The verdict
A strong full-size luxury sedan, strong on technology and held back by ownership.
The 2024 BMW 7 Series is a rolling technology showcase with a back seat that rivals need an L-badge to match — 43.3 inches of rear legroom, a standard 14.9-inch curved display, standard air suspension, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system on a car that starts at $97,395. Its inline-six is one of the smoothest engines on sale and the cabin is a class benchmark for materials. What it asks in return is money: KBB projects $61,530 of depreciation in five years, the EPA figures $2,800 a year in premium fuel, and neither NHTSA nor IIHS has ever crash-tested this generation. Buy it new for the experience, or wait three years and let someone else pay for the badge.
Jump to scoresStrengths
- A back seat that shames most limousines
- Technology that is standard, not paywalled
- The inline-six is the quiet star of the lineup
What holds it back
- Depreciation is the real sticker price
- No independent crash test data exists
- Fuel and running costs bite
Top alternatives
Cars shoppers cross-shop with the BMW 7 Series
3.50A-
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassFull-Size Luxury SedanBetter at: Ride isolationThe direct rival and the segment benchmark for isolation — quieter and more cosseting, if less agile and no cheaper to own.
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3.19B
Genesis G90Full-Size Luxury SedanBetter at: ValueComparable flagship space and equipment for tens of thousands less, with a longer warranty, included maintenance, and stronger resale.
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3.52A-
BMW i7Full-Size Luxury SedanBetter at: Running costsThe same cabin and screens with an electric drivetrain, for buyers with home charging who want lower running costs and even less noise.
CompareHow it's evolved
10 scored model years · 2017–2026
Subject scores by year
Hover or tap a score to see what moved it versus the year before. A corner mark flags a big swing.
| Year | Performance | Efficiency | Safety | Space | Cost | Reliability | Tech | Use-case | Driving | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76 | 32 | 82 | 87 | 10 | 80 | 88 | 62 | 76 | 76 |
| 2025 | 77 | 40 | 77 | 87 | 16 | 69 | 88 | 51 | 72 | 75 |
| 2024 | 78 | 40 | 63 | 87 | 16 | 70 | 88 | 53 | 73 | 72 |
| 2023 | 71 | 43 | 71 | 88 | 16 | 64 | 87 | 47 | 75 | 77 |
| 2022 | 70 | 34 | 70 | 87 | 16 | 71 | 82 | 47 | 73 | 67 |
| 2021 | 70 | 36 | 70 | 87 | 16 | 66 | 79 | 48 | 70 | 68 |
| 2020 | 73 | 28 | 58 | 85 | 16 | 68 | 81 | 46 | 70 | 73 |
| 2019 | 70 | 28 | 54 | 84 | 16 | 70 | 68 | 44 | 69 | 72 |
| 2018 | 70 | 28 | 46 | 84 | 16 | 70 | 68 | 43 | 69 | 72 |
| 2017 | 70 | 24 | 44 | 84 | 16 | 71 | 65 | 43 | 69 | 75 |
Compare two years
Best fit & conditions
Higher scores mean a better fit for that use case. Learn more about use-case fit →
Subject profile
Academic Probation · NHTSA safety recalls
Jul 1, 2026Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control moduleThe integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 Mini Cooper S, Mini Countryman S All4, X2, 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, 2023-2025 i7, 7 Series, X7, 2024-2025 i5, 5 Series, 2023-2024 XM, X1, 2024-2025 X6, and X5 vehicles. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Risk
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The Integrated brake system will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 21, 2026. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 24V739 or 24V104 will need to have the new remedy completed.
NHTSA campaign 26V422000 ↗428 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 25, 2026Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 740I XDRIVE, 750E XDRIVE, 760I XDRIVEFeb 19, 2026Electrical system: wiringThe electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 M5 Sportswagon, 2025-2026 M5, 2024-2025 750e xDrive, 2025-2026 550e xDrive, 2023-2025 I7, 2023-2025 7 Series, 2024-2026 i5, and 5 Series vehicles. The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.
Risk
A damaged wiring harness can short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the air conditioning systemâs electrical wiring harness and add a retaining strap/bracket to the harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 13, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V096000 ↗58,713 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Apr 16, 2026Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 750E XDRIVEOct 2, 2024Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control modulePlease see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, X5, X6, X7, XM, 530i, i5, 740i, 760i, i7, and 750e vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Risk
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated brake module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 22, 2024. Second letters will be mailed once the parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously repaired under recall number 24V-104 and will need to have the new remedy completed.
NHTSA campaign 24V739000 ↗11,579 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 27, 2024Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 750E XDRIVE, 760I XDRIVESep 25, 2024Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: armThe steering spindle may break requiring a greater steering effort to control the vehicle.
Defect
BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2025 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive, 2024-2025 i5 eDrive40, i5 M60 xDrive, 2025 i5 xDrive40, 2024 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, 750e xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, and i7 M70 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may break requiring a greater steering effort to control the vehicle.
Risk
A sudden increase in required steering effort increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering spindle's double universal joint, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 22, 2024. Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 24V714000 ↗982 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 22, 2024Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I XDRIVE, 750E XDRIVE, 760I XDRIVESep 18, 2024Electronic stability control (esc): control module · Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/modulePlease refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.
