Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Significant powertrain updates
• Expanded xDrive availability
• Revised styling and updated interior
• New front-seat design
• Redesigned iDrive system
• New Bang & Olufsen audio system
• Attention Assistant technology

Exterior Features
BMW offers the 2013 7 Series in 740i, 750i, 760i, B7 Alpina, and ActiveHybrid 7 models. Extended-wheelbase versions of the 740i, 750i and 760i have an "Li" designation, while versions with all-wheel drive are referenced by "xDrive."

Interior Features
BMW has redesigned its iDrive communications system, adding new graphics and 3-D elements to the display, enhanced destination setting and guidance elements, and full speech recognition capability. The 2013 7 Series also features new front seats, revised ambient cabin lighting, and enhanced sound insulation for a quieter cabin.

Optional Features
Options available for the 2013 7 Series include Integral Active Steering, rear comfort seats, rear-seat entertainment system, Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system, self-parking technology, M Sport package, Executive package, BMW individual personalization, and more.

Under the Hood
The BMW 740i is equipped with a new turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine generating 315 horsepower. The 750i variants have a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 engine producing 445 horsepower, now with variable valve timing. Both engines are paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, or, for xDrive, all four wheels. These models also feature fuel-saving automatic stop/start technology, and Driving Dynamics with Eco Pro and a highway "coasting" mode.

The performance-tuned version of the BMW 750i is called the B7 Alpina. The engine produces 500 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. The BMW 760Li model features a twin-turbocharged V-12 engine generating 535 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm.

For 2013, the ActiveHybrid 7 replaces the former V-8 engine with the 740i model's turbo-6 engine. Combined with an electric motor and a Lithium-ion battery pack, the ActiveHybrid 7 creates a combined 349 horsepower while providing 14% better fuel economy than the 740i in the EU test cycle, according to BMW. On electric power alone, the ActiveHybrid 7 can also cover up to 2.5 miles at speeds up to 37 mph, the automaker claims.

Fuel Economy
Fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 BMW 7 Series models had not been established when this overview was written.

Safety
BMW 7 Series safety-related feature highlights include Active Protection pre-crash technology, Attention Assistant, BMW Assist with Automatic Collision Notification, reversing camera, and front and rear park-assist sensors.

Safety options include Enhanced Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection, blind-spot monitoring system, active LED headlights, and a Surround View camera system.

The 2013 BMW 7 Series had not been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when this overview was written.