2019 BMW 7 Series: A Comprehensive Overview
The 2019 BMW 7 Series represents the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offerings, blending cutting-edge technology, potent performance, and unparalleled comfort. For 2019, the 7 Series underwent a significant mid-cycle refresh (LCI), bringing a host of updates to its exterior design, interior appointments, and technological capabilities, solidifying its position as a formidable contender in the ultra-luxury segment.
Highlights
The 2019 BMW 7 Series is a showcase of automotive excellence, offering a compelling package for discerning buyers.
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Powertrain Options: BMW provided a range of sophisticated powertrains designed to cater to diverse preferences.
- 740i: Powered by a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing around 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a smooth yet spirited driving experience, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency.
- 750i xDrive: Equipped with a robust 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating approximately 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain offers exhilarating acceleration and effortless cruising capabilities, making it ideal for those seeking ultimate performance.
- Alpina B7: For the ultimate in performance, the Alpina B7 boasted a heavily revised version of the V8 engine, tuned to produce an astonishing 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This bespoke model offered supercar-level performance wrapped in luxury sedan comfort.
- 745e (Plug-in Hybrid): Introduced for 2019, this model combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of approximately 389 horsepower. It offered the ability to travel on electric power alone for short distances, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
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Advanced Safety Features: The 2019 7 Series was equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety systems to provide peace of mind.
- Driving Assistance Professional Package: This optional package was a standout, bundling a range of semi-autonomous driving aids. It included Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which automatically maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, even bringing the car to a complete stop and resuming. Steering and Lane Control Assistant actively kept the car centered within its lane and could assist with lane changes, offering a more relaxed and less fatiguing driving experience on highways.
- Parking Assistance Package: This package included Parking Assistant Plus, which could autonomously steer the vehicle into parking spaces, both parallel and perpendicular. Surround View and Remote 3D View provided an all-around perspective of the vehicle's surroundings, aiding in maneuverability.
- Active Protection: This system automatically initiated preventative measures when an imminent collision was detected, such as pretensioning seatbelts and closing any open windows.
- Standard Safety Features: Beyond the optional packages, the 7 Series came standard with a full array of airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and rearview camera.
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Trim Summary: The 2019 7 Series offered distinct trims, each with its own character and focus.
- 740i: The entry-level luxury sedan, providing a refined and comfortable experience with the capable inline-six engine. Often available in both rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive.
- 750i xDrive: The performance-oriented variant, featuring the potent V8 engine and standard xDrive all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and dynamism.
- Alpina B7: The ultimate expression of performance and bespoke luxury, meticulously engineered by Alpina for unparalleled power and handling.
- 745e: The plug-in hybrid option, merging electric efficiency with V8-like power for a sophisticated and environmentally conscious approach to luxury motoring.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Executive Lounge: Many 7 Series models, particularly those equipped with the Executive Package, offered an opulent rear-cabin experience with features like reclining rear seats, massage functions, and individual climate controls, transforming the rear into a mobile executive suite.
- iDrive 7.0 Infotainment System: The updated infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a large touchscreen display, voice control, and gesture control for certain functions.
- Skyscraper Roofline and Bold Kidney Grille: The LCI refresh introduced a more imposing presence with a larger, more upright kidney grille and revised styling elements, giving the 7 Series a more commanding road presence.
- Exceptional Ride Comfort: The adaptive air suspension system provided an incredibly smooth and composed ride, effectively isolating occupants from road imperfections.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 BMW 7 Series is an experience that goes beyond mere transportation; it's about indulging in sophisticated luxury and advanced technology.
- Ownership Experience: Day-to-day driving is characterized by supreme comfort and a serene cabin environment. The advanced driver-assistance systems, especially those in the Driving Assistance Professional Package, can significantly reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys. The interior is meticulously crafted with premium materials, offering a quiet and refined atmosphere. The user-friendly iDrive system, while feature-rich, might require a short learning curve for some, but its logical layout and responsiveness make it a pleasure to use once familiar.
- Maintenance: As a high-performance luxury vehicle, the 7 Series requires diligent and scheduled maintenance to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. Expect routine servicing at BMW-certified dealerships or reputable independent BMW specialists. Typical maintenance includes oil changes, filter replacements, brake inspections, and fluid checks. While BMW offers maintenance plans that can cover some of these costs, individual service intervals may be more frequent than in less performance-oriented vehicles. Component wear, particularly on tires and brakes, can be accelerated by the powerful engines and the car's weight, so expect these to be replaced more regularly if driven spiritedly.
- Insurance: Insurance premiums for a vehicle of this caliber will generally be higher than for a mainstream sedan. Factors such as the vehicle's performance capabilities, advanced technology, luxury appointments, and the cost of potential repairs contribute to this. Comprehensive and collision coverage will be essential. Obtaining quotes from multiple insurance providers is highly recommended to find the best coverage at a competitive rate.
Potential Considerations
While the 2019 BMW 7 Series excels in many areas, there are a few points that potential buyers should be aware of.
- Complexity of Technology: The sheer volume of advanced technological features, while impressive, can also lead to a degree of complexity. Some users may find certain systems intricate to navigate or may encounter occasional software glitches, though these are generally rare and often resolved with software updates.
- Rear-Wheel Steering (Integral Active Steering): While beneficial for maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds, this system can sometimes feel a bit unnatural to drivers not accustomed to it. It's a feature worth experiencing during a test drive to ensure it aligns with your driving preferences.
- Maintenance Costs: As mentioned in the "What to Expect" section, maintenance and repair costs for a luxury vehicle like the 7 Series can be substantial. Parts and labor from a BMW dealership can be significantly more expensive than for a non-luxury brand. Owners should budget accordingly for potential upkeep.
- Fuel Economy (for non-hybrid variants): While the inline-six offers decent efficiency for its class, the V8-powered models, particularly the Alpina B7, will naturally consume more fuel, especially when driven hard. The 745e plug-in hybrid offers a significant improvement in this regard, but its electric-only range is limited.
Overall Summary
The 2019 BMW 7 Series stands as a testament to BMW's engineering prowess, offering a captivating blend of opulent luxury, advanced technology, and dynamic performance. The significant mid-cycle refresh endowed it with a more assertive presence and enhanced its already impressive feature set. Whether you opt for the refined 740i, the potent 750i, the exhilarating Alpina B7, or the efficient 745e, the 7 Series delivers an uncompromised luxury sedan experience that competes at the highest echelon of the automotive world. It is a vehicle that coddles its occupants in comfort while providing the driver with an engaging and rewarding driving experience, making it an exceptional choice for those who demand the very best.