Defect
BMW of North America (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 X1, 2024-2025 X5, 2025 X6, 2023-2025 X7, 740i, 760i, 2024 XM, 530i, 540i, i7, 750e, X2, 2024-2025 i5, 2024 Rolls Royce Spectre, 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4, JCW Countryman ALL4, and 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, Cooper S) vehicles. Please refer to the recall report for the complete list of models. The welds in the servomotor of the integrated brake control module may break, causing a loss of power brake assist and rear brake function. In addition, the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system may not function.
Risk
A loss of brake power assist or rear brake function can result in extended stopping distance. A loss of ABS or DSC can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 13, 2024. Owners can contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 24V697000 ↗309 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 13, 2024Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 750EFeb 12, 2024Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control modulePlease see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Risk
A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
NHTSA campaign 24V104000 ↗266,716 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jun 28, 2024Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 750E, 750E XDRIVE, 760IOct 18, 2023Electrical system: adas: driver monitoring: camera/sensorThe ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an inoperative hands-on detection system.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2024 740i, 740i xDrive, 760i xDrive, i7 eDrive50, i7 xDrive60, i7 M70, 2024 750e xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, i5 eDrive40, and i5 M60 vehicles. The ground connection to the steering wheel may not have been attached correctly, resulting in an inoperative hands-on detection system.
Risk
An inoperative hands-on detection system may fail to detect when the driver's hands are not on the steering wheel and therefore not engage the emergency stopping assistant system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and reattach the ground connection as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V700000 ↗12,296 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Dec 8, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 750E, 760I
23 recalls on other model years of the 7 Series (2017–2023)
Jul 8, 2026Electrical system: starter assembly: relayThe engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 530e xDrive, 2017-2019 740Le xDrive, 2018-2020 530e iPerformance, 2016-2018 330e iPerformance vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Risk
A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 30, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning August 28, 2026.
NHTSA campaign 26V441000 ↗29,119 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 30, 2026Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LE XDRIVE IPERFORMANCESep 25, 2025Electrical system: starter assemblyAfter repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
NHTSA campaign 25V644000 ↗145,102 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Feb 9, 2026Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LIAug 1, 2024Electrical system: starter assembly · Engine and engine cooling: engine: engine control module (ecu/ecm): softwarePlease see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.
Risk
A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 24V576000 ↗105,588 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 27, 2024Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 740XISep 20, 2023Visibility/wiperThe windshield wipers may fail during certain weather conditions.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 740i, 760i xDrive and i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The windshield wipers may fail during certain weather conditions.
Risk
Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper system, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 15, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V644000 ↗3,820 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 15, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 760IJul 12, 2023Electrical systemThe Interaction Bar, located on the dashboard, may not activate the windshield defrosting/defogging system and/or the hazard warning lights. In addition, those control buttons may not illuminate when pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems", and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 740i, 760i xDrive and i7 xDrive60 vehicles equipped with an Interaction Bar. The Interaction Bar, located on the dashboard, may not activate the windshield defrosting/defogging system and/or the hazard warning lights. In addition, those control buttons may not illuminate when pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems", and 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
The inability to operate the defrost or hazard warning lights can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the Interaction Bar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V479000 ↗384 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 6, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 760IJun 28, 2023Electrical system: propulsion system: hybrid managementThe high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, resulting in improperly connected and/or assembled components inside the CCU.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive50, iX M60, i4 eDrive40, i4 M50, and 2023 i760 xDrive hybrid electric vehicles. The high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, resulting in improperly connected and/or assembled components inside the CCU.
Risk
An improperly connected or assembled CCU can interrupt electrical power while driving and result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU), free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 23, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V449000 ↗69 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 23, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 760IJun 8, 2023SeatsThe front seat length adjustment system may not have been welded properly.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 740i, 760i xDrive, and i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The front seat length adjustment system may not have been welded properly.
Risk
An improperly welded front seat may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front seats and if necessary, replace the seat front structure including the seat length adjustment system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 3, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V414000 ↗318 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 3, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 760IFeb 3, 2023Air bags · SeatsIn certain seat monitoring conditions, the front passenger seat electronic control unit (ECU) software may not recognize the seat position, and disable the front passenger air bag, knee air bag, and active headrest.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 760i xDrive and i7 xDrive60 vehicles equipped with the Executive Lounge Seating Package. In certain seat monitoring conditions, the front passenger seat electronic control unit (ECU) software may not recognize the seat position, and disable the front passenger air bag, knee air bag, and active headrest.
Risk
A disabled front passenger air bag, knee air bag, or active headrest will not deploy as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the front passenger seat electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 10, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 23V050000 ↗397 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 10, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 760INov 21, 2022Electrical systemThe telematics control unit may not transmit the vehicle location information to emergency responders.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 BMW 740i, 760i xDrive, and i7 xDrive60 vehicles. The telematics control unit may not transmit the vehicle location information to emergency responders.
Risk
Emergency response may be delayed without the vehicle location information, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the telematics control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 17, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 22V860000 ↗169 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Jan 17, 2023Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 760ISep 13, 2022Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2022 745e hybrid electric vehicle. The high voltage battery may have been produced with a battery cell electrode that was improperly sized during the laser cutting process, which may result in an electrical short-circuit.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2022 745e hybrid electric vehicle. The high voltage battery may have been produced with a battery cell electrode that was improperly sized during the laser cutting process, which may result in an electrical short-circuit.
