style and comfort, both cars are equally matched, with the BMW having a slight advantage in terms of interior design, but both cars look relatively reserved in comparison with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Interior space is also a tight competition, with the Audi offering slightly more front legroom, but marginally less rear-seat legroom. The BMW crushes the Audi in terms of trunk space with only 12.5 cubic feet on offer in the A8. On the road, the Audi is a beautiful thing to drive, and perhaps even more comfortable than the Bimmer. We are disappointed in Audi's lack of engine choices, and for that simple reason, we'll go with the BMW.