The 2012 BMW 7-Series is up to the competition in the arena of super luxury cars. It boasts excellent handling, capable engine options, and comfortable seats. It is worth mentioning that the 7 Series continues with what it is known for, it exudes a balance between an engaging and comfortable driving.
Power, luxury and comfort, these are the three characteristics of the BMW 7-Series.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Luxury Sedan | Base Price: $71,000.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.7 gallons (82L) | MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
| Length: 199.8 in. (507.4 cm) | Wheel Base: 120.9 in. (307.0 cm) |
| Height: 58.3 in. (148.0 cm) | Width: 74.9 in. (190.2 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4344 lbs (1970 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. (14.5 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 14 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 3.0L TwinTurbo Inline6 DOHC | Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1 |
| Horsepower: 315 HP | Max RPM: 5800-6000 RPM |
| Torque: 330 lb-ft @ 1600-4500 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds | Maximum Speed: 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Option:740Li | MSRP: $75,500; MPG: 17 city / 25 hwy |
| Option:750i 4.4L V8 | MSRP: $84,300; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:750i xDrive 4.4L V8 | MSRP: $87,300; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:750Li 4.4L V8 | MSRP: $88,200; MPG: 14 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:750Li xDrive 4.4L V8 | MSRP: $91,200; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:760Li 6.0L V12 | MSRP: $137,300; MPG: 13 city / 19 hwy |
Engine
There are several engines that you can put inside the hood of the 7 Series. First is the 4.4 liter turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 500 horsepower and 516 lbs/ft of torque, the 6-cylinder 3.0 liter turbocharged engine that brings 326 horsepower and 332 lbs/ft of torque, and the turbocharged 6.0 liter V12 engine that produces 544 horsepower and 553 lbs/ft of torque.
Performance
The numbers provided for the 7 Series engine only means one thing: power. In fact, even the 6 cylinder engine does well and is comparable to the performance of some of its V8-equipped competitors. You wouldn’t have any reasons to shy away from this engine if you are looking performance.
If you want more, you can certainly go for the stronger engines. And despite its huge size and powerful engines, the 7 Series is light on its feet. With its 50/50 weight distribution, it remains composed even on twisted roads.
Exterior
The 7 Series bears the distinctive BMW front grille and shapely headlights. There are no flowing lines and well pronounced curves which make the car look a little bit boring. But that is understandable because the 7 series is not a sports car. It has a polished look that can certainly please those who have an eye for elegance.
Interior
The cabin of the 7 Series is spacious and the interiors are made of quality materials. Both the front and back seats provide adequate room for passengers. However, the base model lacks some important features such as the heated front seats which the Mercedes Benz S-Class and Lexus LS offer as standard. Nevertheless, it is equipped with high tech features such as USB/iPod connection, navigation, Bluetooth and improved iDrive.
Safety
The BMW 7 Series has never been crash tested by the Insurance Institute on Highway Safety and the federal government. This is not an unusual case for super luxury cars because they are expensive. The 7 Series, nevertheless, comes with standard safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbag and active head restraints.
Reliability
The 7 Series comes with a bumper to bumper 4-year warranty. All scheduled maintenance within the one year scheduled service is free. This warranty is unique in its class.
Pros
The BMW 7 Series has capable engine options that suit those who always want to have plenty of choices. Its handling is excellent and is adaptive to different driving conditions. The iDrive system is improved and all the interior features are useful for modern devices. The interiors are made of quality materials and the cabin is spacious.
Cons
The base model lacks important features. Although the interior is of high quality, it is not as luxurious as those from its competitors.
Competition
There are others that the 7 Series have been compared to when it comes to value and quality, these include the likes of the Audi A7 (MSRP $60,100; 18 city / 28 hwy), the Jaguar XJ sedan (MSRP $73,700; 16 city / 23 hwy), and the Lexus LS460 (MSRP $67,630; 16 city / 24 hwy).
The variety of engine and the excellent handling as well as the excellent package may make the 7 series a winner. Although there are some drawbacks, the 2012 BMW 7 Series is still a great car that is worthy of your consideration.
Overall Rating
What others say:
“The 2012 BMW 7-Series has excellent seats, vast rear-seat room and, regardless of price, among the best fit and finish of any sedan.”Car Connection
“With the optional Sport Package, Integral Active (rear wheel) Steering combines with BMW’s excellent Active Roll Stabilization to make a 7-Series so-equipped among the best-handling large sedans available.”Consumer Guide
“Though it’s comfortable and laden with technology, the large 7 Series is no longer the crisp, sporty luxury car it once was. ”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“The 2012 BMW 7 Series needs only a couple of things to make it the perfect open Interstate cruiser: a much higher speed limit…”KBB
“Smooth and powerful engines; standout handling; supreme long-distance capability; sublime seats…Clumsy throttle action in Normal mode; high-tech features might overwhelm; ride too firm for some.”Edmunds