Risk
A short-circuit in the battery cell can increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the affected battery cell module, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on November 30, 2022. Owners were contacted by phone and by First Class mail on October 28, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 22V683000 ↗16 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Oct 28, 2022Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 745EAug 2, 2021EngineDuring engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.
Risk
Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V598000 ↗50,024 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 17, 2021Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 745LEFeb 19, 2021Back over prevention: sensing system: camera · Back over prevention: softwareWhen shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V096000 ↗13,858 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Apr 16, 2021Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740I, 745LE, 750LI, M760IFeb 10, 2021Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulicThe rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
Risk
A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V062000 ↗893 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified May 25, 2021Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LI, 745LE, 750LI, M760LIFeb 3, 2021Power train: driveline: driveshaftThe output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive and 2021 740Li xDrive vehicles. The output shafts (left/right) which transfer power from the driveshaft to the rear wheels may break due to a heat treatment error during supplier production.
Risk
A broken output shaft can lead to a loss of drive power or a rollaway condition in a parked vehicle (if the parking brake is not engaged), increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the output shaft(s), free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 21V046000 ↗28 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 24, 2021Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LIDec 9, 2020Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryThe connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Risk
Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V761000 ↗812 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Mar 30, 2021Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LISep 30, 2020Electrical system: propulsion system: traction batteryDebris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Risk
The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Remedy
BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V601000 ↗4,509 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 24, 2020Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 745LEJun 30, 2020Child seat: tether: connector/clipThe top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 740Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive, M760Li xDrive, and Alpina B7 vehicles. The top child seat tether anchor on the rear middle seat may not be readily accessible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, Section 6.1(b) "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk
A child restraint system placed on the vehicle's rear middle seat without utilizing the three-point safety belt, could increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a top tether anchor cover at the rear middle seating position. Until vehicles are remedied, owners will be instructed to utilize the outboard rear seating positions which are equipped with an accessible top tether anchor, or, the middle rear seating position and the vehicle's three-point safety belt. The recall began August 20, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 20V379000 ↗16 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 20, 2020Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LI, 750LI, M760ISep 27, 2019Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraThe back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
NHTSA campaign 19V684000 ↗257,473 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Nov 8, 2019Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LE, 740LI, 745LE, 750LIAug 12, 2019Electrical system: software · Seat beltsA software error in the electronic control unit (ECU) may disable the audible warning signal for an unbelted driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW 745e xDrive vehicles. A software error in the electronic control unit (ECU) may disable the audible warning signal for an unbelted driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
Without an audible warning, the driver may forget to buckle the seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 19V589000 ↗173 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Oct 11, 2019Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 745EJul 3, 2019Engine · Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pumpThe high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 750i xDrive, 2019 M850i xDrive Coupe, M850i xDrive Convertible, X5 xDrive50i, X7 xDrive50i, and M5 vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may not have been properly attached to the engine, which may cause the fuel pump flange to crack, resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 19V513000 ↗115 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 27, 2019Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 750ISep 20, 2018Equipment: electricalCapacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Risk
An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 18V652000 ↗3,501 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Feb 22, 2019Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740LEJul 11, 2018Engine and engine cooling: engineThe crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign 18V465000 ↗5,309 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Sep 6, 2018Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as 740IJun 14, 2017Engine and engine coolingThe affected vehicles may have had incorrect engine oil cooler line installed, causing an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2018 M760Li xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles may have had incorrect engine oil cooler line installed, causing an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Risk
If oil leaks onto the front brake discs, a greater distance may be needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil cooler line, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-240.
NHTSA campaign 17V377000 ↗206 vehicles potentially affected (all models in the campaign)Owners notified Aug 11, 2017Filed by BMW of North America, LLCFiled as M760LI
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall database, model years 2017–2026. Recalls are listed by model year as the manufacturer filed them; whether a specific car is affected depends on its VIN — check a VIN at nhtsa.gov ↗. NHTSA model names matched to this page: 740I, 740I XDRIVE, 740LE, 740LE XDRIVE IPERFORMANCE, 740LI, 740XI, 745E, 745LE, 750E, 750E XDRIVE, 750I, 750LI, 760I, 760I XDRIVE, M760I, M760LI.
Detailed scoring by subject
1Performance & PowertrainOne of the 7 Series's strongest categories.3.29B+
The volume gas trim for 2024 is the 740i xDrive, carrying the B58TU2 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid starter-generator, unchanged from the G70's 2023 launch.
BMW rates the 740i's B58TU2 at 383 lb-ft peak, with the 48-volt starter-generator adding a momentary overboost to roughly 398 lb-ft — the higher figure is the transient, so the sustained peak is the value used.
BMW's own figure for the all-wheel-drive 740i xDrive is 4.9 seconds; the rear-drive 740i gives up three tenths off the line despite identical output.
The B58 inline-six is one of the smoothest six-cylinders sold, and the 48-volt system fills in low-rpm response so effectively that reviewers describe the 740i as feeling near-V8 in delivery with no perceptible turbo lag or restart shudder.
The ZF-sourced 8-speed Sport Automatic in the G70 is the segment benchmark — imperceptible part-throttle upshifts, prompt kickdown, and no hunting — and in the 7 Series it is calibrated for smoothness over aggression, which suits the car.
xDrive all-wheel drive is optional on the 740i and standard on every other 2024 7 Series (750e xDrive, 760i xDrive), so it is effectively fleet-wide, but it is a road-biased rear-drive-default system with no low range or terrain modes.
