BMW 7 Series History, Generations & Models: Seven Generations Of BMW’s Flagship

The BMW 7 Series, a full-size luxury sedan from the renowned German automaker, first debuted in 1977. As BMW’s flagship model, the 7 Series has consistently showcased the brand’s most advanced technology and the most luxurious features. 

Measuring 5,391mm in length, the current-generation BMW 7 Series is the longest BMW model yet. Powered by inline-6, V8, and V12 engine options through the decades, the 7 Series is the only BMW sedan without a full-blown M variant. In this DubiCars Car Spotlight article, we take a closer look at the BMW 7 Series, its history, and its generations.

In 1968, BMW launched the New Six sedan, also known as the E3. With this sedan, BMW returned to producing a full-size luxury sedan after a gap of five years. The E3 came to be known as a driver’s car as it gave its drivers an engaging driving experience. It debuted the quad circular headlamps up front — a design that would define BMW’s cars for many years to come.

With the BMW 5 Series in 1972, the brand introduced a new naming convention, scrapping the old names. Instead, BMW would group its models into number-based series. Its mid-size sedan was named the 5 Series. Read all about the history and generations of the BMW 5 Series here. When the time came for the BMW E3 to be replaced, BMW named its new flagship sedan the 7 Series.

Codenamed E23, the first generation of the BMW 7 Series, was produced from 1977 to 1986. The E23 introduced features that were advanced for its time, such as ABS brakes, a driver’s airbag, and more.

It was powered by a range of inline-6 engines, ranging from 2.5-litres to 3.5-litre in capacity. In 1979, the first fuel-injected engine was placed under the bonnet of the BMW 7 Series. The E23 also featured a refined and spacious interior, offering luxurious materials and cutting-edge technology, which remained the hallmarks of the 7 Series from its inception.

The E32 generation, produced from 1986 to 1994, took the 7 Series to new heights in terms of luxury and technology. The E32 introduced features like double-glazed windows, traction control, and electronic damping control. The design of the E32 was more aerodynamic and modern compared to its predecessor, with a focus on providing a more luxurious and comfortable ride. 

Inside, the E32 continued to push boundaries with advanced electronics and high-quality materials, solidifying the 7 Series’ position in the luxury market. It was the first BMW to offer a V12 engine, making it one of the most powerful sedans of its time. Other engine options included inline-6 and V8 motors with displacements ranging between 3.0-litres and 4.0-litres.

The third generation, known as the E38, was produced from 1994 to 2001. It is often regarded as one of the most elegant and well-balanced 7 Series models. The E38 offered a range of inline-six, V8, and V12 engines, catering to various performance needs. One of the significant advancements of the E38 was the introduction of satellite navigation and side curtain airbags.

The E38 was also available in both short and long-wheelbase versions, offering additional rear-seat comfort. Engine options included a 2.8-litre inline-6, a range of V8 engines and the V12 saw an increase in displacement to 5.4-litres. It was also the first generation of the 7 Series with diesel engine options. 

The fourth generation BMW 7 Series marked a bold departure from previous generations with its fairly controversial design. Produced from 2001 to 2008, the E65 generation introduced the iDrive infotainment system, a revolutionary feature that centralized control of various functions through a single interface. 

Despite its polarizing design, the E65 was packed with innovations such as adaptive headlights, night vision, and active cruise control. The E65 was offered with a range of engines. Petrol models used a 3.0-litre inline-6, a range of V8 engines and the V12 engine saw an increase in displacement to 6.0-litres. 

The fifth generation BMW 7 Series, produced from 2008 to 2015, returned to a more conservative and universally appreciated design language. The F01 featured extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel to reduce weight and improve efficiency. 

This generation introduced a range of new technologies, including rear-wheel steering, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a more advanced version of the iDrive system. The engine lineup included turbocharged inline-six, V8, and V12 options, as well as a hybrid variant.

The sixth generation BMW 7 Series included the G11 (short-wheelbase) and G12 (long-wheelbase), which debuted in 2015 and brought significant advancements in both technology and design. The G11/G12 utilized BMW’s new CLAR platform, which incorporated carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer to reduce weight and increase rigidity. 

This generation was the first to offer remote-controlled parking and gesture control for the infotainment system. The engine lineup included turbocharged inline-four, inline-six, V8, and V12 options, as well as plug-in hybrid variants. The V12 was the largest yet, with a displacement of 6.6-litres.

The latest generation, the G70, introduced in 2022, represents the pinnacle of BMW’s luxury and technology. The G70 features a bold new design, with a large kidney grille and sleek lines that emphasize its modern and sophisticated look. However, its styling is quite polarising.

This generation continues to build on the technological advancements of its predecessors, with an even more advanced version of the iDrive system, now featuring a curved display and augmented reality navigation. The G70 is available with a range of powertrains, including inline-6 and V8 engines in addition to hybrid variants. 

The interior of the G70 is a blend of cutting-edge technology and supreme luxury, with features like a 31-inch rear entertainment screen, crystal controls, and the latest driver assistance systems, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the luxury sedan segment.

The BMW i7 is the pure-electric sedan based on the G70 seventh-generation BMW 7 Series. It is almost identical to the petrol-powered sedan in design and styling. It is powered by a 105.7kWh battery pack. The luxury electric sedan is available in single-motor and dual-motor drivetrain options with the top-spec dual-motor variant producing a mind-boggling 650hp and 1,100Nm.

Owing to their recency and technological prowess, the fifth, sixth, and seventh generations of the BMW 7 Series are the most popular in the UAE. However, classic car enthusiasts still prefer the first, second, and third generations.

Prices for a new BMW 7 Series for sale in the UAE range from AED 450,000 to AED 499,000. Prices for a used BMW 7 Series for sale in the UAE range from AED 27,000 to AED 532,000 depending on the model, year of manufacture, and condition.

Subscribe to DubiCars’ WhatsApp Channel for the latest automotive news, guides, polls, and informative infographics.

Stay tuned to UAE’s most popular auto blog for more content on history & generations of cars.

A new BMW 7 Series is priced between AED 450,000 and AED 499,000. A used BMW 7 Series widens the spectrum, with prices ranging between AED 27,000 and AED 532,000.

If luxury, premium feeling, VIP-like treatment, and an opulent lifestyle are what you’re looking for, the BMW 7 Series is definitely worth buying.

The exclusivity of BMW’s sedans increases as its series’ prefix number increases. The 3 Series sedan is the entry-level premium sedan, while the 5 Series is the mid-range option. The top-of-the-line BMW Series is the 7 Series.

– Top 10 Luxury Cars Launching In 2024

– Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vs BMW 7 Series: A Luxury Car Comparo

– Are EVs Better For Floods Than Petrol-Powered Cars?