The 2025 BMW 7-Series earns its place on Car and Driver's Editors' Choice list by blending opulent accommodations with genuinely useful tech upgrades—including hands-free lane change capability and improved Siri integration[1]. For buyers who want a tech-forward flagship that doesn't sacrifice driving dynamics, this is the German sedan to beat. That said, the touchscreen-heavy interior frustrates some owners, and the Mercedes S-Class still rides a bit smoother[2]. Choose the 740i unless you absolutely need V8 thrust—it's $24,000 cheaper and plenty quick.
| Spec | 740i | 740i xDrive | 750e xDrive | 760i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $97,200 | $100,300 | $108,000 | $122,000 |
| Engine | 3.0L Turbo I6 + 48V Mild Hybrid | 3.0L Turbo I6 + 48V Mild Hybrid | 3.0L Turbo I6 + PHEV | 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 + 48V Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 375 hp | 483 hp | 536 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 398 lb-ft | N/A | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 sec (est.) | 4.9 sec (est.) | N/A | 3.5 sec (tested) |
| EPA Combined MPG | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | N/A | 20 mpg |
| Electric Range | — | — | 35+ miles | — |
| Cargo Space | 19 cu ft | 19 cu ft | 19 cu ft | 19 cu ft |
Data from Car and Driver[1] and Edmunds[3]
The 2025 model year brings focused improvements rather than a redesign. BMW upgraded the iDrive system for easier Siri access—just say "Hey Siri" without touching anything. The real headline: Highway Assistant now suggests lane changes, and you confirm by simply looking at the side mirror[1]. That's genuinely useful tech that makes highway cruising noticeably less tedious.
Three years in, the split headlight design still divides opinion. Love it or hate it—there's no middle ground.
Inside is where skeptics become believers. Rich-smelling leathers, stainless steel accents, and optional cashmere upholstery create a cabin that finally challenges the Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class for sheer opulence[1]. BMW also lets you choose from BMW Individual's custom paint program with nearly unlimited color options—a personalization perk Mercedes doesn't match at this price point[2].
The cabin layout mirrors the 2025 BMW iX, with a large curved glass panel housing both the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen[1]. Here's the catch: BMW eliminated most physical buttons. Climate control, drive modes, and many other functions live exclusively in the touchscreen. Some owners love the clean aesthetic. Others—like one reviewer who wrote "the technology was written by a techie who had no idea how to make a car for a driver"—find it maddening[2].
Passenger space runs generous front and rear. But the real magic happens with the Executive Lounge package ($7,250), which adds power-adjustable reclining rear seats with massage, footrests, and that 31.3-inch Theater Screen that drops from the ceiling[1]. During a recent test, I streamed a full episode during a traffic jam. Completely unnecessary? Absolutely. But that's exactly the point of a $150,000 sedan.
Three powertrain flavors. Each satisfying in different ways.
The 740i runs BMW's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 375 hp, assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system[1]. BMW estimates 4.9 seconds to 60 mph—quick enough that you'll never feel underpowered. Edmunds recommends this variant, and I'd agree: it costs roughly $24,000 less than the V8, and the inline-six's silky power delivery suits this car's character better anyway[2]. Put those savings toward the Executive package or Driving Assistance Professional.
The 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid pairs the inline-six with an electric motor for 483 combined horsepower and 35+ miles of all-electric range[1]. For buyers with short commutes and home charging, this makes sense. For everyone else, the added weight and complexity probably don't justify the $10,000 premium over the 740i xDrive.
Then there's the 760i xDrive. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 makes 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Car and Driver hit 60 mph in a frankly ridiculous 3.5 seconds—faster than BMW's own 4.2-second claim[1]. On their 75-mph highway fuel economy test, it returned 30 mpg, beating the EPA's 26 mpg highway estimate[1]. What surprised me: despite the power, the V8 doesn't feel like a muscle car. It's more refined steamroller—immense thrust delivered without drama.
Standard air suspension with adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering makes this 5,000-pound sedan more agile than physics suggests[1]. But here's what the spec sheet doesn't tell you: the suspension tilts back too far under hard acceleration, creating a swaying motion until things rebalance[2]. The ride smooths out beautifully at speed, though the S-Class—and even BMW's own electric 2025 i7—feel a bit more isolated[2].
This is where BMW flexed hardest. Some hits, some misses.
The iDrive 8.5 infotainment responds quickly and looks sharp on that 14.9-inch center screen[1]. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard—no subscription required. Over-the-air updates mean the software improves without dealer visits.
Highway Assistant now works up to 85 mph on mapped highways[2]. Edmunds found it keeps the car centered and accelerates smoothly. The new twist for 2025: when the system detects a slower vehicle ahead, it can suggest a lane change. Look at the corresponding side mirror, and the car executes the maneuver[1]. After using this for highway trips, going back to traditional adaptive cruise feels primitive. This is genuinely useful tech, not a gimmick.
That optional Theater Screen ($7,250 bundled with Executive Lounge Seating) brings 31.3 inches of 8K resolution, Amazon Fire TV integration, and 5G connectivity[1]. There's even an HDMI port for a game console. But fair warning: when deployed, it obstructs rearward visibility[2]. The camera systems compensate, but some drivers will find this unsettling.
Standard safety equipment includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist[1]. The Driving Assistance Professional package ($2,500) adds Highway Assistant and enhanced parking capabilities that let you exit the car and park via smartphone[3].
BMW includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance—a perk that Mercedes-Benz and Audi don't match[1]. Given BMW's maintenance costs, that's meaningful savings. The Genesis G90 matches BMW's complimentary maintenance but includes longer warranty terms[1].
Warranty coverage runs four years or 50,000 miles for basic and powertrain—standard for the segment. Edmunds suggests used prices start around $85,000 with roughly 17 vehicles available nationally[2]. The 750e xDrive tends to sit on dealer lots longer (92+ days median), which means more negotiation room on that variant.
Owner reviews on Edmunds average 3.9 out of 5 stars[2]. The complaints center on the tech interface—multiple owners describe the learning curve as steep. Those who embrace the touchscreen-heavy approach tend to love the car. Those who prefer physical controls… don't.
Strengths
Weaknesses
The 2025 BMW 7-Series isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's a tech showcase wrapped in a luxury sedan, and it executes that vision with conviction. The Highway Assistant improvements alone make this feel like genuinely new technology rather than warmed-over features from last year. And when equipped with the Executive Lounge package, rear-seat passengers get a flying-first-class experience on wheels.
But this car demands you meet it on its terms. If touchscreens frustrate you, if you prefer understated styling, or if ride quality matters more than gadgetry—look elsewhere. The 2025 BMW 5-Series delivers similar tech in a more manageable package, and the Mercedes S-Class remains the isolation champion.
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