For 2024 the 7 Series line covers a turbo inline-six, a twin-turbo V8, a 483-hp plug-in hybrid and — as the i7 badge on the same G70 platform — three fully electric variants, which is about as wide a spread as any sedan on sale.
2Efficiency & RangeOne of the 7 Series's weakest categories.0.62F
EPA combined rating for the volume gas trim, the 740i xDrive with the 3.0L turbo I6 and 48-volt mild hybrid; the mild-hybrid system helps but this is still a 5,000-lb full-size luxury sedan.
EPA city rating for the 740i xDrive; the 48-volt starter-generator supports stop-start and light coasting but there is no meaningful electric-only city operation.
EPA highway rating; the tall gearing of the 8-speed automatic and slippery bodywork give the 7 Series a respectable cruising figure for its mass, though it trails smaller sedans by a wide margin.
EPA does not publish a range figure for gasoline vehicles, so this is the published 19.5-gallon tank capacity multiplied by the EPA combined rating — a large tank paired with a decent combined figure gives the 740i genuinely long legs between fills.
EPA's annual fuel cost estimate at standard assumptions; the premium-fuel requirement is what pushes the figure toward the high end of the sedan band despite a mid-20s combined MPG.
The B58 requires premium unleaded — not merely recommended — and the 19.5-gallon tank means a fill is expensive even though it buys a long range; there is no regular-fuel or flex option anywhere in the gas lineup.
3SafetyMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.24C
NHTSA carries the 2024 7 Series Sedan in both drivetrain configurations but has never crash-tested either: every frontal, side, pole and rollover sub-rating returns "Not Rated". Per this framework's convention, 0 is the sentinel for a vehicle NHTSA never rated — it is the absence of a result, not a zero-star crash outcome. Six-figure German flagships routinely go untested, exactly as the Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class do.
IIHS has published no crashworthiness result of any kind for the G70 7 Series — no small overlap, moderate overlap, updated side, roof strength or head restraint rating exists, and the car appears on no Top Safety Pick list in any year of the generation. There are no adverse findings either, so this is unverified rather than weak, but a buyer of a $96,400 flagship gets zero independent crash data while BMW's own 5 Series and X3 from the same model year carry TSP and TSP+ awards.
The standard Active Driving Assistant on every 2024 7 Series configuration is unusually broad for a base suite: AEB with forward collision warning and pedestrian/cyclist detection, active blind-spot detection, rear AND front cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, evasion assistant, speed limit info, Safe Exit warning, parking sensors and adaptive LED headlights with auto high beam. The gap is adaptive cruise control, which is not standard at any price on the 740i — it arrives only with the $1,750 Premium Package or the Driving Assistance Professional Package, and true lane keeping/centering comes only with the latter. Standard BSM and dual cross-traffic coverage put this well above the A8's paywalled suite, but a flagship where ACC and lane centering are both extra-cost cannot reach the top band.
BMW's radar-and-camera AEB with city collision mitigation and pedestrian/cyclist detection is standard, and the same generation of the system earned strong IIHS front crash prevention results on the BMW models that were tested — the 2024 5 Series earned Top Safety Pick, which requires acceptable-or-better pedestrian front crash prevention. But IIHS has never run front crash prevention on the 7 Series itself, so neither the vehicle-to-vehicle nor the day/night pedestrian evaluation exists for this car. Scored as capable-but-unverified hardware rather than a documented Superior result.
This is the strongest part of the standard suite. Active Blind Spot Detection is standard on every configuration and is genuinely active — steering-wheel vibration plus corrective steering input, not a mirror LED alone — and it is backed by standard rear cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic alert, and a Safe Exit function that uses the ultrasonic sensors to warn of an approaching cyclist before a door opens. Nothing here sits behind a package. Held just under the top band only because the surround-view camera that would round out the coverage is a $1,750 Premium Package item.
Lane departure warning is standard, but Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance and true lane centering arrive only inside the Driving Assistance Professional Package. When fitted, BMW's centering is among the best in the class — an instrumented road test reported it tracking dead-center for many miles without ping-ponging. The capability is top-band; the fact that a base 740i has warnings only is what holds the score down.
Adaptive cruise with Stop & Go is a refined full-speed-range system here, integrated with Highway Assistant, automatic lane change, emergency stop assist and route-based speed adaptation, and reviewers who tested the fully-equipped car found no rough edges. The 7 Series was BMW's US launch vehicle for this generation of the system. It is docked from the top band purely because no version of adaptive cruise is standard: the buyer must add the $1,750 Premium Package for basic ACC or the Driving Assistance Professional Package for the stop-and-go and highway-assist version.
BMW Highway Assistant offers true hands-off driving on divided, controlled-access highways with an infrared camera monitoring driver attention, plus Active Lane Change that the 2024 update lets the driver confirm by glancing at the corresponding mirror. It is a mature, well-reviewed system and the 7 Series is one of the models that carries it. It stops short of the top of the band on road coverage: BMW's mapped network in 2024 was narrower than GM Super Cruise's, and the feature is a $2,000–2,500 option rather than standard equipment.
