Introduction

The 2020 BMW 7-Series drives like a private jet for the road. It's a posh sanctuary, experienced as effectively from the back row as from the front seats.

Few vehicles can match the opulence of this full-size four-door, with a choice of 6-, 8-, or 12-cylinder engines-plus a plug-in hybrid powertrain. BMW's flagship represents commitment to comfort and quality, not just performance and handling,

For the 2020 model year, the 7-Series' grille has grown by 40 percent, while the hood is 1.7 inches taller. New adaptive LED headlights are standard. Bumpers are new, as are 3D taillights. Engine output for the 750i xDrive model has increased by 76 horsepower, while the inline-6 used by the 745e plug-in hybrid has gained 67 horsepower. Adaptive LED headlights are standard.

BMW offers a diverse powertrain selection. In the 740i, the turbocharged inline-6 makes 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, mating with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available-and quicker accelerating from a standstill.

All-wheel drive is standard on upper models. The 750i xDrive uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, developing 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet. Accelerating to 60 mph takes just 3.9 seconds, while the price edges into six-figure territory.

Both the M760i xDrive and its performance-focused Alpina B7 counterpart pack a mighty 6.6-liter V-12, providing 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds.

Priced identically to the 740i, the plug-in hybrid 745e xDrive blends a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 with an electric powertrain. The hybrid system generates 389 total horsepower and 442 pound-feet. Electric-only range is minimal, at 16 miles. The battery pack can be charged from an electrical outlet.

Neither the federal government nor the IIHS has crash-tested the 7-Series. For 2020, BMW has made a sizable suite of active-safety features standard. They include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane-departure warnings with active lane control, and rear cross-traffic alerts.

An optional 'Professional'? package includes a traffic jam assistant and automatic lane-change assist. Options also include a head-up display, night vision, active parking assist, and interactive 3-D camera system.. 

Lineup

Prices include $995 destination charge.

The base 740i ($87,445 with rear-drive, $90,445 with xDrive all-wheel drive) comes with 18-inch wheels, moonroof, leather upholstery, quad-zone climate control, power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 10.1-inch touchscreen.

The 745e xDrive Plug-in Hybrid ($96,545 with AWD) has an electric/gasoline powertrain.

The 750i xDrive ($103,645 with AWD) upgrades to a 523-hp V-8.

The M760i xDrive ($158,695 with AWD) moves up to a potent 600-hp turbo V-12. Included are 20-inch M-Sport wheels, bigger brakes, luxury rear-seat package, and nearly every tech feature. Stressing sporty V-12 performance, the Alpina B7 ($143,795 with rear-drive) includes a reduced-height sport suspension and active sport steering.. 

Walkaround

Reflecting a trend embraced by some automakers, the twin-intake 7-Series grille is 40 percent larger than that of its 2019 predecessor. Headlights have slimmed down, while taillights look more contemporary. Bodyside moldings are similar to the previous model, but more angular.

Other visual alterations successfully modernize the big sedan. The ostentatious front end-taller and blunter-detracts from the sedan's handsome profile, stealing some elegance in the process.. 

Interior

As always, the posh 7-Series interior is sublime. Material quality truly excels, and the dashboard resembles those in other BMW models. Wood, metal, leather and Alcantara accents help create a lovely sanctuary for 7-Series riders. Barely a hint of hard plastic can be found, though soft-touch synthetics abound.

Comfort is the byword, augmented by plush appointments. BMW's top sedan is impressively comfortable in standard trim, and even more appealing with some lavish options added.

Borrowed from the new X7 SUV, the front seats are supremely comfortable and adjustable. Leather and heating are standard. Massaging and cooling are available.

Rear-seat space is cavernous. A costly Executive Package can add cooling as well as heating, massage, and power recline to its twin seats. Dual touchscreens can control infotainment.

BMW's updated iDrive system is among the best. Dial and touchscreen control functions are smooth, clear, and intuitive. Gesture control also is included, but it's finicky. Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility is available.

Trunk volume totals 18.2 cubic feet, except for the 745e hybrid, with 14.2 cubic feet. Audi V-8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class trunks are smaller.. 

Driving Impression

With their exceptional drivetrains, BMW's big sedans can hustle with haste when pushed hard. Most startling is the M760i with its V-12, capable of sprinting to 60 mph in an eye-opening 3.6 seconds.

Performance is only part of the 7-Series picture, though. Ride quality tops the list of merits, followed by handling ability. Rather than a thoroughbred athlete, though, the 7-Series behaves more like a supremely quiet and refined boulevard cruiser.

Air suspensions are developed for a comfortably plush and cushiony ride, worthy of a flagship luxury sedan. The driver can select Comfort or Comfort Plus mode. Sensors scan the road ahead, preparing the suspension for large bumps and dips.

Even in Sport mode, steering of the full-size sedan can feel vague and indirect-except for M Sport models. BMW's true heavyweight handles admirably even on tight rural byways.

Fuel-efficient in plug-in hybrid form, the 7-Series is otherwise one thirsty sedan. The base 740i is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 24 combined. All-wheel drive drops those estimates slightly, to 20/28/23 mpg.

With V-8 power, the 750i xDrive is worse yet, rated at 17 mpg city, 25 highway, 20 combined. Guzzler of the lot is the M760i xDrive with its immense turbo V-12, managing only 13/20/16 mpg.

The 745e xDrive plug-in hybrid is EPA-rated at a combined 56 mpg equivalent (MPGe) with a full charge. With the gas engine active, it's rated at only 22 mpg combined.. 

Summary

Behind its newly oversize grille, the 2020 BMW 7-Series is a posh, powerful luxury sedan-packed with technology and safety features but sucking up plenty of fuel. Simply put, it's one of the most opulent sedans on the road. BMW offers a broad range of powertrains. Each has its virtues, but the 745e xDrive with its plug-in hybrid powertrain is a particularly luxuriant example of efficiency. For buyers not on a budget, it's an offbeat yet interesting choice.

 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.