2019 BMW 7-Series Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you have been scouring the Internet recently for a new full-sized luxury sedan, you have probably come across at least a couple of mentions of the 2019 BMW 7-Series. While it carries over basically unchanged from the 2018 model year's line-up, there are plenty of up-to-date pieces of technology and exquisite interior details to be enjoyed.

Still, the 7-Series used to be a lot more driver-oriented, to the point where it led the pack. Now, however, the pack is catching up. Auto manufacturers like Audi are competing with BMW to put out the best and brightest luxury sedans, and the 7-Series has stiff competition this year. Yet so many of these competitors do not match the 7-Series' all-around solid driving performance and vast interior space (which is mostly due to the fact that a standard-length wheelbase does not exist in this line-up).

The 7-Series has a remarkably smooth adaptive air suspension that provides a cozy ride quality that other vehicles in this segment have trouble besting. There are also a number of powerful engine options to choose from, including a turbo-charged V12 and a plug-in hybrid variant.

So, which of the 2019 BMW 7-Series' five trim levels is the best fit for you? Might it be the base 740i? How about the line-topping and super sporty M760 xDrive? Or would the hybrid 745e xDrive suit your needs the most? Read on through to the end of this comparison review, and, by then, you should have a bit more clarity as to which of these trims - if any - is right for you.

Compare the 2019 BMW 7-Series 740i vs 740i xDrive Trims. What is the difference?

Up first in the 2019 BMW 7-Series line-up is the 740i. This trim starts at $86,450 and receives its power from a 3.0-L twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. As you might have guessed from the lack of 'xDrive' in the name, this trim level is rear-wheel drive only. (For those who are not aware, 'xDrive' is BMW's fancy way of referring to its all-wheel drive system.) The only real difference between the 740i and the 740i xDrive is the drivetrain, so, for the sake of reviewing the other trims, the rest of this section will focus on the features that these two trim level variants share.

The 740i and 740i xDrive can be custom-built in your choice of one of eleven stunning paint colors, which can be metallic or non-metallic. They ride atop 18-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels, have exterior chrome accent finishes, power folding and heated side mirrors, and Icon adaptive LED headlights. Automatic high beams also come standard. Oh, you also get an active kidney grille, brake energy regeneration, automatic start-stop, dynamic damper control, power steering assist, an electronic parking brake, aluminum subframes for the front and rear, and a chrome core construction.

A lot of great things can be found inside of the 740i models as well. Gorgeous leather upholstery lines the cabin, and there is a high gloss fine line wood trim that accompanies it. Brushed aluminum surrounds the black center stack, and there are 20-way power-adjustable front seats with 4-way power lumbar support, driver and passenger seat memory settings, an articulated upper back rest, and adjustable thigh and side support. On top of all that, you get floor mats and a system that allows for through loading.

The audio set-up you get in these variants is also the same. You get a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that comes with a 600-watt amplifier and an equalizer. Also, an anti-theft Am/FM radio, HD Radio, and one-year trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio come standard. Both vehicles comes with the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, which features two USB ports, navigation, Bluetooth, and more. The Connected Package Professional adds the Connected app, concierge services, and real-time traffic information. There is also one year of Apple CarPlay, but there is no smartphone app integration with Android Auto. Gesture Control, BMW TeleServices, ConnectedDrive Services, and a tire pressure monitoring system are equipped on both trim variants as well.

There is also no shortage of standard comfort and convenience features. The 740i and 740i xDrive have a heated steering wheel, the Parking Assistant Plus system with a 360-degree surround-view camera, advanced vehicle and key memory, Comfort Access keyless entry, a power-opening and closing trunk lid, four-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror and rear view mirror, LED Light carpet, extended ambient lighting throughout the cabin, and three-stage heated front seats. Additionally, these vehicles come with a HomeLink universal garage door opener, a locking glovebox, wireless charging, and WiFi hot spot connectivity.

Of course, you also get a ton of safety and security features on even these base trims. Adaptive brake lights come standard, as do an anti-theft alarm system, the active driving assistant, coded driveaway protection, LED daytime running lights that you can program, Pathway Lighting, BMW Assist eCall, and BMW Remote Services. Remote Services gives you remote door unlock, stolen vehicle recovery, and the BMW Connected app.