Adaptive LED headlights with cornering light and automatic high-beam assist are standard on every trim, which is the structural requirement for a high score — there is no trim on which a buyer gets a worse beam. BMW's optional Crystal Headlights with Iconic Glow are a styling upgrade, not a brighter beam. The ceiling here is verification rather than hardware: IIHS has published no headlight rating for the 7 Series in any year of this generation, so "Good across the range" is inferred from BMW's results on tested models rather than measured on this one.
Large side glass gives good sightlines in most directions, but the rear window is short for the body and this is a 212-inch car with a high beltline, so the rear three-quarter view is average at best. The standard compensation is a backup camera, front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display; the surround-view 3D camera that would actually solve placing this car is a Premium Package extra. The optional 31-inch rear theater screen blocks the rear view outright when it is lowered.
Two complete LATCH sets at the rear outboard positions plus a top tether for the center seat is the full expected provision, and the practical side is unusually good: 44.4 inches of rear legroom and very wide rear door openings — power-operated as standard on this generation — make loading a seat far easier than in most sedans. Working against it are a high sill and deeply padded seat backs that bury the lower anchors, and a center position compromised by the console and hump, so genuine 3-across is a stretch on a car this wide.
4Space & ComfortOne of the 7 Series's strongest categories.3.96A+
The 2024 US 7 Series is a five-seat sedan in every configuration — BMW does not sell the four-seat Executive Lounge rear-bucket layout in the US market on the 740i.
Near the top of the sedan band despite the panoramic moonroof being standard equipment — the G70's tall greenhouse and upright seating position preserve head clearance. BMW's own European-convention figure for the same shell runs higher (41.6 in), so the US-published measurement is used here.
The one genuinely unremarkable interior dimension: 41.2 inches is mid-pack by sedan norms, because the G70's 126.6-inch wheelbase funnels its length advantage into the second row rather than the front footwell. Tall drivers are still well served by the standard 18-way power seats.
Near the top of the sedan band — the G70's squared-off roofline and high rear seat H-point give genuine limousine headroom, and the standard panoramic roof does not eat into it the way a sunroof does in a lower-roofed rival.
At the top of the sedan band and the single defining number of this car — the US-market G70 is sold only in what other markets call the long wheelbase, so the standard 7 Series has back-seat space that rivals need an L-badge to match.
Near the top of the sedan band and the largest trunk in the 7 Series family — the gas car gives up nothing to a battery pack, and a standard power trunk lid plus a folding rear seat back make the space usable.
The weakest part of an otherwise exceptional interior. The Interaction Bar's touch-opening glovebox and the wireless charging tray are neat, but reviewers who lived with the car found the glovebox, center console and door bins all small for a 212-inch flagship — the storage is ordinary compact-sedan volume behind a spectacular dashboard.
Standard 18-way power front seats with heating, and heated rear seats standard as well — a level of baseline adjustment few rivals match without options. Massaging and ventilated front seats arrive with the $4,600 Executive Package, and the $3,000 Luxury Rear Seating Package adds power, ventilated and massaging rear seats. Held out of the very top band only because the best rear-seat comfort is a five-figure option stack.
Adaptive, self-levelling air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard on every 2024 7 Series — not an option as on some rivals — and reviewers describe the ride as glassy and composed even over worn pavement. It stops just short of the S-Class benchmark on the standard 20-inch wheels, where sharp expansion joints still register.
Acoustic glazing, extensive sound deadening and the inherently smooth B58 inline-six make this one of the quietest cabins on sale; road testers report little wind or road noise at highway speed. A notch below the electric i7 built on the same shell, which has no engine to isolate in the first place.
Quad-zone automatic climate control, heated front AND rear seats, a heated M Sport steering wheel, power rear sunshades and remote pre-conditioning through the My BMW app are all standard on the base 740i — the comfort content a rival reserves for its options sheet is included here, with ventilation, massage and heated armrests as the paid upgrades.
5Cost of OwnershipThe 7 Series's lowest-graded category.0.00F
The entry gas trim of the 2024 G70 7 Series is the rear-drive 740i at $96,400 before BMW's $995 destination charge, putting it far above the sedan normalization band's $55,000 ceiling.
The all-wheel-drive 740i xDrive is the volume gas configuration in the US market at $99,400 + $995 destination, and typical dealer stock carries a few thousand dollars of packaged content on top.
KBB's 5-Year Cost to Own breakdown for the 2024 7 Series projects $3,932 of maintenance and $2,659 of repairs; the first three years of scheduled service are covered by BMW Ultimate Care, so most of that lands in years four and five.
KBB projects $61,530 of depreciation against a $35,865 five-year residual — steep even by flagship-luxury standards, which is the segment's defining ownership penalty and the reason a used 7 Series is a bargain and a new one is not.
BMW's New Vehicle Limited Warranty runs 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first — a year longer than the mainstream 3/36 standard and matched to its German luxury rivals.
Unusually among automakers, BMW does not extend powertrain coverage past the basic term — engine, transmission and drive axle expire at the same 4 years/50,000 miles, well short of the 5–10 year band the framework grades against.
BMW Ultimate Care covers all scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles and is transferable on MY2022-and-newer cars, layered over 4 years of unlimited-mileage roadside assistance and the 7 Series' connected-services, Digital Key and remote-software-upgrade entitlements — multi-year included maintenance plus genuinely meaningful perks, at a time when Mercedes-Benz no longer includes scheduled service on the S-Class.
