For decades, the iconic 7 Series has set BMW apart as a premiere luxury car maker. Its role continues for the 2012 model year as it emerges with a redesigned silhouette that makes it easy to distinguish from earlier years. Everything we’ve seen in the 2012 7 Series suggests that this flagship BMW vehicle continues to set the standard for luxury sedans around the world.

Overview

Our experience with the three levels of the 7 Series revealed BMW’s lasting commitment to quality and luxury. Known for years as the staple of discerning automobile owners, the 7 Series now sports new exterior lines that perfectly mirror the power and luxury that lay within.

The 7 Series includes the 740, 750, and 760 models and their various trim levels. These choices give luxury shoppers plenty to choose from when they buy. For example, environmentally conscious connoisseurs will love the hybrid options that come at the 750 level. After slipping behind the wheel of each 7 Series model, we found a roomy, luxurious cabin designed as much for occupant safety as it is for comfort. When we pulled onto the highway, we quickly understood that these cars combine power, handling, and luxury to set themselves apart from the competition.

740i and 740Li

A new shell surrounds the 740 models this year, but underneath sits the same superb machinery that powered the 2011 model. Sporty side panels, chrome highlights, and a contiguous shoulder line combine with the roof slant, long hood, rear Hofmeister kink, and short overhangs to deliver a superb, dynamic look.

We found this entry-level car void of any trace of austerity. Its 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque come from the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. After doing without a smaller-engine option for years, BMW re-introduced the 6-cylinder to the 2011 product line and continues it into the 2012 model year. Although small, this turbo engine outperforms many V8 engines found in cars of the same class. This engine delivers a 25 mpg highway rating from the EPA. Power transfers to the 18-inch wheels of the 740 through the 6-speed automatic transmission which also has a manual shift mode.

Inside the 740i, we found four separate zones for climate control. The BMW iDrive system plays music, manages the telephone, and displays maps. It also has 12 GB of storage for music files, which it can import from CDs and USB drives. BMW has placed the screen in a positiong that helps drivers keep their eyes on the road without losing touch with it. The iDrive feature also includes BMW Assist for emergencies. We admired the interior wood trim on the dash, the doors with leather accents, the multi-way adjustable seats, and the leather-encased storage compartment that doubles as an armrest for both front seats. These features combine to create an open and comfortable cabin. The 740Li comes with the same new look as the 740i and builds on its standard features by offering optional heating and cooling options for the seats. The extended wheelbase of the Li adds 9 more cubic feet of passenger space to the cabin and 3.7 more cubic feet of space in the trunk to the capacity of the standard wheelbase models.

MSRP for the 740i begins at $71,000. The 740 Li starts at $75,500 MSRP.

750i, 750Li, and xDrive models

An all-new 4.4-liter, 400-horsepower V8 turbo TwinPower engine delivers 450 pound-feet of torque to the 750i and 750Li and to their xDrive counterparts. The 750 models also come with 19-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, soft-closing automatic doors, and 14-way power seats. The Li extended wheelbase adds 9 cubic feet of passenger space and 3.7 cubic feet of cargo to the capacity of the standard wheelbase. The all-wheel performance of the all-wheel drive 750i xDrive and 750Li xDrive models thrilled us even in challenging terrain. Buyers who love superior handling will need to test drive these models.

Starting MSRP for the 750 models are as follows: $84,300 for the 750i, $87,300 for the 750i xDrive, and $88,200 for the 750Li xDrive.

ActiveHybrid 750i and ActiveHybrid 750Li

BMW carries over the ActiveHybrid 750 models from last year to 2012. The primary differences between these and the standard models are their Lithium-ion batteries and their 4.4-liter Turbo V8 engine with electric motor. A special 8-speed high-performance start/stop transmission helps these hybrids achieve 24 mpg highway fuel efficiency. The base MSRP for the ActiveHybrid 750i is $97,000 while the ActiveHybrid 750Li checks out at $101,000 MSRP.

760Li

We fell in love with the 760Li from the time we heard its engine come to life. Available only with the extended wheelbase, this top-of-the-line sedan keeps the look of the 7 Series, but adds an impressive 6.0-liter, 48-valve, V12 engine under the hood. This car boasts 535 horsepower with 550 pound-feet of torque. After driving this car, we believe buyers who can afford its $137,300 MSRP price tag will find it a worthy investment.

Final Thoughts

Multiple cameras, night vision with pedestrian detection, and active blind spot detection add to the impressive safety features of the 7 Series. Advanced airbags, stability and traction controls, brake assist, and trunk release are also found among these models. Options for the 7 Series come in various upgrade packages like the M Sport Package, the BMW Individual Composition Package, luxury seating packages, the Driver Assistance Package, and the Cold Weather Package. Although these packages make features easy to order, buyers can individually add most options.

For us, the hardest part of reviewing the 2012 BMW 7 Series was letting these cars go. Shoppers who long for the finest performance, engineering, and luxury in a sedan should put these award-winning cars on top of their list.