The 7 Series has always lagged behind the Mercedes S-Class in the executive sedan space. The same could be said for the Audi A8, Lexus LS, and Genesis G90, all of which lack the silver star limo’s brand cache and celebrity status. For the shortcomers to succeed, their newest iterations must disturb the segment. They can no longer afford to play it safe, especially with SUV alternatives threatening their existence.

That’s why BMW took such liberties to create a new 7 Series image, featuring gargantuan kidney grills and an old-school, boxy, upright stance. Mix in Rolls-Royce levels of interior decadence and insulation, and the suspension deftness and agility expected from a sedan wearing the blue roundel, and they might be onto something.

To maximize the platform and its customer base, the 7 Series is available with multiple powertrains: full gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and full electric. This highlights their conservative approach to their flagship sedan, whereas rivals like Mercedes, resting on their S-Class laurels, took a larger gamble by developing a bespoke platform for their electric EQ products.

All 7 Series models appear identical on the road, except for their rear bumpers and exhaust tips. However, it’s the 750e PHEV that offers the best of both worlds: a zero-emission mindset without the range anxiety. The electric range is limited to only 55 km on a full battery, but it remains a viable and practical option, depending on your needs and access to a home or public charger. 

Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine rated at 308 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the paired 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery ramps that up to 483 hp and 516 lb-ft combined. Compared to the previous-generation 7 Series PHEV, that’s up 94 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque, and the resulting 0-100 km/h time is 4.8 seconds, only one-tenth of a second off the all-electric i7 xDrive60.

Acceleration is meatiest in the mid-range and the low-end can feel lethargic if the battery is depleted. Otherwise, it’s a smooth transition up to speed – gradual not glacial. But selecting Sport Mode highlights the duality of the 750e, and how much more engaging and involving it is on the road than the S-Class. The suspension tightens up, roll is reduced, and the engine howls like an M440i. It grooves better than an X7, is easier to gel with, its rear-wheel steering system had us genuinely enjoying the hustle on serpentine roads, and it is not afraid to hustle and spill a few glasses of champagne. The 750e is less of a nautical machine compared to its rivals, and you feel more at one with the steering wheel and, by extension, its lateral movements and rotational behaviour. 

Electric mobility has long been a suitable fit for luxury sedans, which often feature inherent acoustic deprivation, and the 750e capitalizes on this. The cabin is pin-drop silent with only select wavelengths of tire noise and squeal making it through the window cracks. The suspension on its softest setting doesn’t provide the magic carpet ride of a Rolls-Royce Spectre, as it still translates minor vibrations into the cabin seats. However, the 750e still rides softly and smoothly, much like a cloud.

And it’s from this alarmingly attractive cabin that you can soak in and extract the most out of the 7 Series. The new steering wheel is both elegant in shape and ergonomically designed for easy handling. The leather grips are overly thick and chunky, but they feel substantial and upscale. Disappointingly, the signal stalks are the same plastic design from 2012, and the same goes for the solo ‘Boost’ paddle shifter, but the remainder of the crystal switchgear is a masterclass of quality. Further, a vibrant light panel stretches the entire width of the cabin and can change colour depending on the driving mode or chosen ambient lighting.

Whether you are destined for the front or rear, slipping into these seats is like falling onto a cozy leather couch after a long day at the office. Heavily cushioned and supportive from all sides, these are possibly the most cosseting BMW seats we’ve experienced. Completing the zen vibes are the thickest and most comprehensive set of roller sunblinds in the rear cabin. The one for the rear windshield covers every corner perfectly and shuts out light so effectively that the driver can’t even see approaching headlights. Legend has it that Bavarians are part-time vampires. The 750e is simply one of the few executive sedans where any one of the five available seats is an appealing throne.

Instead of the outgoing 7 Series’ removable Samsung tablet, the 750e now uses 5.5-inch fixed touchscreens on the door panels that streamline the control system. They govern every function from the seating position and massage to the brightness of the reading lights. It doesn’t come across as gimmicky, though we found it more cumbersome than real switches and buttons. However, it should bode well and keep the 750e floating into the next few years of upcoming tech.

For those criticizing the out-of-proportion nostrils, you’re entitled to that opinion. We thought the same at first glance of this stately carriage. Many share the same sentiment about the 4 Series and iX, but judging by their impressive sales numbers and the sheer number we’ve spotted on the road, it seems to be an opinion shared only by a sizable minority.

The grill lights up too, complimenting the crystal-like sparkle of the headlights, so you can spot this flying fortress approaching from a mile away. We think it’s an automotive peacock that could have been more elegant and visually successful if it had doubled down on an understated Toyota Century vibe, but at least the copious layers of chrome and shimmering blue tints in the Carbon Black paint make it appear grand without flying over the radar. 

The BMW 750e strikes a balance between propulsion choices, tackling each as effectively as the other. A technological showcase with the road comfort expected of its flagship status, it’s never afraid to flex its Bavarian muscle and hustle down a winding road, giving the driver a proper sweat. It’s a split personality that you won’t find in a Mercedes S-Class or Tesla Model S, and we hope to see many more on the road, glow-up nostrils and all.

Specifications:

Model: 2024 BMW 750e xDrive
Paint Type: Carbon Black
Base Price: $142,500
Price as Tested: $158,950
Wheelbase(mm): 3,215
Length/Width/Height (mm): 5,391 / 1,950 / 1,544
Powertrain: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery
Horsepower: 483 hp combined
Torque: 516 lb-ft combined
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Electric range: 55 km
Observed Fuel Economy: 10.8 L/100 km (on empty battery)
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza 285/35R21rear; 255/40R21 front