BMW 7 Series History — Every Generation

E23 (1977-1986) — The First

• BMW's first dedicated luxury flagship
• Engines: 2.8L-3.5L inline-six
• Introduced many firsts: ABS, on-board computer, service interval indicator
• Competed with Mercedes S-Class (W116/W126)

E32 (1986-1994) — The Technological Leap

• First BMW V8 (M60) and V12 (M70)
• First BMW with traction control
• First BMW with double-glazed windows
• 750i/750iL: 5.0L V12, 300 hp — ultimate luxury

E38 (1994-2001) — The Elegant One

• Widely considered the best-looking 7 Series
• Featured in James Bond "Tomorrow Never Dies"
• First BMW with satellite navigation
• First BMW with curtain airbags
• Engines: M52/M62 inline-six and V8, M73 V12
• The E38 750iL is a modern classic

E65/E66 (2001-2008) — The Controversial One

• Chris Bangle design — polarizing styling
• First iDrive system
• Most technologically advanced car of its era
• Also one of the most problematic (electronics issues)
• Engines: N62 V8, N73 V12
• Long wheelbase (E66) was the primary variant

F01/F02 (2008-2015) — The Refined One

• More conservative design after E65 backlash
• Significantly improved reliability
• First 7 Series with turbo engines (N55, N63)
• ActiveHybrid 7 — first hybrid 7 Series
• Gesture control introduced (late models)

G11/G12 (2015-2022) — The Tech Flagship

• Carbon Core body structure (CFRP reinforced)
• Significant weight reduction
• Remote parking (car parks itself via key fob)
• Executive Lounge rear seating
• Engines: B58, N63, B57 diesel
• M760Li: 6.6L V12, 585 hp — last V12 BMW

G70 (2022-present) — The Electric Future

• Controversial split headlight design
• Available as i7 (fully electric, 544 hp)
• 31.3" rear theater screen
• No more V12 — end of an era
• Most luxurious BMW interior ever
• Engines: B58, S68 V8 (M760e hybrid), electric (i7)

The 7 Series has always been BMW's technology showcase — features that debut in the 7 eventually trickle down to the rest of the lineup.