$104,000 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (36.8% retained, or about $38,272) leaves about $65,728 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,591 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $72,319 in total.
6Reliability & QualityGrades above the middle of the scale.2.77B-
J.D. Power rates the 2024 7 Series 80/100 for Quality & Reliability ('Great'), and the brand behind it now tests at the industry average rather than below it. Against that, 2024 is only the second year of the G70 generation and the car's weak points are electronic rather than mechanical — iDrive 8.5 bugs (freezes, black screens, CarPlay dropouts), Theatre Screen/Interaction Bar complaints, and a brake-control-module defect that NHTSA has now seen recalled four separate times. Average-to-slightly-above for a full-size luxury sedan, not top-tier.
BMW's dependability standing has improved markedly and is now the best of the German luxury makes. The 2024 J.D. Power VDS put BMW 9th of all brands and 3rd among premium marques at 190 PP100 — exactly the industry average — and Consumer Reports placed BMW inside its reliability top five while naming it the #1 overall brand for a second straight year. Still short of the Lexus/Toyota tier, which is what keeps this out of the 80+ band.
The 2024 740i carries five NHTSA campaigns, and the pattern is the problem rather than the count: four of the five (24V104, 24V697, 24V739 and again 26V422 in July 2026) all address the same integrated brake system defect that can cost power brake assist and disable ABS and DSC — a safety-critical fault BMW has had to re-recall three times after the initial remedy. The fifth (23V700) covers a steering-wheel ground connection that leaves hands-on detection inoperative, disabling the emergency stopping assistant. Nothing powertrain-related or fire-related, but repeated campaigns on braking and driver-monitoring systems land this in the rubric's bottom band.
The volume gas 740i runs the B58TU2 3.0L turbocharged inline-six (375 hp) with a 48V mild-hybrid starter-generator, driving a ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic. The B58 is the strongest-reputation modern BMW engine — closed-deck block, no systemic failure trend, routinely reported past 200,000 miles — and the ZF 8HP is the segment's durability benchmark. The 48V system and its belt-driven generator are the newest and least proven element, which is what holds this below the 90s.
The G70 cabin is a class benchmark: Merino leather with an available cashmere/wool-blend upholstery, open-pore wood and stainless trim, and CraftedClarity crystal applications on the shifter, iDrive controller and Interaction Bar. Reviewers consistently rank its materials at or near the top of the full-size luxury field alongside the S-Class, with the crystal switchgear and the Interaction Bar reading as genuinely novel rather than decorative.
Dingolfing assembly is consistently tight — reviewers describe fit and finish as flawless, with no pattern of panel-gap or rattle complaints across G70 test cars. The drag on initial quality is electronic, not structural: iDrive 8.5 glitches and the odd Theatre Screen/rear-entertainment fault dominate early-ownership reports, and BMW's J.D. Power IQS results sit near the industry average rather than above it. One physical outlier worth noting is scattered reports of spontaneous panoramic-roof glass cracking.
BMW ran roughly 350 US passenger-car and SAV centers in 2024 — dense metro and suburban coverage in all 50 states, marginally thinner than Mercedes-Benz's ~380 and thinner still in rural areas. Service satisfaction is respectable but not a strength: BMW did not place in the top three of any premium segment in J.D. Power's 2024 Customer Service Index, which Lexus led overall at 897 and Porsche led among premium cars at 902. Ownership is cushioned by 4-year/50,000-mile coverage plus 3-year/36,000-mile BMW Ultimate Care scheduled maintenance.
Availability is genuinely good — 350 dealers plus the deepest independent European parts channel in the US (FCP Euro, ECS Tuning, Turner Motorsport) — but cost is punishing once the 4-year warranty lapses. RepairPal puts BMW brand upkeep at about $968/year against a ~$652 industry average with 0.9 unscheduled shop visits per year versus 0.4 industry-wide, and the 7 Series runs well above the brand average. The G70's expensive-to-replace hardware compounds it: integrated brake module, two-axle air suspension, rear-axle steering, 48V components, the 31.3-inch Theatre Screen and power-operated doors.
7Technology & InfotainmentThe 7 Series's best-graded category.3.99A+
The 14.9-inch half of BMW's Curved Display is standard equipment on the base 740i — there is no smaller screen on any 2024 7 Series — and it sits near the top of the sedan band.
iDrive 8 on the Curved Display is fast, beautifully rendered and still keeps a rotary controller and a volume knob — but BMW deleted the physical HVAC controls, moved climate into the glass Interaction Bar and the touchscreen, and buried common functions several swipes deep. Reviewers who lived with the car called it digital overkill; the hardware is class-leading and the information architecture is not.
Both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on the base 740i, with no wired-only trim and no subscription gate — the top of the band. BMW's earlier CarPlay subscription experiment is long gone.
BMW Maps is genuinely good native navigation — cloud-based routing with live traffic, standard on every trim — and the Intelligent Personal Assistant takes natural-language commands for climate, media and vehicle settings. The deduction is reliability rather than capability: road testers found the assistant answered inconsistently, which is what pushes owners back to phone projection.
The base system is not a base system — an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup is standard on the $96,400 740i, and the optional 40-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound with 4D bass exciters is among the best audio installations sold in any car. Nothing in the segment beats it, and few match the standard system.
