Today BMW kicks off production of the all-new 2023 7 Series at its plant in Dingolfing, Germany. The company’s flagship sedan hits the production lines with both combustion and fully electric powertrains with the versions sharing the same assembly lines. The factory in southern Bavaria is one of BMW’s more than 30 production sites around the world and is currently its largest in Europe. The new 7 shares the plant with the 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, and iX. The annual output of the factory is close to 250,000 units.

To prepare the Dingolfing plant for the start of production of the 7 Series and i7, BMW invested more than €300 million (around $312 million at the current exchange rates). For the first time, the production process of the luxury sedan involves automated maneuvers within the production environment by just-assembled 7 Series vehicles. After delivering the very first examples used as demo vehicles by dealerships, BMW will begin delivering customer cars in the autumn of this year.

Our new BMW 7 Series is the first luxury sedan in the world to offer customers a choice between three types of drive. Whether fully electric, combustion-powered or, soon, plug-in hybrid, we have the flexible production structures and outstanding integration skills we need to manufacture such a diverse range of drives efficiently,” Milan Nedeljkovic, BMW AG Board member for production, comments.

BMW used production shutdowns at the plant to convert the production lines previously responsible for the older generation 7 Series to manufacture its successor. The Bavarian automaker decided against building brand new structures and instead optimized the existing ones saving millions of dollars in the process. However, a special process has been established for the two-tone paint of the new 7 Series combining standard techniques from series production with manual painting from Dingolfing specialists.

The firm is also especially proud that it assembles the i7’s electric drive components in-house at Dingolfing. Some of these components include the battery and the integrated electric drive system, which are all manufactured nearby the Dingolfing plant at BMW’s Competence CEonter for e-Drive Production. Currently, the facility can produce components for more than 500,000 electric cars per year.

The days of the diesel engine are pretty much numbered. Ever since Volkswagen’s Dieselgate exploded to reveal scandal manipulations in emissions tests, many automakers decided to reduce their diesel lineups or discontinue them entirely. However, there’s still solid demand for some diesel-powered vehicles in Europe and these remain some of the most efficient cars on the road. But how efficient exactly a modern diesel is?

Joe Achilles, a vivid BMW enthusiast and relatively popular YouTuber, wanted to answer this question and took a BMW 7 Series 730d from the previous generation of the model to see how many miles it can do on a single tank of diesel fuel. His goal was to travel from London to Madrid through the Eurotunnel, Northern France, and Spain.

First, let’s talk about the car. As mentioned above, it is a 7 Series 730d (G11), which means there’s a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel engine under the hood. This mill is known as the B57 and has an output of 261 horsepower (195 kilowatts) and 457 pound-feet (620 Newton-meters) of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed torque-converter automatic from ZF, sending power to the rear wheels. The luxury sedan sits on Michelin E Primacy tires on all four corners.

We know from previous efficiency experiments that this engine is very efficient and can do at least 900 miles on a single tank. However, in order to achieve the goal set in this video, the driver has to travel more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of diesel. The most conservative and economical driving mode of the 7 Series surely helps this mission.

The journey took the driver and his co-driver 22.5 hours and covered 1,026.5 miles. The diesel sedan finished the trip with 96 miles of range remaining, meaning its range per tank could be as high as over 1,100 miles. What’s the actual fuel consumption? How exhausting was the trip? Make sure to check out the video above and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The writing has been on the wall for BMW's V12 for the past two years with an abundance of warnings that it would not be used in future vehicles. Tightening emissions regulations and the low-volume nature of the N74 were the final two nails in this extravagant engine's coffin, and when the updated BMW 7 Series debuted in April this year, it was powered by straight-six and V8 engines. Of course, we knew this would happen, as back in January, BMW announced 'The Final V12' as a special series of just 12 BMW M760i luxury sedans with the last 12-cylinder engines to ever feature in a roadgoing BMW.

But the time has now come for us to bid adieu to this special engine as "the last BMW 7 Series vehicles with the V12 have been produced," a BMW spokesperson told CarBuzz. "We did a final edition for the US, which sold out really quickly."

