7 Series

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

BMW is giving its flagship 7-Series limousine a mid-life facelift almost four years after it hit the market. The full-size luxury sedan has been awarded a glut of new enhancements, and chief among them are significant changes to the powertrain. For the 2013MY, the engine lineup has been revised and BMW has also introduced a new diesel engine. The 8-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the range, as is auto start-stop, brake energy regeneration and ECO PRO mode.

The 740i and 740Li models get the new N55 six-cylinder twin-turbo engine rated at 315hp and 332lb-ft of torque. Other gasoline choices include the 750i, which gets a revised 4.4-liter V8 producing 444hp and 479lb-ft of torque, and the 760i and 760Li, which come with the same 537hp 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 as before. The second-gen ActiveHybrid 7 pairs the new N55 engine with a 55hp electric motor for a combined output of 349hp and 369lb-ft of torque. BMW claim the hew hybrid can shift from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and post an average fuel economy of 34.6mpg. A boost function adds an extra 155lb-ft of torque for short bursts of acceleration.

BMW's new 3.0-liter tri-turbocharged inline-six diesel, first seen in the M550d xDrive, makes its debut on the 7-Series. The AWD 750d xDrive is rated at 375hp and 546lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. In Europe and other select markets around the world, a 730d and 740d will also be offered with respective 255hp and 309hp versions of the 3.0-liter inline-six. In terms of its design, the 7-Series' familiar shape has evolved with BMW's latest styling cues and additional modern details.

A modified grille sports nine instead of the previous twelve slats, there's a revised front bumper, new LED headlamps with Corona rings, new indicators under the mirrors, and at the back a thin chrome strip connects the two svelte reflectors in the rear apron. Going inside and the 2013MY has newly designed, slightly slimmer, front seats. An optional rear-seat entertainment package includes an iDrive controller, and two 'floating' 9.2-inch screens behind the rear seats, while up front a new navigation system with 3D elements and voice control provides situation-specific information on a 10.25-inch screen.

A new 1,200-watt, 16-speaker, Bang & Olufsen surround sound system improves passenger's listening experience, while safety features include an Enhanced Active Cruise Control system, Active Protection, and Parking Assist. Sales of the new 7-Series will start in the summer with the US to get the 740i/Li, 750i/Li, 760i/Li, followed by the ActiveHybrid7 in the fall. Prices will be revealed closer to launch.