2012 BMW 7 Series Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 BMW 7 Series review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 7 Series, and includes BMW 7 Series safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

When you want the top-of-the-line BMW sedan, the 7 Series is the range of cars you’re coveting. There are five different models, in regular- or extended-wheelbase format, ranging in price from just over $70,000 to just under $140,000. Competitors include the Audi A8, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

All 7 Series models get a reversing camera, a sport steering wheel, and an iPod/USB connection for 2012. The Driver Assistance Package adds side- and top-view cameras for the in-dash display, and when added to 740 and 750 models comes with a head-up display this year. BMW removes content from the M Sport Package for 2012, dropping Active Roll Stabilization for some models and reducing wheel size on 750 variants. Otherwise, the 2012 BMW 7 Series is unchanged from last year.

The 2012 BMW 7 Series model range is an extensive one. At the bottom of the lineup are the 740i and 740Li, the latter the extended wheelbase version. The next rungs on the 7 Series ladder are the 750i and 750Li, each available with xDrive all-wheel drive. The ActiveHybrid 750i and ActiveHybrid 750Li are next, followed by the ALPINA B7 with xDrive and, at the top of the lineup, the 760Li.

Given the sheer number of models in the 2012 BMW 7 Series lineup, it is likely more instructive to explain what is optional on each model rather than provide a menu of standard features. We’ll focus on option packages and major a la carte items, and ask serious buyers to strongly consider consulting the official BMW website for more detailed information.

A Convenience Package is available, including a power trunk, soft-close doors, and Comfort Access keyless entry and ignition. This option is offered only on the 740i and 740Li.

A Cold Weather Package has a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a ski bag for the trunk pass-through. It is optional on all except the B7 ALPINA and 760Li models, on which it is standard. When applied to the base 740i, this package also has heated front seats.

A Driver Assistance Package is available on all except the B7 ALPINA and 760Li, on which it is standard. This package includes Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, a head-up display, active high-beam headlights, and side- and top-view cameras.

A Luxury Seating Package is optional on all except the B7 ALPINA and 760Li, on which it is standard. Included here are active ventilated front seats, a power rear window sunshade, and manual rear side window sunshades. When applied to the 740i and 740Li, this package also includes multi-contour front seats. A Luxury Rear Seating Package is also offered for the 740Li and the 750Li models. It includes rear comfort seats, rear ventilated seats, and a massaging rear seat.

A Premium Sound Package is available on the 740i and 740Li, and includes a year of free satellite radio service. All models can be equipped with a Rear Entertainment Package, except the B7 ALPINA on which it is standard.

Order the M Sport Package, and content is dependent on which model you’ve chosen. Common features include a unique alloy wheels design, an M steering wheel, an aerodynamic body kit, Shadowline exterior trim, an Anthracite headliner (Alcantara on the 760Li), and a Sport Package. M Sport is not offered on the ActiveHybrid or B7 ALPINA models.

Most models also eligible for BMW’s Individual program, which allows buyers to personalize a 7 Series through unique paint, interior color, and cabin material selections. Highlights include full Merino leather, extended leather, a color-matched Alcantara headliner, 20-inch wheels, and a choice of unique interior trims. This program is not available with ActiveHybrid or B7 ALPINA models.

Additional options of note include Active Cruise Control, Active Roll Stabilization, Active Steering, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, and ceramic interior controls.

In the BMW 740i and 740Li, a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected. 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 315 horsepower from 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm is really all you need. A six-speed automatic transmission delivers power exclusively to the rear wheels, and the 740i accelerates to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (5.9 seconds for the 740Li). Fuel economy ratings are 17-city/25-highway, and this engine requires premium fuel.

By upgrading to the BMW 750i or 750Li, you can shave almost a second off that acceleration time. These models are equipped with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.4L-liter V8 generating 400 horsepower from 5,500 to 6,400 rpm and 450 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear or, with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, all four wheels. Acceleration to 60 mph takes 5.1 seconds with rear-drive, or five seconds flat with xDrive. Add a tenth of a second to those figures for the Li models. Fuel economy estimates are 15-city/22-highway without xDrive, and 14/20 with xDrive. Premium fuel is required.

A twin-turbocharged, direct-injected, 4.4-liter V8 is also installed in the ActiveHybrid 750i and 750Li, but here the engine is paired with and eight-speed automatic transmission with Hybrid Start/Stop technology, an electric assist motor powered by a 120-volt lithium ion battery, and regenerative brakes. Combined, this powertrain is good for 455 horsepower, and is rated to get 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The performance-tuned B7 ALPINA employs a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V8 engine making 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. BMW’s xDrive is standard, fed power by a six-speed automatic. This model should get 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

The flagship BMW 760Li is powered by a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected, 6.0-liter V12 good for 535 horsepower between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm, and 550 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm. An eight-speed automatic metes power exclusively to the rear wheels, and the 760Li can attain 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It quaffs premium at the rate of one gallon for every 13 miles traveled in the city, or for every 19 miles traveled on the highway.

As you might guess, the 2012 BMW 7 Series is equipped with some of the most sophisticated safety features available in a modern automobile. Despite the full load of standard items, there are several options available on all models, mainly included in the Driver Assistance Package (Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, a head-up display, active high-beam headlights, and side- and top-view cameras). Additionally, the 7 Series can be outfitted with Active Cruise Control and a Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection system.

Not surprisingly, given the cost and relatively low sales volume for the BMW 7 Series, there are no crash-test ratings to report. However, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates are making predictions about reliability, and they’re favorable. J.D. Power thinks the 7 Series will provide better that average dependability over time, while Consumer Reports gives this car an average rating.

Every new 2012 BMW 7 Series includes free scheduled service for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership.

The extended wheelbase models, denoted by the “Li” suffix after the numerical portion of their name, feature a 5.5-inch stretch that results in almost that amount of extra rear-seat legroom.

Given the 7 Series’ role as the BMW flagship, you’d think they might find a way to expand the trunk. Cargo capacity measures an unimpressive 14 cubic-feet.

All BMW 7 Series models except the 740i, 740Li and ActiveHybrid models are subject to a gas guzzler tax.

Among super-luxury sedans, choices are few, but loyalties run deep. The model you select is just as much about how you want to be seen as it is any practical consideration. Still, there’s no denying that the handsome BMW 7 Series is a compelling automobile, offering more choice and selection than Audi, Jaguar and Lexus. Only the stately Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides direct competition across the spectrum of models.

-- By Christian Wardlaw