The BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Review is a bold statement of luxury and technology.
I researched whether its blend of opulence and performance justifies the premium price tag.
Discover if this flagship sedan offers the ultimate balance of comfort, innovation, and driving spirit.
Key Takeaways
- The BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport offers a superb blend of luxury, technology, and balanced performance.
- Its interior is undeniably opulent, filled with premium materials and advanced features.
- The driving experience is refined, prioritizing comfort, but retains a level of sportiness thanks to the M Sport enhancements.
- The wealth of cutting-edge technologies can both amaze and potentially overwhelm.
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Review: Verdict
The BMW 740i M Sport offers a superb blend of luxurious comfort, advanced technology, and athletic handling.expand_more However, its polarizing design and potentially high cost might leave some buyers seeking a more traditional or budget-friendly luxury sedan.
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Exterior Design
Overall Impressions
The BMW 7 Series has always commanded presence, and the latest model amplifies that dramatically.
Its sheer size and the controversial enlarged kidney grille ensure you won’t mistake it for anything else on the road.
The design language is polarizing, likely to provoke either strong admiration or distaste.
Front Styling
The front end is dominated by the massive kidney grille, now illuminated as an optional feature.
Love it or hate it, it’s an undeniable statement piece. Flanking the grille are headlights – standard adaptive LEDs or optional laser units – that maintain BMW’s signature light pattern.
The M Sport bumper introduces aggressive sculpting and larger air intakes for a sportier aesthetic.
Side Profile
From the side, the 7 Series exhibits classic long-hood, short-deck proportions.
A prominent character line flows from the headlights to the taillights, adding visual dynamism.
Wheel options range from 19-inch up to a striking 21-inch, all in M Sport designs.
The Hofmeister kink, a hallmark BMW design cue, remains present though subtly reimagined.
Rear Design
The rear echoes the front, with slim LED taillights connected by a chrome strip.
M Sport touches include a subtle diffuser and quad exhaust tips (though these may be hidden underneath in certain markets).
Overall, the rear feels cleaner and more understated than the front but might fall into a somewhat generic look without the eye-catching grille.
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Interior Design and Luxury
First Impressions
Stepping inside the BMW 740i M Sport, you’re enveloped in an abundance of luxurious materials and technology-laden surfaces.
Supple leather upholstery is available in numerous exquisite colors, accented by tasteful wood or metal trim options.
Spaces for both the driver and passengers are incredibly generous, creating an uncluttered and airy ambiance.
Front Seats
The front seats are supremely comfortable, with a wide range of adjustability, power lumbar support, as well as available heating, ventilation, and massage functions.
They offer the ideal mix of support for enthusiastic driving and relaxation for long journeys.
Rear Seats
The rear seating is where the 7 Series truly shines.
Ample legroom allows passengers to stretch out, especially in the long-wheelbase configuration.
Opting for the Executive Lounge package transforms the rear into a haven, with reclining seats, footrests, and individual entertainment screens.
Table: BMW 7 Series Interior Options
| Feature | Material Choices |
|---|---|
| Upholstery | Merino Leather / Sensafin |
| Trim | Fineline Wood / Aluminum / Carbon Fiber |
| Ambient Lighting | Customizable multi-color system |
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Performance and Driving Dynamics
Engine and Transmission
Powering the BMW 740i M Sport is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine coupled with a mild-hybrid system.
This powertrain delivers 381 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration is brisk, reaching 60 mph in a manufacturer-estimated 5.4 seconds.
Handling and Agility
The 740i M Sport balances a luxurious ride with engaging handling. Its standard adaptive air suspension, coupled with M Sport-tuned dampers, allows it to confidently navigate winding roads and soak up imperfections with aplomb. Steering is precise and responsive, with an appropriate amount of weight for the vehicle’s size. Body control is excellent for a large sedan, minimizing excessive roll when cornering.
Ride Comfort
While the M Sport package prioritizes sportiness, the 7 Series excels in its ability to isolate passengers from the outside world.
Road and wind noise are exceptionally well-managed, contributing to the premium feeling throughout the cabin.
Even with large wheels, the suspension ably smooths out the majority of road imperfections.
Driving Modes
Drivers can tailor the car’s character via selectable driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and EcoPro. Comfort mode is the default, providing a serene driving experience.
Sport mode sharpens throttle response, firm up the suspension, and adds weight to the steering for increased driver involvement.
EcoPro mode maximizes fuel efficiency by slightly reducing engine output and adjusting climate control settings.
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 w/ mild hybrid |
| Performance | |
| Horsepower | 381 hp @ 5200-6250 rpm |
| Torque | 383 lb-ft @ 1850-5000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (xDrive AWD optional) |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 seconds (estimated) |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited) |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length | 212.2 inches |
| Width | 76.8 inches |
| Height | 60.8 inches |
| Wheelbase | 126.6 inches |
| Curb Weight | 4,619 – 4,997 lbs (varies with options) |
| Passenger Volume | 101.8 cubic feet |
| Cargo Capacity (Trunk) | 19 cubic feet |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20.6 gallons |
| Fuel Economy (estimated) | |
| City | 22 mpg |
| Highway | 29 mpg |
| Combined | 25 mpg |
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Technology and Innovations
BMW Curved Display
The BMW 7 Series debuts the brand’s innovative Curved Display, seamlessly integrating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen under a single curved glass panel.
