{"id":76785,"date":"2024-07-19T20:53:46","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T16:53:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubicars.com\/news?p=76785"},"modified":"2024-07-22T10:36:41","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T06:36:41","slug":"bmw-7-series-history-generations-more-details","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubicars.com\/news\/bmw-7-series-history-generations-more-details.html","title":{"rendered":"BMW 7 Series History, Generations & Models: Seven Generations Of BMW\u2019s Flagship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The BMW 7 Series, a full-size luxury sedan from the renowned German automaker, first debuted in 1977. As BMW’s flagship model, the 7 Series has consistently showcased the brand’s most advanced technology and the most luxurious features. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measuring 5,391mm in length, the current-generation BMW 7 Series<\/a> is the longest BMW model yet. Powered by inline-6, V8, and V12 engine options through the decades, the 7 Series is the only BMW sedan without a full-blown M variant. In this DubiCars Car Spotlight<\/a> article, we take a closer look at the BMW 7 Series, its history, and its generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origins Of The BMW 7 Series<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1968, BMW<\/a> launched the New Six sedan, also known as the E3. With this sedan, BMW returned to producing a full-size luxury sedan<\/a> after a gap of five years. The E3 came to be known as a driver\u2019s car as it gave its drivers an engaging driving experience. It debuted the quad circular headlamps up front \u2014 a design that would define BMW\u2019s cars for many years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n

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BMW New Six (E3)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

With the BMW 5 Series in 1972, the brand introduced a new naming convention, scrapping the old names. Instead, BMW would group its models into number-based series. Its mid-size sedan was named the 5 Series. Read all about the history and generations of the BMW 5 Series here<\/a>. When the time came for the BMW E3 to be replaced, BMW named its new flagship sedan the 7 Series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Generation (E23) | 1977 – 1986<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Codenamed E23, the first generation of the BMW 7 Series, was produced from 1977 to 1986. The E23 introduced features that were advanced for its time, such as ABS brakes<\/a>, a driver’s airbag, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n

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First Gen BMW 7 Series (E23)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It was powered by a range of inline-6 engines, ranging from 2.5-litres to 3.5-litre in capacity. In 1979, the first fuel-injected engine was placed under the bonnet of the BMW 7 Series. The E23 also featured a refined and spacious interior, offering luxurious materials and cutting-edge technology, which remained the hallmarks of the 7 Series from its inception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Generation (E32) | 1986 – 1994<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The E32 generation, produced from 1986 to 1994, took the 7 Series to new heights in terms of luxury and technology. The E32 introduced features like double-glazed windows, traction control, and electronic damping control. The design of the E32 was more aerodynamic and modern compared to its predecessor, with a focus on providing a more luxurious and comfortable ride.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Second Gen BMW 7 Series (E32)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Inside, the E32 continued to push boundaries with advanced electronics and high-quality materials, solidifying the 7 Series’ position in the luxury market. It was the first BMW to offer a V12 engine<\/a>, making it one of the most powerful sedans of its time. Other engine options included inline-6 and V8 motors with displacements ranging between 3.0-litres and 4.0-litres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Generation (E38) | 1994 – 2001<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The third generation, known as the E38, was produced from 1994 to 2001. It is often regarded as one of the most elegant and well-balanced 7 Series models. The E38 offered a range of inline-six, V8, and V12 engines, catering to various performance needs. One of the significant advancements of the E38 was the introduction of satellite navigation and side curtain airbags.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Third Gen BMW 7 Series (E38)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The E38 was also available in both short and long-wheelbase versions, offering additional rear-seat comfort. Engine options included a 2.8-litre inline-6<\/a>, a range of V8 engines and the V12 saw an increase in displacement to 5.4-litres. It was also the first generation of the 7 Series with diesel engine options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth Gen (E65 – E68) | 2001 – 2008<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fourth generation BMW 7 Series marked a bold departure from previous generations with its fairly controversial design. Produced from 2001 to 2008, the E65 generation introduced the iDrive infotainment system<\/a>, a revolutionary feature that centralized control of various functions through a single interface.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Fourth Gen BMW 7 Series (E65)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Despite its polarizing design, the E65 was packed with innovations such as adaptive headlights, night vision, and active cruise control<\/a>. The E65 was offered with a range of engines. Petrol models used a 3.0-litre inline-6, a range of V8 engines and the V12 engine saw an increase in displacement to 6.0-litres. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth Generation (F01 – F04) | 2008 – 2015<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fifth generation BMW 7 Series, produced from 2008 to 2015, returned to a more conservative and universally appreciated design language. The F01 featured extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steel to reduce weight and improve efficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Fifth Gen BMW 7 Series <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This generation introduced a range of new technologies, including rear-wheel steering, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a more advanced version of the iDrive system. The engine lineup included turbocharged inline-six, V8, and V12 options, as well as a hybrid variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth Generation (G11 – G12) | 2015 – 2022<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sixth generation BMW 7 Series included the G11 (short-wheelbase) and G12 (long-wheelbase), which debuted in 2015 and brought significant advancements in both technology and design. The G11\/G12 utilized BMW’s new CLAR platform, which incorporated carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer to reduce weight and increase rigidity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sixth Gen BMW 7 Series <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This generation was the first to offer remote-controlled parking and gesture control for the infotainment system. The engine lineup included turbocharged inline-four, inline-six, V8, and V12 options, as well as plug-in hybrid variants. The V12 was the largest yet, with a displacement of 6.6-litres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seventh Generation (G70) | 2022 – Present<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The latest generation, the G70, introduced in 2022, represents the pinnacle of BMW’s luxury and technology. The G70 features a bold new design, with a large kidney grille and sleek lines that emphasize its modern and sophisticated look. However, its styling is quite polarising.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Seventh Gen BMW 7 Series <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

This generation continues to build on the technological advancements of its predecessors, with an even more advanced version of the iDrive system, now featuring a curved display and augmented reality navigation. The G70 is available with a range of powertrains, including inline-6 and V8 engines in addition to hybrid variants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The interior of the G70 is a blend of cutting-edge technology and supreme luxury, with features like a 31-inch rear entertainment screen, crystal controls, and the latest driver assistance systems, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the luxury sedan segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BMW i7<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The BMW i7 is the pure-electric sedan based on the G70 seventh-generation BMW 7 Series. It is almost identical to the petrol-powered sedan in design and styling. It is powered by a 105.7kWh battery pack<\/a>. The luxury electric sedan is available in single-motor<\/a> and dual-motor<\/a> drivetrain options with the top-spec dual-motor variant producing a mind-boggling 650hp and 1,100Nm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n