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.
| 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strengths
Weaknesses
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.
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