BMW 7-Series 2015

The 2015 BMW 7-Series is one of the most technologically advanced sedans in the world, as well as the German luxury brand's flagship vehicle. It hasn't seen any major redesign in over five years, yet BMW has fed it with a constant stream of updates to keep it relevant. And this year, it gains a diesel model, plus leather dashes for all, and LED headlamps in V-8 models.

There are six different powerplants offered in the 2015 BMW 7-Series—740i, 750i, 760i, Active Hybrid 7, the top-performance Alpina B7, and the new diesel-powered 740Ld xDrive. All of these models include standard rear-wheel drive—with exception to the diesel's standard all-wheel drive–and many offer all-wheel drive, too. While those who appreciate the 7-Series' sport-sedan pedigree will be able to parse out (and appreciate) the finer differences between these models, across the board you'll surely find that the 7-Series models accelerate swiftly, with amazing grip and more poise from a vehicle this size. These are for the most part surprisingly satisfying sedans for the driver, although comfort, luxury, and tech are at the top—and that also shows more for some models than others.

The 2015 BMW 740i and 740Li are the base models in the lineup; they come with a version of BMW's twin-turbo in-line six, making 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. These models are more than 200 pounds lighter than V-8 versions, so you might find handling more nimble and enjoyable as well. 750i and 750iL models step up to V-8 engines that were all-new last year. 

The twin-turbo, 4.4-liter V-8 makes 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, and these models can charge to 60 mph in an automaker-cited 4.7 seconds. The 760Li might sound like one of the performance leaders of the group—and it is, with 537 hp from its twin-turbo V-12--but it's the portly one in the lineup. The true athlete here is the performance-focused Alpina B7, which has a special version of the V-8 underhood that makes 540 horsepower and 538 pound-feet. In addition to that, you get a suspension that's firmer than any of the other models can manage in Sport mode, as well as bigger brakes, and other enhancements. The 0-60 mph time is just 4.5 seconds here. The all-new 740Ld xDrive is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline six, capable of producing 255-horsepower and a hefty 413-lb-ft of torque. That motivates the diesel 7er from 0-60 in 6.1 seconds.

All versions get an air suspension, plus Driving Dynamics Control, a system that governs shock firmness, steering heft, transmission shifts, and throttle response--but allows drivers to twiddle with the settings to fit their habits. The only thing we're left wanting is steering feel that isn't so artificial.

Two years ago, the 7-Series was given a modest makeover in front, and a sharpening of some of its details throughout. But it was inside where the change was more dramatic; new front seats, revised back-seat