2019 BMW ALPINA B7 xDrive Sedan $1,459/mo Lease

PROS

Comfortable ride; luxurious appointments; powerful engines; spacious back seat; strong performance from B7 model; hybrid availability

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

The BMW 7-Series comes in several trims, 740i, 750i, 740e and Alpina B7. The 740i models are powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that produces 320 horsepower, with power sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 750i gets a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 445 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic feeds the power to all four wheels. The 740e plug-in hybrid pairs a 255-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.0L four with a 111-horsepower eDrive electric motor, with a total output rated at 322 horsepower. BMW says the 740e will hit 60 mph in just over five seconds and the car can run purely on battery power for up to 28 miles. In the high-performance Alpina B7, the same 4.4L twin-turbo from the 750i has been massaged to deliver 600 horsepower, while Integral Active Steering pairs variable ratio electric steering up front with rear-axle steering. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds from the B7.

The BMW 7-Series is replete with impressive technology. The grille features active aerodynamic fins that automatically open when cooling required or close to maximize fuel economy. Auto-leveling air suspension is standard on the 7-Series. Drivers may modify suspension settings on the fly to provide improved feel and response or to soften and gain comfort as the road and driving conditions permit. The touchscreen interface now responds to gesture commands as well as the conventional voice commands or BMW's iDrive controller.

Standard features on the 740i are as plentiful as would be expected on a luxury sedan at this price. LED headlights and fog lamps are standard, as is BMW's intelligent Display Key, with a touchscreen fob that reports various information about the car. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard as are heated and power folding side mirrors, plus 10-way power adjustable, heated leather seating. The interior features wood trim, a Harman/Kardon 600-watt 16-speaker sound system with a 10-inch touchscreen that integrates navigation and a rearview camera. A year-long subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio is also included. Automatic 4-zone climate control, dynamic cruise control, a power opening and closing trunk, a panoramic moonroof, rain sensing windshield wipers, park distance control (both front and rear) and wireless charging are also included as standard. The 740i and 740e are similarly equipped but add BMW's sure-footed all-wheel-drive system.

The 750i includes the larger engine as well as 19-inch wheels, 20-way power adjustable front seats, Napa leather upholstery and a full heads-up display.

Options on the 7-Series include an Executive Package, with vented and massaging front seats, an Autobahn Package, with more suspension and steering, and an M-Sport Package that offers unique badging and styling cues for a more performance-oriented look. Rear-seat enhancement packages are also available that can add such features as massaging and reclining rear seats with footrest and a rear seat entertainment system that comes with its own 7-inch tablet. M Sport brakes and remote-controlled parking are also available.

MODEL NEWS

The BMW 7-Series continues into 2019 with no major changes.

VALUE WRITEUP

The BMW 7-Series starts at about $84,000, competing against the largest and most luxurious European sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A7. The 7-Series is nearly as nice as similar-sized offerings from Bentley and Rolls-Royce, without those nameplates' premium prices. The 7-Series offers a much more understated appearance as well. Though obviously not inexpensive, the 2019 BMW 7-Series includes impressive levels of technology, power and space. The BMW 7-Series spares no luxury and no technology to look and feel like the $100,000-vehicle it is.