A 12.3-inch fully digital cluster is standard on every trim as the left half of the Curved Display, sharing the same glass and graphics engine as the center screen. It loses a little to the very best only because BMW's iDrive 8 cluster layout is less configurable than the screen real estate suggests.
BMW Remote Software Upgrade delivers whole-vehicle over-the-air updates to the G70 — not maps only — and BMW has used it to ship functional additions to this generation, including the enhanced Highway Assistant rollout in spring 2024. It sits below Tesla/Rivian-style cadence rather than below the capability line.
The My BMW app covers remote lock/unlock, remote climate pre-conditioning, vehicle status, send-to-car navigation and remote parking, and BMW Digital Key Plus turns an iPhone or Apple Watch into a hands-free key with ultra-wideband — you can leave the fob in a bag and the car unlocks as you approach. Core functions are included rather than subscription-gated on a car at this price.
USB-C outlets front and rear plus a standard wireless charging pad and a standard Wi-Fi hotspot cover everything a passenger needs, and the optional Theatre Screen brings its own HDMI/streaming provision for the back seat. Short of the top band only because there is no household AC outlet or onboard-power feature.
Comfort Access keyless entry and push-button start are standard, a power trunk lid is standard, Digital Key Plus supplies phone-as-key, and the G70 adds something no rival offers — power-operated automatic doors, opened from the key, the app, the door handle or the Interaction Bar, that also close themselves at a touch of the brake.
A backup camera, front and rear parking sensors and Park Assist are standard, and the optional Parking Assistant Professional — with surround view, Reversing Assistant and remote-controlled parking — was singled out by testers as one of the best systems of its kind. Kept out of the top band because the 3D surround-view camera is a $1,750 Premium Package item on a $96,400 car.
A full-color head-up display is standard equipment on the base 740i rather than a top-trim extra — the structural requirement for a high score here. It is a conventional windshield HUD, not the augmented-reality panoramic unit BMW would later introduce, which is what keeps it below the ceiling.
8Use-Case FitOne of the 7 Series's weakest categories.1.57D
The raw dimensions are outstanding for family duty — 43.3 inches of rear legroom, wide rear door openings, two full LATCH sets outboard plus a center top tether — and the optional power doors mean a child can be sealed in without a slam. Working against it: a five-seat cabin only, a center position compromised by the console, deeply padded seat backs that bury the lower anchors, and a $96,400 price that makes juice boxes a leap of faith.
The standard Active Driving Assistant suite is broad — AEB with pedestrian/cyclist detection, active blind-spot detection, front and rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit — but two things hold this down for family buyers: neither NHTSA nor IIHS has ever crash-tested the G70, so there is no independent crash data at all, and adaptive cruise is a paid option even at six figures.
This is where the 7 Series earns family points: quad-zone climate, heated rear seats and power rear sunshades standard, near-limousine rear legroom, a 19.1 cu ft trunk that swallows a family's bags, and the optional 31.3-inch Theatre Screen with streaming — the closest thing to a rear-seat cinema on sale. Only the five-seat limit and the small door bins keep it out of the very top band.
Standard adaptive air suspension, an unusually smooth mild-hybrid inline-six and a ZF eight-speed that shifts imperceptibly make this a genuinely low-fatigue car to sit in traffic in. What it is not is small: threading a 212-inch sedan through a commute takes attention no matter how well it rides.
27 MPG combined is respectable engineering for a 4,855-lb flagship, but it is not cheap commuting: the EPA puts annual fuel at about $2,800 on required premium, and the consumables — 20-inch staggered tires, big brakes, BMW service labor — are flagship-priced. A commuter looking at cost per mile is in the wrong showroom.
212.2 inches long, 76.8 inches wide and turning in about 42 feet without the optional rear-wheel steering — this is a hard car to park, and no amount of software changes the footprint. It is rescued from the bottom of the band by genuinely excellent aids: standard sensors and Park Assist, and an optional surround-view and Parking Assistant Professional that testers rated among the best self-parking systems available.
A luxury sedan with no US tow rating, no bed, no payload provision beyond passengers and luggage, and a trunk opening shaped for suitcases. The 19.1 cu ft trunk and folding rear seat back cover a trip to the hardware store and nothing beyond it.
Everything about this car is the opposite of wear-tolerant: cashmere-wool or Merino leather trim, an all-glass Interaction Bar dashboard, 5.8 inches of ground clearance, air suspension and power doors — each a repair bill under abuse. The B58 inline-six itself is a proven, durable engine, which is the only reason this is not lower.
No onboard AC power, no roof rails, no factory hitch, no tie-down provisions beyond a trunk net, no washable surfaces, and no upfit ecosystem of any kind. There is nothing here for a jobsite.
As a mile-eater this is near the top of anything on sale: about 527 miles between fills from the 19.5-gallon tank, a cabin with little wind or road noise, 18-way power seats with available massage, standard air suspension, and — with the Driving Assistance Professional Package — hands-free Highway Assistant that reviewers found tracked dead-center for many miles. Only the option-gating of the best ADAS keeps it off 100.
xDrive all-wheel drive and self-levelling air suspension make it genuinely competent on a snowy or gravel road, which is more than a rear-drive rival manages. Everything else says pavement: 5.8 inches of ground clearance, low-profile 20-inch tires, no roof rails, no US tow rating and no accessory ecosystem for carrying toys.
