2020 BMW 7 Series (750Li xDrive) Ultra Luxury Sedan

The current-generation 7 Series has been around since 2015. For the 2020 model year, BMW’s full-size luxury sedan gets a technical and cosmetic update that includes new engines, new features and fresh styling.

Let’s start with the design, which is more in line with the brand’s latest products such as the 8 Series coupe and the X7 full-size SUV. The signature double-kidney grille is now 40 percent bigger to help the 7 Series make an even bigger statement on the road. This significant tweak is complemented by a redesigned front fascia and thinner LED headlights as standard equipment (Laserlight technology is optional).

In the back, the redesigned taillights are connected by a light strip to emphasize the big sedan’s width. As a final touch, the new exhaust tips are available with a black or Cerium Grey finish.

Technology 2.0
Inside the 2020 BMW 7 Series, the transformation is more subtle from a design standpoint. The dashboard has the same familiar look, while diamond-quilted leather seats can now be specified.

Technology is enhanced through the latest version of iDrive, with customizable menus and an Intelligent Personal Assistant. The latter, similar to Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa, responds to simple voice commands to control the various functions of the vehicle, such as navigation, audio and temperature.

Furthermore, the updated 7 Series comes with a semi-autonomous driving system allowing you to let go of the steering wheel when stuck in dense traffic at speeds of up to 60 km/h—as long as you stay focused on the road ahead.

Three Engines, Two Wheelbases, One Drivetrain
The 2020 BMW 7 Series is available in four variants. Three of them ride on a long wheelbase including the M760Li xDrive with a twin-turbo V12 engine, the 750Li xDrive with a recalibrated twin-turbo V8 and finally the 745Le xDrive plug-in hybrid. The fourth variant, called 750i xDrive, has a standard wheelbase and a twin-turbo V8.

All receive a new eight-speed automatic transmission (with specific tuning on the 745Le xDrive) as well as all-wheel drive.

750Li xDrive
The 4.4-litre V8 did receive a few upgrades, resulting in a gain of 80 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. Now with a total of 523 valiant ponies and 553 pound-feet of torque, the 2020 BMW 750Li xDrive rockets from 0-100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, which is impressive for a full-size luxury sedan weighing two metric tonnes.

Actually, it’s the way the car displays its performance potential that impresses. Takeoffs are remarkably strong, yet the chassis remains perfectly stable with a supreme degree of comfort as the engine unleashes full power and the landscape around you turns into a blur.

Thanks to the standard adaptive air suspension with electronic dampers, driving dynamics can be tailored through various modes that adjust comfort and agility. Personally, the Adaptive mode was the most impressive, automatically adjusting its responses to the driving style, steering input, throttle position and selected gear.

With this particular mode, the 2020 BMW 7 Series conforms to the pace set by the driver. Long, sweeping corners keep the suspension flexible enough to maintain excellent ride quality, and when the road gets tighter and twistier the car automatically transforms into a skilled athlete, allowing you to brake harder, make lateral transitions quicker and exit corners with more authority.

When the 2020 BMW 7 Series arrives at dealers this month, the rear-wheel-drive 740i will begin at $86,450, not including $995 for destination. Stepping up to the 750i xDrive pushes things to $102,650, and springing for the king-of-the-hill M760i xDrive will cost you $157,700 before options. Those interested in putting the 745e xDrive plug-in hybrid in their driveway will need to prepare to part with $95,550. Pricey for sure, but all of these figures fall in line with the BMW's main rivals, the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Subscribe now