Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 7 Series (2015-2022) review - Interior, design and technology

The BMW 7 Series' looks divide opinion, but the on-board technology is undeniably impressive

Interior, design and technology rating

3.9

How we review cars
RRP
£106,100 £144,775
Avg. savings
£12,283 off RRP*
Find your BMW 7 Series
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Can we avoid it any longer? The facelifted BMW 7 Series has a simply enormous, unmissable, chromed front grille. Styling is something we always discuss subjectively at Auto Express, but we’re willing to push the boat out here and mark the BMW’s card as slightly vulgar – much like the largest SUV in the range, the BMW X7. The side profile and rear of the brand’s limo hit the sweet spot though, with just the right mix of sportiness and sophistication.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’d prefer to bias the look in favour of the former, M Sport trim cars with angular, M car inspired bodykits and racy looking wheels are also available. Speaking of wheels, BMW offers a total of ten designs to choose from, ranging from 18-inch multispoke items as standard, to luxurious and sporty M Design 20-inch options.

Unlike the exterior, the cabin doesn’t change wholeheartedly with this facelift. But that’s no bad thing. The 7 Series interior still oozes quality both from a material and design standpoint, though it remains closely linked with the BMW 5 Series – an S-Class makes its flagship status known more obviously inside.

Spec a long wheelbase model and there’s a long list of fancy but expensive optional extras you can choose to turn the 7 Series into the ultimate mobile living space. Airline-style executive seats can recline up to 36 degrees, while a champagne chiller can be fitted in place of the middle seat.

The rear-seat entertainment system features two high-definition displays offering access to online services and movies, while on-board wifi allows you to stream or download directly from the web.

One of the most fascinating bits of tech is the gesture control technology, which allows drivers to control the stereo, answer incoming calls and set the navigation by simple hand gestures. It’s a feature no other luxury saloon currently offers.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

New on the facelifted car is the fitment of a fully digital instrument panel as standard, while BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is still up there as class leading software. The central infotainment display sizes up at 10.2-inches, it’s bright, clear and a doddle to use either through touch input or the rotary dial placed near the gear selector.

Navigation, Wi-Fi and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included as standard alongside a great Harman Kardon audio system. An enhanced Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound setup can be found on the options list.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    750e xDrive Excellence 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £106,100
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    750e xDrive M Sport 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £110,600
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    M760e xDrive 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £121,675
Select car

Our latest car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £36,645Avg. savings £2,892 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £23,500Avg. savings £4,311 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,345 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £29,735Avg. savings £5,124 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales
Omoda E5 - front tracking

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales

A newspaper column and whispers suggest that government-backed cheap EV loans could be coming to stimulate market
News
2 Dec 2024
New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger
Ford Puma Gen-E - front studio

New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger

Despite being based on the petrol car, electric Ford Puma gets bespoke features and a massive boot
News
3 Dec 2024
Mk1 Ford Escort to make a comeback on December 12
Boreham Motorworks Ford Escort teaser

Mk1 Ford Escort to make a comeback on December 12

Boreham Motorworks is bringing the original Ford Escort back to market and has big plans for other classic Ford reincarnations.
News
2 Dec 2024