The 19.1 cu ft trunk is the largest in the segment and a folding rear seat back extends it for skis or flat-packed items, so normal luggage for four is easy. But a sedan trunk aperture, no roof rails, no hitch and notably small in-cabin bins mean anything bulky simply does not go.
9Driving ExperienceGrades above the middle of the scale.2.95B-
Standard adaptive air springs, adaptive dampers and active anti-roll bars keep a 4,855-lb, 212-inch sedan remarkably flat, and with the optional Integral Active Steering it shrinks around the driver on a back road. But this generation is tuned unambiguously for comfort — grip and composure are high, involvement is not, and the outgoing G12 felt sharper to enthusiasts.
Accurate and consistently weighted, and it communicates enough to place the car precisely — but it is light by intent and short on genuine road feedback, which is the correct calibration for a limousine and a disappointment from the brand that used to set the benchmark.
The gas 740i's conventional hydraulic brakes are strong and easy to modulate — reviewers describe powerful braking for a car of this mass, and optional M Sport Brakes are a $650 standalone. This is one item where the gas car beats its own siblings: the 750e PHEV's regen blending was criticized as uneven, and the 740i has no blending to get wrong.
The B58TU2 inline-six with its 48-volt starter-generator is about as good as internal combustion gets: no perceptible turbo lag, torque filled in from just off idle, and a stop-start restart smoothed to near-invisibility, all handled by a ZF eight-speed whose part-throttle shifts are undetectable. Notably smoother than the 750e PHEV, whose gas-electric handoff below 35 mph testers found uneven.
An inherently balanced inline-six behind flagship-grade isolation: nearly inaudible at cruise, and pleasantly smooth rather than sporting when pushed. It gives up ground only to the silent i7 on the same platform, and BMW's piped IconicSounds engine note divides opinion.
The unavoidable cost of a 126.6-inch wheelbase: the standard car needs about 42 feet to turn around, outside the sedan band entirely. Integral Active Steering, which turns the rear wheels up to 3.5 degrees, cuts roughly two feet off that, but it is an option on the 740i rather than standard equipment, so the volume trim is scored without it.
The physical driving position is excellent — 18-way power front seats, a heated M Sport wheel, a commanding sightline over a long hood and a standard head-up display keeping eyes up. What costs it points is control placement rather than posture: climate and seat functions moved into the touchscreen and the glass Interaction Bar, so routine adjustments take swipes instead of a reach.
The 740i is fast enough to be satisfying — 4.9 seconds to 60 with a creamy inline-six soundtrack — and more agile than its dimensions suggest. But this generation chose serenity over sport: it is a car you enjoy arriving in rather than one you take the long way home in, and enthusiasts who want the drive buy an M5 or a 760i.
10Value & Market PositionGrades above the middle of the scale.2.85B-
The 740i arrives standard with the curved display running iDrive 8.5, panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate, 20-inch wheels, Travel & Comfort System, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and Digital Key — solid but not lavish, because everything that actually distinguishes a 7 Series (31-inch Theatre Screen, Executive Lounge rear seating, automatic doors, Panoramic Sky Lounge roof, Bowers & Wilkins, ventilated/massaging seats) is a four- or five-figure option.
At $97,395 delivered the 740i undercuts a comparably positioned Mercedes S 500 by roughly $20,000 while delivering a 375-hp mild-hybrid inline-six, air suspension and the segment's most advanced cabin tech, so the content-per-dollar case at sticker is strong; a projected 37% five-year retention and heavily priced option packages pull the real-world figure back toward fair rather than exceptional.
For 2024 the one body style spans three powertrains and roughly $96k to $168k — 740i, 740i xDrive and V8 760i xDrive on gas, the 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid, and i7 eDrive50, xDrive60 and M70 EVs — which is unusually wide choice for a flagship; the deduction is that the US gets a single wheelbase and that configuration is driven by expensive packages rather than distinct trim walks.
BMW moved 5,575 gas 7 Series in the US in 2024 against 8,810 S-Classes, but the G70 generation is on a rising trajectory where the Mercedes is falling sharply, and adding i7 volume puts the nameplate in genuine contention for the segment lead — steady, healthy performance in a small niche rather than a runaway seller.
BMW remains one of the strongest and most aspirational premium badges in the US with a loyal owner base, but the G70's slab-sided, split-headlight, oversized-kidney-grille styling is openly divisive in a segment where presence is much of the purchase, which costs this particular car some of the halo the roundel would otherwise carry.
Flagship sedans are the most negotiable cars BMW sells, and 2024 was no exception: five-figure lease support on the 740i stacked with loyalty cash and subvented financing, which is a large buyer benefit without the smell of desperation clearance.
2024 is the second year of the seventh-generation G70, launched for 2023 on a clean-sheet platform with iDrive 8.5, the curved display and the 31-inch Theatre Screen — about as far from redesign risk as a buyer can get, with the lineup still expanding rather than winding down.
Reviewers consistently praise the ride, cabin materials, rear-seat experience and powertrain refinement, and the car has collected real hardware, but the divisive exterior and a much-criticized reliance on screens and touch controls keep it from being the default comparison-test pick against the S-Class.