Used BMW 7 Series cars

Since its inception, BMW has been all about premium cars that are fun to drive. The first 7 Series model, released in 1977, fit this brief perfectly and its popularity hasn’t wavered. The German manufacturer’s flagship limousine, it epitomises luxury and comfort, offering a smooth, refined ride, imposing looks and state-of-the-art technology.

Rivalling the likes of the Audi A8, Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the sixth-generation 7 Series was launched in 2015. Two diesels and a petrol engine were on offer initially, with a second petrol and a plug-in hybrid joining the lineup the following year. The Mk6 7 Series quickly showed its appeal, picking up the World Luxury Car of the Year award in 2016 and the Best Luxury Car title at the Fleet World Honours in 2017.

The seventh-generation 7 Series marks a departure from tradition. This model, launched in 2023, originally came only in all-electric form, branded the i7. Later in the year, two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) arrived alongside it – the 750e and the M760e xDrive.

BMW 7 Series updates and facelifts

The Mk6 BMW 7 Series was heavily updated in 2019. Styling revisions included a more imposing front grille and a full-width LED taillight with a chrome finish. The engine range was also modified – the most powerful M760Li unit was dropped, and the original plug-in hybrid option was replaced by a new one, which boasts six cylinders instead of four. The core petrol and diesel variants remained unchanged.

Practicality and style of the car

The BMW 7 Series is available in short and long wheelbase versions, both of which offer an excellent amount of space for passengers. The short wheelbase variant provides ample head and legroom for six-foot adults in the front and rear, as well as a fifth passenger in the middle rear seat. Choose the BMW 7 Series long wheelbase option and this is extended further.

The Mk6 (2015–2022) edition has a 515-litre boot, which is slightly bigger than that of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with plenty of space for a couple of suitcases or a set of golf clubs. The 2023 7 Series has a slightly increased boot despite its hybrid powertrain – there are 525 litres at your disposal.

Not only is the BMW 7 Series a practical and luxurious vehicle, it also has an impressive towing capacity. If you want to tow a trailer or horsebox, this model can pull a braked capacity of up to 2,300kg.

Running costs

Insurance premiums for the 7 Series match those of its closest rivals – the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All occupy groups 44–50 out of 50. Models manufactured after April 2017 cost £570 per year to tax for the first five years of renewal. Thereafter, you’ll pay the standard rate for the car’s fuel type.

How a used BMW 7 Series drives

There is a huge amount of choice when it comes to the 7 Series’ engines. The Mk6 (2015–2022) offers a total of three petrol units, two diesels and two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

The petrol engines are the most powerful, delivering swift, smooth acceleration and strong mid-range performance. The entry-level is a 3.0-litre 335bhp option, dubbed the 740i, which returns a combined fuel economy of 34.4–35.8mpg and can go from 0-62mph in 5.6. Step up to the 750i with 4.4-litre V8 engine and the 0-62mph time is reduced to just 4.7 seconds, with an average fuel efficiency of 34.9–35.3 mpg. The fastest of the lineup is the M760Li xDrive – a 6.6-litre V12 behemoth producing 592bhp and matching supercars for acceleration, getting from 0-62mph in only 3.7 seconds and gets 21.1mpg. This option, however, was discontinued in 2019.

The diesel range begins with the 730d, a 3.0-litre turbocharged option that delivers 261bhp and reaches 62mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds. The 740d variant comes with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive technology as standard, and takes you from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds, producing 316bhp. These are the most economical engines, returning a peak combined fuel economy of 42.8–44.8 mpg (730d) and 47mpg (740d).

Both petrol and diesel cars are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and most are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive to suit your needs and preferences.

The plug-in hybrid powertrains include the 740e, which is the earliest option. This combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 83kW motor to produce 321bhp and comes with all-wheel drive. In 2019, this was updated to the 745e and 745Le (a long wheelbase variant). These boasted six-cylinder engines instead of the previous four and paired a 282bhp engine with a 111bhp electric motor for a peak output of 389bhp and 600Nm of torque. Both are rapid and efficient, with a 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds (745Le) and a combined economy of 141.2–156.9 mpg and 113mpg.

From 2023, the BMW 7 Series comes in the i7 all-electric format and two PHEV options – the 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive. Both combine a petrol engine and 197bhp electric motor, which is fed by an 18.7kW battery pack. The 750e produces a total of 486bhp and 700Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile the M760e develops a staggering 563bhp and 800Nm, propelling it from 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds. Both variants are capable of an impressive 50 miles of all-electric range and use BMW’s all-wheel drive technology.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2016 - 2022

Features you can expect to find in a BMW 7 Series

Interior

The BMW 7 Series’ quality is reflected in every facet of its interior, from the leather finish on the dash top to the aluminium accents and solid construction. Touches such as soft-close doors and electrically adjustable seats add to the feeling of luxury, while all seats are heated for added comfort in the winter.

Not only does the 7 Series boast generous occupant space, it also offers multiple cubbies for everything you need on the drive. The glovebox and door bins are large, while a storage space under the dash provides a place to keep valuables. You may find used models with airline-style executive seating, which reclines up to 36 degrees, or a Champagne chiller in place of the middle rear seat.

Infotainment in the Mk6 (2015–2022) edition is provided by BMW’s iDrive system, which is accessed via a 10.1-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen display. This comes with DAB radio, Bluetooth, navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as a Harman Kardon sound system. There’s entertainment for rear passengers too, courtesy of two high-definition displays offering access to online services and movies. Meanwhile, on-board Wi-Fi enables you to stream or download media from the web.

If you opt for the 7 Series from 2023 onwards, you can take advantage of BMW’s personal assistant to change light settings or access media and navigation functions. The rear has a tablet, touchscreens in the doors and a BMW Theatre Screen – a 31-inch 8K widescreen display that drops down and enables passengers to watch tv via Amazon Fire. There’s also a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound audio system.

Technology

In keeping with the luxury feel of the 7 Series, there is a host of driver-assistance technology to help make every journey effortless. There are various driving modes to suit your preferred style and the road conditions, as well as active cruise control. Meanwhile, Parking Assistant Plus helps to guide you into spaces. You’ll also get convenience features such as a powered tailgate. Due to the extensive options list, you may find a used 7 Series with extras such as electrically operated sun blinds too.

Safety

The BMW 7 Series has a carbon fibre-enhanced shell, making it lighter and more crash resistant than previous editions. Its limited production numbers mean it hasn’t undergone a full Euro NCAP test, but the smaller 5 Series received five stars and scores of 91% and 85% for adult and child protection respectively. Alongside multiple airbags and traction control, autonomous emergency braking is fitted as standard to help you avoid collisions. There’s also lane departure warning to ensure you don’t stray from your lane on the motorway, and driving assistant with active cruise control, which maintains your speed and a preset distance from the vehicle in front. If you’re carrying infants, there’s more than enough room to secure their child seats to the ISOFIX anchor points and strap them in.

Trims available on the BMW 7 Series2>

BMW 7 Series Sevens

All engine types (such as the 730d and 740i) come with 18-inch alloy wheels, soft-closing doors and a powered tailgate. Tech features include cruise control, Parking Assistant Plus and a 10.1 or 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

BMW 7 Series M Sport

This edition comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, an M Sport steering wheel and gloss black wood interior trim.

BMW 7 Series 760Li

Top-spec 760Li trims boast 20-inch alloy wheels, Merino leather upholstery, rear comfort seats and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

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