7 Best Years for BMW 7 Series: A Glorious Ride Through Time

BMW’s flagship luxury sedan the 7 Series has always been a beacon of innovation, style, and opulence. Since its inception in 1977, this series has continuously pushed the boundaries of luxury and technology in the automotive world. But what are the best years for the 7 Series? Buckle up! We're diving into 7 unforgettable years where the BMW 7 Series truly shone.

Now we aren’t here to bore you with technical jargon but instead provide a fun informative breakdown of each model year. Alex Collantes a long-time BMW enthusiast put it perfectly "The 7 Series is like fine wine—it gets better with age. But you’ve gotta know which vintage to sip on." Let’s get to it!

The 7 Best BMW 7 Series Model Years

1. 1987 – The E32 Revolution

BMW made history with the 1987 BMW 7 Series (E32) as this model truly defined luxury sedans for a whole generation. As the first car to introduce BMW's V12 engine, the E32 was a game-changer. It looked elegant but had the power to back it up. The 750iL was the king of the road and at that time driving it made you feel like you were royalty—literally.

What Stood Out:

• Introduction of V12 engine (750iL)
• First to offer double glazing windows reducing noise to a whisper
• Cutting-edge onboard computer for 1987 standards

Pros:

• Powerhouse performance that felt like a private jet on wheels
• Stylish design that still turns heads today

Cons:

• Fuel economy? Not in this dictionary!
• The electronics can be finicky like a moody cat. If one thing breaks be prepared for a domino effect.

Alex’s Take:

"I loved the E32. It made me feel like a CEO—even when I was just driving to grab groceries."

2. 2001 – The Controversial E65 Redefines Luxury

When BMW launched the E65 in 2001 it was a polarizing design—like pineapple on pizza. Some loved it some hated it but no one could deny it was different. With its bold styling and iDrive system the E65 was ahead of its time. Yes there were a few hiccups but hey nobody's perfect!

What Stood Out:

• iDrive system introduced (though a bit confusing at first)
• The Bangle butt design a love-it-or-hate-it feature
• Active steering for nimble handling in a big sedan

Pros:

• Innovative technology ahead of its competitors
• Comfort and space making long drives feel like a breeze

Cons:

• iDrive was so confusing it probably caused a few fistfights
• The rear-end design... let’s just say it took a while to grow on people

Alex’s Take:

"The E65? Man it’s like dating someone with a strong personality. At first it’s rocky but you eventually appreciate the quirks."

3. 2009 – The Return to Elegance with F01

By 2009 BMW had learned from the E65’s bold mistakes and came out with the F01. Sleek elegant and full of tech the F01 restored the 7 Series’ status as the benchmark of luxury sedans. With refined styling and twin-turbo V8 it balanced performance and luxury effortlessly.

What Stood Out:

• Twin-turbo V8 gave it serious muscle
• 8-speed automatic transmission as smooth as silk
• More intuitive iDrive (thankfully)

Pros:

• Balanced driving dynamics—luxurious yet sporty
• Gorgeous interior with all the bells and whistles

Cons:

• You might need a PhD to navigate all the tech features
• The car is so comfortable you may never want to get out

Alex’s Take:

"The 2009 F01? It’s like finding the right amount of hot sauce. Just the right amount of spice."

4. 2016 – The Technological Marvel G11

Fast forward to 2016 and we get the BMW 7 Series G11 which took luxury and technology to insane new levels. From gesture control to remote parking this was BMW's way of saying "Look what we can do!" It’s like your car graduated with a degree in engineering.

What Stood Out:

• Gesture control for adjusting volume like a magician
• Carbon Core technology to save weight while boosting strength
• Remote parking because why bother doing it yourself?

Pros:

• Packed with futuristic tech you’ll feel like you're driving a spaceship
• Lightweight yet rigid thanks to Carbon Core

Cons:

• Too much tech can make you feel like you’re inside a video game
• Gesture controls are cool... until they start doing things on their own

Alex’s Take:

"I don’t need all the gadgets in the 2016 G11 but it sure is fun to show off to my friends."

5. 2019 – The Facelifted G12: Aggressive Yet Refined

The 2019 BMW 7 Series introduced a facelift to the G12 model giving it a much more aggressive look with that massive kidney grille. Some might say BMW went too far with the size of the grille but hey it’s hard to argue with the results. Underneath the hood the V8 and V12 engine options ensure this beauty has the bite to match the bark.

What Stood Out:

• That massive kidney grille you could probably see from space
• Laser headlights for lighting up the darkest roads
• Enhanced iDrive 7.0 system for a smoother experience

Pros:

• V12 engine makes you feel like you own the road
• Seriously powerful Laserlights making night drives safer

Cons:

• The grille is so big you could use it to grill hotdogs (kidding but you get the point)
• If you don’t like attention—this car will turn heads whether you want it or not

Alex’s Take:

"The 2019 is that car that just says 'I’m here'. The grille? It’s like walking into a room wearing a fedora—people are gonna notice."

6. 2023 – The i7 Takes BMW into the Electric Future

BMW has never been shy about innovation and 2023’s i7 proves it. This all-electric model of the 7 Series brings a bold new era to luxury cars combining eco-friendliness with the lavishness you expect from BMW. It’s the future without sacrificing any luxury.

What Stood Out:

• All-electric i7 model with impressive range
• Luxurious interior with sustainable materials
• Autonomous driving features that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie

Pros:

• Zero emissions without losing any luxury
• Super fast acceleration—EVs are no joke

Cons:

• Charging stations are not as easy to find as gas stations (yet!)
• The lack of a traditional engine sound—no growl here just silence

Alex’s Take:

"Going electric with the i7? It’s like giving up steak for tofu. But honestly in this case the tofu is surprisingly tasty."

7. 1995 – The Underrated E38

Last but certainly not least the 1995 BMW 7 Series E38 is often considered one of the most beautiful 7 Series ever made. It might not have all the tech of today’s models but it was pure elegance on wheels. Whether it’s James Bond’s car chase or just cruising around town the E38 left a lasting mark on the luxury market.

What Stood Out:

• The first car with curtain airbags—safety first!
• Classic timeless design that still holds up today
• Advanced navigation system that was space-age for its time

Pros:

• Smooth ride quality perfect for long trips
• A design that still looks modern and sleek

Cons:

• Fuel consumption is best described as “thirsty”
• The tech is outdated now—don’t expect it to sync to your iPhone

Alex’s Take:

"The E38? It’s like that leather jacket you’ve had for years. Still cool still comfortable and always ready for a good time."

Wrapping It Up – Which One’s Right for You?

Choosing the best year for a BMW 7 Series depends on what you're looking for. If you’re into the classics the 1995 E38 is your dream car. But if you’re a tech junkie the 2023 i7 will make you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie. And for those looking for the perfect balance between luxury and performance the 2009 F01 hits the sweet spot.

BMW has consistently delivered excellence with the 7 Series over the years and though every model has its quirks that’s part of the charm. As Alex Collantes wisely said "There’s no perfect car only the perfect car for you."

So which BMW 7 Series will you choose?