2012 BMW 7 Series Release Date, Prices, Specs, Review

2012 BMW 7 Series

BMW’s flagship sedan was launched in its current, fifth-generation form in 2009. Despite the passage of a few years since then, the 2012 BMW 7-Series has managed to age gracefully and we’d still call the big sedan one of the best that BMW has ever produced.

We’re partial to the styling of the current 7-Series, which does away with the sometimes awkward proportions of the previous model, built from 2002 – 2008. Performance is better on the new version as well, and the 7-Series manages to feel much lighter behind the wheel than you’d expect it to said Kurt Ernst.

Inside, there’s plenty of room to carry three passengers, or four on shorter trips. Headroom is ample, even for rear seat passengers, and even standard-wheelbase cars have a generous amount of rear seat legroom. If you prefer more room to stretch out and read The Wall Street Journal as you’re driven to the office, the 7-Series comes in an extended-wheelbase (Li) version as well.

2012 BMW 7-Series is agile for a super luxury car, and its numerous engine options also make it stand out from the competition. BMW offers the 7-Series as 740i and 740Li models, which feature a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine. While these cars compete in a class that’s filled with V8s, reviewers say that the new six-cylinder mill provides competitive acceleration. If you’re looking for more power, a turbocharged V8 comes in the 750i and Li, while the 760Li offers even more thrust thanks to a turbocharged V12 engine said Rankingsandreviews.

BMW also allows 7-Series owners to tailor their driving experience with the Driving Dynamics Control system, which allows users to adjust their suspension and steering with Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport + settings. Most reviewers like the system’s versatility, although a few comment that the 7-Series is still a driver’s car, meaning that it lacks the smooth ride quality of competitors like the Lexus LS and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Standard safety features on the 2012 BMW 7 Series include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In Edmunds brake testing, the 740i stopped from 60 mph in an excellent 109 feet. The heavier 750i came to rest in an equally impressive 112 feet. The 750Li was about the same.

Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure and blind-spot warning, rear and sideview cameras and infrared night vision with pedestrian detection that displays the images either in the main dash display or in the head-up display (if so equipped).

2012 BMW 7 Series Price and Specs

Base Price	: $71,000
Drivetrain	: Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)	: 4344
City (MPG)	: 17
Hwy (MPG)	: 25
Horsepower	: 315@5800-6000
Torque (lb-ft)	: 330@1600-4500
Wheelbase	: 120.9
Length (in.)	: 199.8
Width (in.)	: 74.9
Height (in.)	: 58.3