V12 engines have traditionally been the realm of exotic Italian car manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, but although it was only used in a few special models, the BMW V12 has been one of the finest to grace the automotive world.

The Munich-based manufacturer has been crafting modern V12 engines since the late 1980s with the introduction of the M70, a 5.0-liter, 60-degree V12 engine producing 295 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque at 4,100. Since then the brand developed this engine further with the M73 (1993-2002), the N73 (2003-2016), and finally the N74 from 2008, which only ever saw use in a single BMW - the 7 Series.

In its most recent and most potent form in the M760i, the 6.6-liter twin-turbo behemoth generated 602 hp and 590 lb-ft, paired with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic that made the luxury sedan behave like a rocket ship.

Along the way, the BMW V12 has powered icons like the 850 CSi, various iterations of the 7 Series, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, and the iconic McLaren F1 supercar.

But there were other highlights, as BMW toyed around with the engine in various concepts, transplanting it into a stillborn M8 prototype in the early '90s, a 700-hp BMW X5 prototype called the Le Mans in the 2000s, and even a BMW Z3 prototype.

It must first be said that Rolls-Royce still uses a BMW-sourced V12 engine in its products, so while the mill may be dead with a BMW badge, it still has some life left. That said, Rolls-Royce has confirmed it will be all-electric by 2030, so the V12 as we know it is unlikely to evolve beyond what it is now.

But for BMW, what comes next? Well, the new 7 Series only has six- and eight-cylinder engines, and between plug-in hybrids and the all-electric i7, BMW has found alternatives to the hefty 12-pot. While at present, the 760i xDrive makes only 536 hp from its twin-turbo V8, BMW is likely to use a plug-in hybrid system on this engine in future, as previewed by the XM concept. In the latter, it's capable of developing 750 hp combined, so a future 7 Series flagship with this powertrain would be a suitable replacement for the V12 - if only on performance.

While brands like Mercedes-Maybach still make use of the V12, for BMW, its time in the sun has come to an end. It may be a proverbial dinosaur in the age of electrification, but we'll remember the BMW V12 fondly.

A performance profile injected with extra sporting potency and an aura of top-end dynamism mark out the new BMW M760e xDrive. This is the first performance car from BMW M GmbH with a plug-in hybrid drive system. The combustion engine is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology, a rated output of 280 kW/380 hp and rated torque of 520 Nm (383 lb-ft). And it teams up with a new electric motor to generate system output of 420 kW/571 hp (with temporary boost) and system torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft).

The new BMW M760e xDrive accelerates from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds and completes the mid-range sprint from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in just 2.7 seconds. In so doing, the BMW M760e xDrive combines intoxicating performance attributes with the option of locally emission-free driving pleasure in urban areas and beyond. M-specific design features, interior trim and cockpit displays also dovetail neatly with the Sedan's ambience of modern luxury.

The electric motors for the plug-in hybrid model source their energy from a lithium-ion high-voltage battery installed in the vehicle floor, which is likewise the product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. At 18.7 kWh, the battery's usable energy content is more than 50 per cent higher than that available with the previous generation of the technology. Maximum AC charging power is 7.4 kW. In combination with the efficiency of the electric motor and intelligent energy management including adaptive recuperation, this gives the new BMW M760e xDrive an electric range of 77-85 kilometres / 48-53 miles (provisional values) in the WLTP cycle.

BMW is leading the luxury segment into a new era that will be shaped by innovations in the fields of sustainability and digitalization. With the new BMW 7-Series, the world's most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles is creating forward-looking ways to enjoy pure driving satisfaction, unsurpassed long-distance comfort, and a top-end digital experience. Central to this reinterpretation is the BMW i7. The all-electric luxury sedan is a fully integrated member of the 7-Series line, and clearly demonstrates how an exclusive driving experience and the ultimate feeling of on-board wellbeing can be combined with an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

The models at the pinnacle of BMW's luxury range are wrapped in a new definition of luxury that focuses on the individual and their personal attitudes, needs and emotions. In addition to presence, elegance and exclusive premium quality, there is a progressive approach characterized by innovations that directly enhance the user experience, wide-ranging connectivity, and standard-setting sustainability of the new 7. In this way, the new BMW 7-Series has been designed to meet the needs of a clientele that sees itself as committed to meeting challenges in a responsible manner - and one that views personal mobility as a way to experience unique moments in everyday life and on trips away.

