BMW 7 Series. Executive class for the driver
BMW 7 Series is an F class executive car from the German BMW concern, which has been produced since 1977. Today you can buy the sixth generation of BMW 7 Series in the ‘Sedan’ body or its extended version ‘Sedan Long’ after 2019 restyling in the Israel market.
BMW 7 Series is a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz S-class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Jaguar XJ. The BMW 7 Series stands out for its impressive looks, power, and comfort. The elegant design and special luxurious atmosphere of the interior of the BMW 7 Series are combined with high quality trim, a variety of decorative elements, and innovative technological solutions.
First generation
The first generation of BMW 7 Series was produced from 1977 to 1983. The first BMW 7 Series received the nickname ‘Shark’ for its appearance. It was the most technically advanced BMW model at that time, with an on-board computer, climate control, heated mirrors, and windshield. The driver was informed about breakdowns by a ‘check engine’ sign on the instrument panel. Also, the first BMW 7 Series reminded itself of a technical inspection. It was fantastic for the late 1970s! Over the years of production, 290 thousand first BMW 7 Series rolled off the assembly line.
Second generation
The second generation of BMW 7 Series was produced from 1986 to 1994. The second BMW 7 Series has grown in length, received a more modern design and various electronic advanced innovations, including 2 zones climate control and xenon optics. The first version of the Sedan Long with a long base appeared at the same time.
Third generation
The third generation of BMW 7 Series was produced from 1994 to 2001. It was restyled in 1998. This BMW 7 Series has become legendary, immortalized in the cinema. The third generation of BMW 7 Series has been the last German flagship and childhood dream for many people until now. The design of the third BMW 7 Series has become even more brutal and dynamic compare to previous models. It was produced in the sedan and touring body (+140 mm), and the highlight was the 5.4-meter L7 limousine.
Fourth generation
The fourth generation of BMW 7 Series was produced from 2001 to 2008. It was restyled in 2005. Oh, the fourth BMW 7 Series made a splash because of its design, which was proposed by Chris Bangle. Even loyal fans of the brand announced the change of eras from ‘sharks’ to ‘hippos’. The reason for this nickname was too soft lines of the body, folding into a ‘swollen face with sad headlights.’ Even Time magazine called the 4th generation of BMW 7 Series ‘the ugliest car’. But black PR is also PR: 330+ thousand cars were sold, and these were record sales of Bavarian BMW 7 Series.
Fifth generation
The fifth generation of BMW 7 Series was produced from 2008 to 2015. It was restyled in 2012. The fifth BMW 7 Series brought a lot of new things into the history of the model: all-wheel drive, the first hybrid version, a full-fledged M-package, and the return of gasoline turbo engines. The main change concerned the design. It became more glamorous and elegant.
Sixth generation
The sixth generation of BMW 7 Series has been produced from 2015 to the present. It was restyled in 2019. BMW 7 Series become more luxurious, intelligent, and powerful with every generation. And of course, they became less accessible to ordinary people. The sixth BMW 7 Series received a new CLAR platform and two body versions - Sedan and Sedan Long. The sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series sets new standards for luxury and driving pleasure. The efforts of the designers were aimed at aerodynamics and improving handling by lightening the structure.
2019 restyling
The restyling of 2019 made a lot of noise. The sedan got giant headlights that look like ‘nostrils’, in the spirit of the recently introduced BMW X7. At the same time, the new BMW 7 Series 2019 sedan has received some major changes, from larger dimensions and new optics to a virtual cockpit, a voice assistant for the driver, updated trim materials, seats, and steering wheel.
