The 2025 BMW 7 Series aims to redefine the pinnacle of automotive luxury, blending advanced technology with exceptional comfort. Our test vehicle, while well-appointed, lacked optional extras like the Theatre Screen rear-seat entertainment system and the Executive Lounge seat – a feature allowing passenger seat extension and reclining. While these options were present in a previous i7 model, they highlight the 7 Series’ ambition to cater to discerning rear-seat passengers, though it doesn’t quite match the comfort offered by rivals like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class or Lexus LM.
Creating a Special Ambiance
Even without these optional features, the 7 Series delivers a special atmosphere for its rear occupants. The ambiance is especially noticeable at night, thanks to the glowing ambient-lit audio speakers and the futuristic, Sky Lounge glass roof, reminiscent of Tron Legacy. Each rear passenger enjoys a smartphone-sized touchscreen to control entertainment, lighting, and seat heating. While standard seats don’t adjust for angle or cushion extension, they are thick, soft, and supportive, providing ample space and 880mm of rear legroom – surpassing the dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz S580e L and Rolls-Royce Ghost S2 Black Badge. The vehicle’s impressive size genuinely contributes to this spaciousness.
A Modern and Tech-Forward Interior
Up front, the 7 Series’ cabin showcases a significant upgrade in material quality and digital features compared to previous models – a level of sophistication that rivals the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The controversial, color-selectable ‘interaction bar’ dominates the dashboard, though its appearance sparks diverse opinions. While the bar reflects light during the day, potentially hindering visibility of key controls, the cabin overall exhibits excellent tactile quality. The driving position is excellent, comfortable, and highly adjustable. It represents a technologically advanced and ambitious 21st-century luxury proposition, without compromising on any aspect.
Multimedia and Infotainment (4.5 stars)
The optional 31-inch, roof-mounted Theatre Screen, integrated with Amazon Prime TV, provides rear passengers with complete entertainment options for long journeys. The front occupants benefit from BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system, operable via the touchscreen, iDrive controller, or voice command. Although responsive and usable, the voice control system can be inconsistent. The system features a customizable home screen and convenient physical menu keys, however, you may find yourself returning to the home screen frequently. While some screens can be overly bright, the overall setup is impressive and sophisticated.
Powertrain Performance
If crafting the ideal plug-in hybrid executive vehicle for 2025, a BMW turbo straight-six engine would be a leading contender, given its renowned refinement. This engine meets expectations, starting and stopping smoothly, emitting a pleasing hum in ‘S’ mode, and blending seamlessly with the electric motor. However, when pushed to full power, some abruptness emerges.
In terms of performance, the 750e demonstrated strong acceleration, surpassing the Mercedes-Benz S580e L and Range Rover P550e in most benchmarks. The M760e further enhances the PHEV 7 Series’ performance potential. The car’s 17.6kWh drive battery provides an impressive 47-mile electric range in mixed use, intelligently deploying energy when a navigation destination is set.
Accelerator response is gradual, and brake pedal tuning is soft but progressive, creating a seamless transition between regenerative and friction braking.
Driver Assistance (4.5 stars)
BMW touted its most advanced driver assistance technology in 2022. Its many Mobileye cameras facilitate limited level-four hands-off driving in select markets. Our test car featured Driving Assist Professional and Parking Assistant Pro, making highway lane keeping and tight parking maneuvers easier.
The ADAS features are advanced and easily disabled. The lane keeping system is effective and dependable, the driver monitoring system is unobtrusive, and many systems are customizable – allowing adjustments to features like ‘undertaking’ prevention and intelligent cruise control speed tolerances.
The four-wheel steering system expertly manages the car’s size at low speeds, making it easy to maneuver into driveways and parking spaces. At higher speeds, the car provides lightly weighted controls and gentle chassis responses, prioritizing comfort over sporty engagement.
While not overly engaging, the 7 Series provides a pillowy and compliant ride. It maintains a level and isolated body at normal speeds, and truly comes into its own during relaxed driving. Pushed beyond its comfort zone, the nose starts to bob, understeer builds, and the DSC system proactively manages mass and energy.
Pricing and Tax Implications
Starting at just under £102,000 for the entry-level i7, and considerably more for the 750e, the 7 Series represents an undeniably expensive proposition. Despite its cost, it can afford few weaknesses.
Manufacturers are working through the Euro 6e-bis emissions and economy certification requirements, and the UK is deciding how to adapt those regulations. Currently, the 750e’s 24g/km CO2 emissions and 49-mile electric range seem to maintain its competitive edge, particularly in comparison to rivals facing potential tax penalties. It closely matched its WLTP electric range in real-world testing.
