2019 BMW 7-Series Pros vs Cons

The 2019 BMW 7-Series continues the legacy of the sixth generation of these models with its typical array of excellent engine options and well-designed interior. Despite needing something of a face-lift to the exterior to help distinguish it from the competition, the 7-Series is a spacious and comfortable luxury sedan that manages to keep pace with the likes of Audi and Mercedes.

What's New for 2019?

Even though it seems that the 2019 BMW 7-Series could use a bit of a refresh, there have been no significant changes made, and most things will carry over from the 2018 model.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 BMW 7-Series – The Pros

1. Great Engine Options

Regardless of which trim level you get, the 2019 BMW 7-Series gets plenty of power. On the base trim (the 740i), there is a 3.0-L inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine that is able to generate 320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. If this is not enough power for you, the 750i trim level comes with a 4.4-L V8 engine that produces 443 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the line-topping M760i xDrive offers an even stronger option - a 6.6-L turbocharged V12 engine that puts out an astounding 601 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque and has all-wheel drive equipped. Then there's the 2.0-L 4-cylinder and electric motor pairing on the hybrid variant which garners a total of 322 hp.

2. Plenty of Standard Features

Standard features come aplenty on the new BMW 7-Series. On the base 740i trim alone, you get adaptive LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, parking sensors for the front and rear, automatic high beams, power-folding side mirrors, seats that are heated and power-adjustable 10 different ways, a rear-view mirror that automatically dims, and chic, well-stitched leather inside of the cabin. There is also the standard iDrive system for all of your infotainment needs and plenty of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic control and lane departure warning.

3. The Adaptive Air Suspension

Adaptive air suspension comes standard on the 2019 BMW 7-Series. This system has an inflatable air sac that lets you raise and lower the vehicle height according to which mode you want to drive in. Lowering the adaptive air suspension effectively lowers the vehicle so that loading cargo into the rear becomes a little bit easier. If you plan on doing some light off-roading, you can raise the adaptive air suspension on the 7-Series to get some extra ground clearance.

4. A Spacious Cabin

Inside of the BMW 7-Series, you will find plenty of space. Up front, there is more than enough head, leg, shoulder, and hip space for both the driver and the passenger. In the rear, there is still enough space so that bigger adults who sit back there do not feel terribly cramped. There are also quite a few small storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin that make it easy to keep the vehicle organized and keep your expensive cell phones, tablets, and laptops safe. As for cup holders, there are plenty of those to go around too.

5. The Plug-in Hybrid Option

The 2019 BMW 7-Series has a fantastically powerful plug-in hybrid variant that is known as the 740e xDrive iPerformance. With an electric motor and engine that collectively put out 322 hp and a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, the 740e has no problem keeping pace with its gasoline-powered siblings. It certainly leaves some of its plug-in hybrid competitors in the dust. As far as standard features on it go, the 740e comes with everything that you find on the 740i save for the unique accents you will find adorning the cabin.

6. High-quality Interior Materials

The cabin is a perfect reminder that you are riding in the lap of luxury. With its eye-catching trims and sophisticated leather upholstery, the 7-Series is composed of high-quality materials. Nothing seems like it will break down over time, and you will not find any cheap plastic parts trying to look high-class. The seats are all comfortable and well-bolstered to provide lumbar support, so taking long rides is enjoyable in the 7-Series.

7. iDrive Technology is User-friendly

A lot of infotainment interfaces that you find on different automakers' vehicles are complex, convoluted, and overall poorly designed. This is not the case for the 2019 BMW 7-Series, which features BMW's iDrive technology. The options menu on the touchscreen display is large, well-labeled, and not too sensitive to the touch. Save for smartphone app integration, there are a lot of digital connectivity options to be explored and utilized.

8. The Driver Assistance Plus Package

If you are a driver who is extra keen on safety features, then you might want to consider adding on the Driver Assistance Plus package. This package gives you lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with a stop-start feature, a traffic jam assistant, and front cross-traffic warning. The traffic jam assistant is a helpful feature that engages lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control to help you mitigate traffic back-ups with ease and security.

9. The Autobahn Package

Another package that drivers like is the Autobahn package. With the Autobahn package, you can equip the 2019 BMW 7-Series with a predictive suspension adjustment system. This system will automatically switch the settings on the vehicle's dampers when it detects that a particular road condition calls for this to happen.

10. Some Package Items Are Also Available As Stand-alone Options

Many of the features that you can find bundled into expensive packages are available as stand-alone options if the packages are not for you. Some of these stand-alone options include night vision, a spare tire, an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins audio system, upgraded brakes, remote controlled parking, and a sunroof that has multi-hued LED lights that get projected into it. These options let you customize the 7-Series to your liking without overloading you with features you might find useless as part of a bundle.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 BMW 7-Series – The Cons

1. Lacks Road Feel

Unfortunately, one of the biggest qualms that drivers will have with the 2019 BMW 7-Series is that it is lacking in terms of road feel. This is not typical for a luxury sedan, especially for a BMW. Drivers who have experienced the steering and handling on previous BMW models will definitely notice the difference as to how much responsiveness and feel is missing from the driving performance.

2. Options Are Pricey

As you might expect from a luxury sedan, options get expensive. Even though there are a lot of attractive and helpful stand-alone options and packages, adding just a few of them could rack your bill of sale up hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Buyers will want to be careful with how they plan out their vehicle if they are working on a more limited budget.

3. Lacking Smartphone App Integration Availability

One of the most perplexing issues with the 2019 BMW 7-Series is that Apple CarPlay is only available as an expensive annual subscription. Add to that the fact that Android Auto is not even available and you have one major smartphone app integration dilemma! For those who want to use the apps they have on their smartphones while driving, this will likely be quite the annoyance. Also, most of BMW's competitors (and now even the less expensive vehicles on the market) feature full smartphone app integration as standard across their line-ups. If BMW wants to compete, it might want to reconsider its smartphone app integration availability status.

4. It Looks Slightly Outdated

One of the things that some drivers notice about the 7-Series is that it looks a little bit more outdated than some of its competitors. While there are minor changes that have been made to the body, there is not much to suggest that the 7-Series is the most fresh-faced kid in school.

How it stacks up to the competition:

2019 BMW 7-Series vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been a major rival for the 7-Series, and it is no wonder why. The 2019 line-up is nothing short of magnificent, featuring high-powered engine options and an Executive Edition that has been graced by the Swarovski presence. The biggest drawback for the S-Class is, of course, the cost, with the starting MSRP ranging well above that of the 7-Series. And options? Those get even more expensive.

2019 BMW 7-Series vs. 2019 Audi A8

The 2019 Audi A8 is a tough competitor for the 7-Series. It prices just a smidge above the 7-Series and features standard mild-hybrid technology on its base trim. Audi offers a ton of different exterior and interior color and design configurations, and there is even a foot massage function available with the four-seat version with the Executive Rear Seat Comfort package added on. Of course, the additional costs will also be an issue on the Audi A8 for some buyers.

Conclusion

The 2019 BMW 7-Series is one of the more affordable luxury sedans on the market this year, but that does not mean that it compromises on comfort or performance. In fact, having multiple solid engine options is what really makes the 7-Series stand apart from its competition this year. Even the plug-in hybrid is nothing to scoff at.