2018 BMW 7-Series Pros vs Cons

The all-new 2018 BMW 7-Series has a lot to offer drivers who are looking for luxury and have the cash to burn. Drivers can take their pick between the gas-only sedan trims or a plug-in hybrid variant, the 740e xDrive iPerformance. There is also a massively high-powered V12 engine option available for those who are looking to max out the vehicle's powertrain performance. Whatever your needs are, the 7-Series seems to have something for everybody.

What's New for 2018?

New for the 2018 BMW 7-Series lineup is a brand-new plug-in hybrid variant called the 740e xDrive iPerformance. The only other noteworthy change to the 7-Series is that this year sees the addition of a strong V12 engine option. Otherwise, everything else carries over relatively unchanged from the outgoing 2017 models.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 BMW 7-Series – The Pros

1. The Turbo V12 Engine

One of the most exciting additions made to the 2018 BMW 7-Series lineup is the turbocharged 6.6-L V12 engine, which is available on the line-topping M760i xDrive. This engine generates a whopping 601 hp and is equipped only with all-wheel drive. The V12 is an engine geared toward those who want a high-powered and sporty performance from their vehicle.

2. A Hybrid Variant

The 740e xDrive iPerformance caters to anyone looking for fuel efficiency. This plug-in hybrid variant is powered by a 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor. Combined, this pairing is capable of generating 332 hp, which is quite impressive for a plug-in hybrid in this class.

3. Swift Acceleration

The 2018 BMW 7-Series has powerful engine options that give these models a lot of get-up-and-go power. Both the 740i xDrive and the 740e xDrive iPerformance get the same acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in a zippy 5.1 seconds. The only difference is that the 740e gets about 15 percent greater fuel efficiency over the 740i. The V12 engine takes the vehicle up-to-speed in a shocking 3.6 seconds, which is a time that competitors will struggle to beat.

4. Plenty of Rear Seat Space

One of the best things about the 7-Series is its spacious cabin. Not only is the front incredibly spacious, but the rear seat is also quite generous on space. This is something other luxury vehicles struggle with, so the 7-Series surpasses quite a few of its competitors in terms of space.

5. Adaptive Air Suspension is Standard

Standard on every 2018 BMW 7-Series model is adaptive air suspension, which comes with modes that the driver can select. The vehicle's ride height is adjustable, and the adaptive air suspension system gives the vehicle smooth handling capabilities.

6. Numerous Driver Aids

As you might expect from a luxury vehicle, there are quite a few driver aids. However, BMW goes above and beyond to incorporate as many as possible on the 7-Series. A rearview camera comes standard on each trim, and you get a 360-degree camera on the higher trim levels. The higher trim levels also come with the Driver Assisted Parking Assist feature.

7. High-Quality Materials

Keeping with tradition, BMW uses only the highest-quality materials it can on the 7-Series' interior. Looking inside, it is obvious that the company took a lot of time to craft the cabin. The steering wheel is clad in leather, and the leather upholstery on the seats looks exquisite. The premium leather on the higher trims looks extremely durable and expensive.

8. A Quiet and Comfortable Ride

The interior manages to stay nice and quiet, and occupants won't feel too many bumps thanks to the refined adaptive air suspension. The cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise, and the engine noise that can be heard is definitely not intrusive.

9. The Infotainment and Audio Setup

BMW offers a stunning 10.2-inch touchscreen display in the 7-Series. Accessing controls is relatively easy. Also, the sound system on the 7-Series is superb with Harman/Kardon Premium speakers. You get one year of satellite radio for free.

10. A Long List of Customization Options

The 2018 BMW 7-Series is highly customizable. There are multiple engine options to choose from, all of which are particularly powerful. There are also a number of different choices for wheels, a Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, and massaging front seats.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 BMW 7-Series – The Cons

1. Options are Pricey

All of the available stand-alone options are pretty pricey, and the packages will cost you a small fortune. If you have the money to spend on them, the packages are great and really add a lot of luxury to the 7-Series. However, it seems unlikely that many drivers will be able to justify doing so.

2. Minimal Feel For the Road

The 7-Series doesn't provide the driver with a good feel for how it is gripping the road. While this isn't a huge deal-breaker, it would be nice for the driver to feel more confident in how well the tires are gripping the road's surface, especially in inclement weather conditions.

3. The Hybrid's Battery Pack Limits Cargo Space

The 740e has one major hang-up and, to be fair, it's a hang-up other hybrids have. The battery pack severely limits the cargo space. In the future, BMW should consider mounting the pack elsewhere as other automakers are starting to do.

4. Android Auto Isn't Available

For whatever reason, BMW decided to not include Android Auto on the 7-Series. Also, Apple CarPlay is available, but you will have to pay $300 extra for it. This doesn't make much sense, as most automakers will include both smartphone app integration systems as standard features on their vehicles.

How it Stacks up to the Competition:

2018 BMW 7-Series vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the 7-Series' biggest competitors this year. It is the automaker's biggest and priciest lineup, and it is loaded to the brim with safety and tech features. It is extremely high-powered and ultimately fun to drive. The biggest drawback is the price, but if you can afford it, the S-Class is a fantastic choice.

2018 BMW 7-Series vs. 2018 Audi A8

The 2018 Audi A8 is the 7-Series' other main rival. While the elongated wheelbase isn't available on the S8 trim, the vehicle otherwise has relatively few flaws. It has an impeccable interior and impressively smooth ride quality that matches that of the 7-Series.

Conclusion

The 2018 BMW 7-Series is, overall, a spunky and enthralling luxury vehicle to ride around in. While BMW should consider improving the grip and adding standard smartphone app integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, there are many other things to love about this high-powered and high-class vehicle.