Graphics are incredibly crisp, and transitions are remarkably smooth.
The display runs the latest iDrive 8 operating system.
BMW Operating System 8
iDrive 8 brings revised menus, customizable layouts, enhanced voice control, and advanced personalization features.
Navigation benefits from augmented reality capabilities, projecting directional overlays onto a live camera feed.
The system can feel complex initially, but BMW offers resources to ease new owners into its many functions.
Driver Assistance Systems
The 740i M sport comes equipped with a suite of driver assistance technologies.
Adaptive cruise control maintains distance from traffic ahead, and lane-keep assist aids with steering.
Automatic emergency braking detects potential collisions.
Numerous parking assistance features, like self-parking, can take the stress out of maneuvering the large sedan.
BMW Interaction Bar
Stretching across the dashboard, the Interaction Bar is a unique design element with embedded touch controls and customizable ambient lighting.
It grants quick access to climate control adjustments, driving modes, and other frequently used settings.
Rear-Seat Entertainment
BMW elevates rear-passenger entertainment with the optional Theater Screen.
This massive 31-inch 8K display descends from the ceiling, transforming the back seat into a private cinema.
It integrates with Amazon Fire TV for streaming content and offers touch controls or operation via individual tablets.
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system completes the immersive experience.
Optional Upgrades
BMW provides a multitude of optional features to further enhance the 7 Series.
Among them are remote parking capabilities via your smartphone and augmented reality navigation that overlays turn directions onto a live camera feed in the instrument cluster.
Driver Assistance Features
| Feature | Function |
|---|---|
| Active Cruise Control | Maintains safe distance from vehicles ahead |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Provides steering corrections to stay within lane markings |
| Parking Assistant Plus | Automated steering and braking for parking maneuvers |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Detects potential collisions and applies brakes |
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Practicality and Everyday Usability
Cargo Space
The BMW 7 Series provides a generous trunk with 19 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
For added space, the rear seats can be folded in a 40/20/40 split for carrying longer items.
While not class-leading, the trunk should be more than sufficient for everyday needs and weekend getaways.
Fuel Economy
Thanks to its mild-hybrid system, the 740i M Sport delivers decent fuel economy for a car of its size.
Fuel economy figures may vary slightly depending on individual driving styles and specific options chosen.
Visibility
Despite its imposing dimensions, outward visibility from the driver’s seat is surprisingly good.
Large windows, thin pillars, and a suite of cameras (including a 360-degree view) mitigate potential blind spots and ease maneuvering in tight spaces.
BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport Ownership Experience
Cost of Ownership
The BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport comes with a premium price tag, reflecting its flagship status and array of luxury features.
Keep in mind that additional options and packages can quickly escalate the total cost. Maintenance costs can also be expected to be higher than on a more mainstream vehicle.
Depreciation may be a factor, particularly in the first few years of ownership.
Warranty and Reliability
BMW provides a 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty along with complimentary scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles.
While BMW holds a reputation for performance, the complex electronic systems in the latest 7 Series might raise some reliability concerns down the line.
It’s advisable to thoroughly research owner experiences before purchase.
Should You Buy the BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport?
Pros
- Incredibly opulent and spacious interior
- A powerhouse of cutting-edge technological innovations
- Refined driving dynamics with composure and a surprising degree of agility
- Strong and efficient turbocharged inline-six engine
Cons
- Potentially high overall cost
- Polarizing exterior design may not appeal to everyone
- The sheer number of advanced technology features can have a steep learning curve
FAQs
What is the difference between the BMW 740i and 760i?
The BMW 760i xDrive features a significantly more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This translates to dramatically faster acceleration times compared to the inline-six-powered 740i. Otherwise, both share the same core technologies and luxury features.
Is the BMW 7 Series reliable?
Historically, BMW 7 Series reliability has been mixed. Previous generations suffered some issues with complex electronics. As the most technologically advanced iteration yet, the new 7 Series might require increased vigilance as early adopters report on long-term ownership.
Does the BMW 7 Series have massaging seats?
Yes, massaging seats are typically available as part of optional luxury seating packages. These packages often include additional comfort features like ventilation and multi-way power adjustments.
What are the main competitors of the BMW 7 Series?
The BMW 7 Series competes directly with other flagship luxury sedans, including:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Audi A8/S8
Lexus LS
Porsche Panamera
Conclusion
The BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport is an undeniably impressive luxury sedan. It coddles passengers in a sumptuous interior brimming with the latest technological advancements.
The M Sport trim infuses a level of sporty driving character while retaining a significant focus on comfort.
The controversial exterior styling might be a deterrent for some, and the complexity of onboard systems could take time to master.
Ultimately, the BMW 7 Series 740i M Sport caters to a unique buyer seeking a statement of technological prestige within an opulent automotive package.
If that describes your priorities, then BMW’s flagship deserves close consideration.
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