Compare the 2019 7-Series 740i xDrive vs 750i xDrive Trims. What is the difference?

Moving on up, the 750i xDrive gives you a lot of the same features that you will find on the 740i models but adds quite a bit more. For starters, it gets a more powerful 4.4-L twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. An air suspension with two axles that is self-leveling also gets included, and, obviously, all-wheel drive comes standard. Otherwise, the vehicle's mechanical features carry over from the lower trim variants.

On the outside, the 750i xDrive looks mostly the same as the 740i models. The interior does get upgraded to Nappa leather, and a few more features (like USB connections and a microphone) are added in order to enhance your smartphone app capabilities. There are also a full-color head-up display, an expanded check control vehicle monitoring system, soft-close automatic doors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Additional safety features include impact sensors and the Active Protection System, which prepares the vehicle for impact and also has a Fatigue and Focus Alert for the driver.

Compare the 7-Series 750i xDrive vs 745e xDrive Trims. What is the difference?

If you want to leave a somewhat smaller carbon footprint and save money on fuel, then there is the 745e xDrive. This trim level is a plug-in hybrid variant that is powered by a 3.0-L 6-cylinder gasoline-powered engine, an AC synchronous electric motor and 8-speed Sport automatic transmission. It has a 12 kWh lithium ion battery as well. This plug-in hybrid's powertrain gets a total of 280 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque and helps the 745e xDrive hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Electronically controlled engine cooling, a 1.4 kW occasional use charging cable, and a 3.7 kW J1772 AC charger come equipped on the 745e xDrive.

One exterior difference is that the 745e xDrive rides around on smaller, 18-inch wheels, which helps it get an improved fuel efficiency. You will also see a lot of unique BMW iPerformance design aspects on the body, which help to distinguish it from the other 7-Series trim levels. Meanwhile, the cabin looks pretty similar to the 740i models, and the list of standard infotainment, comfort and convenience, and safety features are just about the same, too.

Compare the 7-Series 745e xDrive vs M760 xDrive Trims. What is the difference?

If the lower trim levels are not sporty enough for you, the line-topping, $157,700-plus M760 xDrive might be. The price jump between the 745e x Drive (which has a starting MSRP of just under $100,000) and this trim is pretty staggering, but you will see quite a few important upgrades. The most obvious one is the 6.6-L twin-turbo V12 engine, which musters up a massive 600 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Also, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds, leaving its competitors in the dust.

Since this is an M Sport trim level, expect to see the hallmarks of the M Sport. You get the M Sport exhaust system, which includes cerium grey twin tailpipe embellishers. You also get Active Comfort Drive with a Road Preview feature, Integral Active Steering with a variable steering ratio, an M Sport rear spoiler, and chic 20-inch Double Spoke light alloy wheels equipped with performance tires.

On the inside, you will see plenty of upgrades as well. In addition to upgraded Nappa leather on the seats and instrument panel, the rear has comfort seats. Also, there is fineline black wood interior trim, an Alcantara headliner, a black console lined in brushed aluminum, an illuminated V-12 logo on the door sill finishers, and a black panel display with LCD main and trip odometer displays. The dynamic digital instrument cluster measures in at 12.3 inches, and there is also a condition-based service display.

Creature comforts go beyond even that to include an infrared windshield, climate comfort laminated glass, heating for the front seat's arm rests, and remote engine start. The exterior door handles come with lights that illuminate the ground, the front and rear seats all gain ventilation, and the front seats get a massaging feature.

Final Thoughts

All of the 2019 BMW 7-Series trims look pretty tempting to buy, and none of them disappoint when it comes to their driving performances. But finding the right one among this pricey line-up is a bit of a chore.

Truth be told, the mid-level 750i xDrive presents the best overall deal. It has just the right amount of desirable features and is equipped with a powerful engine. Since most buyers won't be looking to splurge on the line-topping M760 xDrive, the 750i xDrive should do just fine. Anything below that just feels a little too basic for such a beefed-up price tag.