Three models available at launch, including the first purely electric 7-Series

The 2023 BMW 740i is powered by a thoroughly upgraded version of the iconic B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. Now dubbed B58TU2, the new Miller cycle six-cylinder features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, electronically controlled VANOS variable camshaft timing, and 48-volt mild hybrid technology. All of this adds up to a typical BMW outcome: more power, lower emissions.

The 760i xDrive combines the relentless power of the 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 borrows technology from BMW Motorsport, and features a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling, and further developed turbocharging. The V8, too, gains 48V mild hybrid technology, and with the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission delivers the twin benefits of optimized response and power delivery under acceleration, and greater efficiency thanks to adaptive recuperation.

And for the very first time in its history, the 7-Series is now available fully electric. Featuring two highly efficient current-excited electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of instantaneous torque, the i7 xDrive60 will sprint from 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 300 zero-emission miles in utter silence and profound luxury (estimated range of up to 300 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA's test procedure standards).

A time-honored blend of elegance, dynamic excellence, and innovation

Ever since the first generation made its debut in 1977, the BMW 7-Series has embodied the definition of highly exclusive individual mobility in its very distinct, very BMW way. A design exuding prestigious elegance has gone hand-in-hand with supreme interior comfort and the exhilarating driving experience for which the brand is celebrated. From the outset, this combination has delivered a level of dynamic handling without equal in the luxury sedan segment. And with each new generation, the 7-Series takes its outstanding driving qualities and the levels of comfort and well-being to new heights.

Now, 45 years on from the debut of the BMW 7-Series, the seventh generation takes the stage as the most advanced and innovative vehicle in the luxury segment. At the same time, the new edition captures the imagination with an overall design coherence unmatched by any rival. The BMW 7-Series is therefore once again a symbol of the BMW Group's innovative strength.

Exterior design. A new dimension in presence, expressive power, and exclusivity

The expressive design features created for the exterior of the new BMW 7-Series authentically reflect its place atop the BMW luxury class and the promise of an extraordinary on-board experience. The vertically prominent front end, with the combination of the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille presiding as its centerpiece and two-piece split headlight units, give the new 7-Series a powerful and distinctive presence. The front-end design, developed specifically for BMW's flagship models, enables clear differentiation from the brand's other models.

The brand's hallmark twin circular headlights and BMW kidney grille have been newly interpreted. The light functions are now divided into two separate areas, with the upper elements acting as the more prominent focal point, especially when highlighted by optional Swarovski crystal details. This gives the front end of the new BMW 7-Series a progressive and memorable appearance. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the dark lower units set deep into the front apron. These lights only become visible when switched on after dark. The new BMW 7-Series comes standard with Adaptive LED Headlights including cornering light and high beam assistant.

The slim strip of lights set high up in the front end brings together the daytime driving lights, side marker lights, and turn indicators. Their crisp graphic replicating a pair of upturned "L"s projects a technically sophisticated feel. The optional crystal headlights create an all-new light effect that is both highly dramatic and completely functional. Crystals from Swarovski - again arranged in L-shapes and each backlit by 14 LED units - function as side marker lights and daytime driving lights. Whether the lights are switched on or off, the crystals reflect the available light in a multitude of facets. Even sunshine sparks a unique aesthetic in the crystal structure and brings the front end to life. At night, 22 LED units light up the crystals from behind and join with the kidney grille's contour lighting to create an unmistakable light signature. Two LED elements below the crystals provide the striking daytime driving light signature, integrate the turn indicator and enhance the sparkle of the crystals in each function and color.

The crystal headlights also play a role in a visually expressive Welcome and Goodbye Scenario. When the customer approaches their car, first the illuminated surround of the BMW kidney grille is activated, followed by the enhanced sparkle of the BMW crystal headlights. Then the standard-fit dynamic light carpet is revealed. LED lights integrated into the door sills project four graphics, one after the other, onto the ground just outside the doors of the new BMW 7-Series. This welcome display continues in the interior as part of a neatly composed choreography that enhances the luxury-infused digital experience.

