You may also like:
The 2024 BMW 7-Series delivers a futuristic cabin, seriously smooth powertrains, and enough tech to overwhelm a Tesla owner—but it still divides opinion with its polarizing exterior design and lack of physical buttons[1]. Edmunds recommends the base 740i because the turbocharged inline-six returns solid fuel economy while leaving $25,000 on the table for options[2]. For buyers who want to make a statement and can live with touchscreen-heavy interfaces, this flagship sedan delivers. But if you prefer understated luxury with better predicted reliability, the Genesis G90 deserves a hard look.
2024 BMW 7-Series Specifications
| Spec | 740i (RWD) | 740i xDrive (AWD) | 760i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $96,400 | $99,400 | $121,300 |
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo I6 + 48V Mild Hybrid | 3.0L Turbo I6 + 48V Mild Hybrid | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + 48V Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 375 hp @ 5,200 rpm | 536 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm | 398 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm | 553 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| EPA Combined MPG | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Cargo Space | 13.7 cu ft | 13.7 cu ft | 13.7 cu ft |
| Curb Weight | ~4,950 lbs | ~5,095 lbs | ~5,095 lbs |
Data from Edmunds[1][3] and Car and Driver[4]
The 2024 model year brings minimal changes from the redesigned 2023 version. BMW added the 750e plug-in hybrid at $107,000, which pairs the turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor for 35 miles of all-electric range[5]. Otherwise, expect the same bold styling and tech-forward interior that launched with the seventh-generation redesign.
Design and Practicality
BMW took massive design risks here. Love it or hate it.
That split headlight treatment and oversized kidney grille won’t fade into traffic—this is a car that announces itself from a block away[1]. The look has grown on some buyers over time, but if you prefer understated luxury (think 2024 Audi A8 territory), the 7-Series might feel too aggressive for your taste.
Inside is where this car truly shines. Rich-smelling leathers, stainless steel accents, and fancy glass and wood trim create a cabin that finally rivals the Mercedes-Benz S-Class[4]. BMW even lets you spec cashmere upholstery if that suits your aesthetic—though your dry cleaning bill might disagree. The dashboard layout mirrors the 2024 BMW iX, with a large curved glass panel housing both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen.
Here’s the thing about passenger space: it’s genuinely generous front and rear. Where the 7-Series excels is with the Executive Lounge package ($7,250), which adds power-adjustable reclining rear seats, wireless smartphone charging for rear passengers, and adjustable neck cushions[3]. That transforms backseat duty from tolerable to genuinely enjoyable on long trips.
The 13.7 cubic-foot trunk handles luggage adequately. Not best-in-class, but the rear-seat pass-through means you can haul skis or golf clubs without drama.
Performance and Driving Experience
Two gas powertrains. Choose wisely. (Three if you count the 750e plug-in hybrid.)
The 740i runs BMW’s silky turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system[1]. Edmunds calls this the smart buy—and I’d agree. The six-cylinder moves this 5,000-pound sedan with authority, and you pocket roughly $25,000 compared to the V8[2]. That’s money better spent on the Executive package or Driving Assistance Professional.
The 760i xDrive steps up to a 536-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with standard all-wheel drive[3]. Car and Driver tested the mechanically identical 2023 model at 3.5 seconds to 60 mph—faster than BMW’s own 4.2-second claim[4]. On their 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the 760i returned 30 mpg despite its V8 power, beating the EPA’s 25 mpg highway estimate[4].
What surprised me about the 7-Series? The handling. An air suspension comes standard across all trims, with adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering helping shrink this big sedan’s turning radius. The steering effort runs light, but nothing feels sloppy or imprecise[1].
The catch? From a stop, the car tilts back too far as you accelerate, creating a swaying motion before things rebalance[1]. The ride quality is smooth and quiet—better than most vehicles—but the S-Class still holds a slight edge for pure isolation. It’s close, though. Closer than any previous 7-Series generation.
Technology and Features
This is where things get wild. And a little frustrating.
Start with that optional 31.3-inch Theater Screen that drops from the ceiling like something out of a private jet[4]. With 8K resolution and Amazon Fire integration, rear passengers can stream Netflix or browse the web using the onboard 5G hotspot. There’s even an HDMI port for connecting a game console. But here’s what the spec sheet doesn’t tell you: that massive screen obstructs rearward visibility when deployed[1]. The camera systems compensate, but drivers who prefer unobstructed sightlines should test this before optioning it.
BMW’s Highway Assistant allows hands-free driving up to 80 mph on mapped highways[1]. Edmunds found the system keeps the car well-centered and accelerates smoothly. For long interstate slogs, it’s genuinely useful technology that puts the 7-Series ahead of competitors without similar systems.
The iDrive 8.5 infotainment runs crisp and snappy. But—and this is a real frustration—BMW eliminated many physical buttons[1]. Even climate control runs through the touchscreen. If you memorize button locations in cars and prefer tactile feedback, the learning curve will annoy you. Apple CarPlay comes standard and provides a familiar interface for those who prefer it.
Standard equipment across all trims includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, heated power-folding mirrors, soft-close doors, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel[1]. That’s a solid baseline for this price point. The 2024 BMW 5-Series offers similar tech in a smaller package if you don’t need flagship dimensions.
Ownership Costs and Reliability
This section matters more than most for a $100,000+ sedan.