The clean surfacing of the front apron, with only a small number of contour lines, underscores the muscular and solid appearance of the new BMW 7-Series. The car's width is also emphasized by the single-piece lower air intake and slim side intakes positioned at the outer edges of the front end. Another unique design cue for the new-generation car is the chiseled hood with a dynamic streak down its centerline.

Familiar proportions with maximized comfort in the rear seats

The presence of the front end is complemented by a clear and monolithic surface design for the flanks of the new BMW 7-Series. The profile exudes sublime visual elegance. This impression is reinforced by the virtually flush-fitted side windows with invisible seals. A shoulderline running from the daytime driving lights into the rear lights subdivides the taut bodywork. The long hood, a second character line above the side skirts rising slightly towards the rear, and the powerfully sculpted surfaces below the flush door handles convey an understated sense of dynamism.

The side window surround is bordered towards the C-pillar by an elegant chrome element, which stays in place as part of the body when the rear door is opened. This creates a new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink counter-swing. The long doors provide ease of entry and exit for the rear passengers, while the broad C-pillars and a pattern graphic on the rear section of the side windows protect their privacy from prying eyes.

The exterior measurements of the new BMW 7-Series have expanded in a discreet and harmonious way, so it retains the familiar proportions of the outgoing model. Those dimensions are more closely aligned with the long-wheelbase version of the previous-generation car, showing a three per percent increase in its length, height, and wheel diameter respectively.

The new BMW 7-Series has grown by 5.1 inches in length to 212.2, by 1.9 inches in width to 76.8, and by 2 inches in height to 60.8. Its wheelbase is now 0.2 inches longer at 126.6, which also helps bring about a further improvement in seating comfort in the rear. The headroom in the interior of the new BMW 7-Series has also been noticeably improved. The luggage capacity of the conventionally powered model variants is 13.7 cu ft while the i7 provides 11.4 cu ft of luggage space.

BMW i7: pure luxury and dynamic performance with zero emissions

An emotional driving experience, passenger comfort and a luxurious ambience without compromise - and with zero local emissions: the BMW i7 xDrive60 has it all. Its fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises highly integrated drive units at the front and rear axles that bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single, very compact housing, plus the accompanying charging technology and high-voltage battery.

Control of the adaptive recuperation function has been further refined in the BMW i7 to increase range. The efficiency with which the BMW i7 receives charging and the durability of its high-voltage battery both benefit from the latest advances in the field of charging technology. Compared with the BMW iX and BMW i4 models, the charging software has undergone further improvement, the temperature of the high-voltage battery is controlled more precisely and there is also an innovative facility for saving charging profiles. In addition to this, the BMW Maps navigation system displays the charging-optimized route even faster and in even greater detail in the BMW i7.

Electric motors with no rare earth materials

The electric motors work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor, where it is a precisely controllable electrical feed that sets the rotor in motion rather than fixed permanent magnets. This design precludes the need for rare earth metals altogether in the manufacture of the rotor.

The virtually silent power delivery of the BMW i7 xDrive60, and the luxurious sense of driving comfort this instils, are further helped by improvements to the electric drive units' acoustics, a model-specific mounting concept and newly developed noise encapsulation for the electric motors. The motor driving the rear wheels generates peak output of 308 bhp, while the unit at the front axle produces 255 bhp. The drive units combine to deliver a maximum output of 536 bhp and overall torque of 549 lb-ft. All of which enables the new BMW i7 xDrive60 to surge from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.5 seconds. The top speed of the new BMW i7 xDrive60 is electronically limited to 149 mph.

The experience when accelerating is defined not just by the car's electrifying, instantaneous power delivery, but also by its supreme traction and directional stability. Underpinning the dynamic prowess of the BMW i7 xDrive60 are its electric all-wheel drive and its precisely tuned driving stability systems headlined by the near-actuator wheel slip limitation. The fully variable drive system is intelligently connected with the system of powertrain and chassis control functions, whose extremely quick and precise responses help to sustain thrilling forward momentum even in adverse road and weather conditions.