BMW includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance—a perk that Mercedes-Benz and Audi don’t match[4]. Given BMW’s maintenance costs, that’s meaningful savings during the warranty period. The basic and powertrain warranty runs four years or 50,000 miles.
U.S. News rates the 2024 7-Series reliability at 80 out of 100, which J.D. Power considers “Average”[6]. That’s neither great nor terrible, but it does trail the Genesis G90’s reputation for fewer dealer visits.
iSeeCars gives the 7-Series a 7.3 out of 10 reliability rating, ranking it #9 out of 17 luxury large cars[7]. Value retention scores lower at 6.7 out of 10—depreciation hits luxury German sedans hard after three years. Edmunds estimates the cost-to-drive at approximately $220-$227 per month, accounting for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation[3].
Premium fuel is required. With EPA combined estimates of 20-27 mpg depending on powertrain, budget accordingly for fuel costs—especially with the V8.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Engines deliver smooth, powerful acceleration whether you choose the efficient inline-six or the face-melting V8 with its 536-hp thrust[1]
- Interior finally matches Mercedes S-Class levels of luxury with high-quality materials, futuristic design, and that wild Theater Screen option[4]
- Hands-free Highway Assistant works reliably up to 80 mph on mapped highways, making long interstate drives genuinely less fatiguing[1]
- Three years of complimentary maintenance offsets BMW’s typically higher service costs compared to Mercedes and Audi competitors[4]
- Rear-wheel steering and air suspension make this big sedan more agile in tight parking situations than its 209-inch length suggests[1]
Weaknesses
- Lack of interior buttons forces nearly every adjustment through the touchscreen, which frustrates drivers who prefer tactile controls[1]
- Optional 31.3-inch Theater Screen obstructs rearward visibility when deployed, requiring trust in camera systems instead[1]
- Polarizing exterior styling with split headlights and oversized grille won’t appeal to buyers who prefer understated luxury[5]
- Air suspension doesn’t quite match the S-Class benchmark for buttery-smooth isolation at low speeds, with noticeable squat during acceleration[1]
- Value retention ranks below average for the segment, meaning faster depreciation than some competitors over five years[7]
Final Verdict
The 2024 BMW 7-Series represents the most ambitious flagship sedan BMW has ever built. It pushes technology boundaries with hands-free highway driving and that cinema-quality Theater Screen, delivers driving dynamics that belie its size, and finally challenges the S-Class on interior quality. For buyers who want to be noticed and prioritize tech wizardry over tradition, it’s genuinely compelling.
But that ambition comes with trade-offs. The button-free interior will frustrate some buyers, depreciation hits harder than competitors, and the exterior styling remains divisive even two years after launch. If you can test drive both and walk away impressed by the 7-Series experience rather than the spec sheet, you’ll likely be happy.
- Choose the 2024 BMW 7-Series if: You want the most tech-forward luxury sedan available, prefer BMW’s sportier driving character over pure isolation, and can embrace touchscreen-heavy interfaces.
- Consider the Mercedes-Benz S-Class if: Ride quality and sound isolation matter most, you prefer physical controls, or understated elegance better matches your style.
- Look at the Audi A8 or Genesis G90 if: You want similar luxury at lower price points with less polarizing styling and potentially better long-term reliability.
FAQs
Is the 2024 BMW 7-Series reliable?
Reliability sits in “Average” territory. U.S. News gives it 80 out of 100 based on J.D. Power data, while iSeeCars rates it 7.3 out of 10—ranking #9 out of 17 luxury large cars[6][7]. BMW’s three-year complimentary maintenance helps offset service costs during warranty, but expect more dealer visits than a Genesis G90 or Lexus LS.
Which 2024 BMW 7-Series trim should I buy?
Edmunds recommends the 740i because the turbocharged inline-six delivers more than enough power while saving roughly $25,000 versus the V8[2]. Put that savings toward the Executive package ($3,700) for ventilated and massaging seats with automatic doors, plus the Driving Assistance Professional package ($2,500) for hands-free highway driving.
How much does a fully-loaded 2024 BMW 760i xDrive cost?
A well-equipped 760i xDrive can reach $150,000 or higher with popular options[4]. Key packages include Rear Executive Lounge Seating ($7,250) with the Theater Screen, Bowers & Wilkins sound system ($4,800), Executive package ($3,700), and Driving Assistance Professional ($2,500). California buyers may see additional destination and documentation fees.
How does the 2024 BMW 7-Series compare to the Mercedes S-Class?
The S-Class prioritizes ride comfort and includes more physical controls for a refined, familiar interface. The 7-Series counters with bolder styling, that 31.3-inch Theater Screen, hands-free highway driving, and sportier handling[1]. The S-Class starts roughly $15,000-$20,000 higher than the base 740i depending on configuration.
References
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 7 Series Prices, Reviews, and Pictures. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/7-series/2024/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 7 Series Trims Comparison. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/7-series/2024/trims/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 7 Series 760i xDrive Specs & Features. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/7-series/2024/st-402005899/features-specs/
- Car and Driver. (2024). 2024 BMW 7-series Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/7-series-2024
- HotCars. (2024). 2024 BMW 760i xDrive: A Whole Other Planet. https://www.hotcars.com/2024-bmw-760i-xdrive-review/
- U.S. News & World Report. (2024). 2024 BMW 7-Series Review. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/bmw/7-series/2024
- iSeeCars. (2025). BMW 7 Series Reliability. https://www.iseecars.com/car/bmw-7-series/reliability
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
