2011 BMW 7 Series

The 2011 BMW 7 Series is a large luxury car that can seat up to five people. It’s aimed at drivers who want a four-door sedan with a spacious interior or shoppers who want a first-class car with advanced tech features. As BMW’s flagship car, the 7 Series has upscale materials, premier convenience features, and high-tech equipment that aren’t available on the automaker’s other cars. BMW also sells the 7 Series with an extensive lineup of engines that deliver strong performance. And despite the 7 Series’ large size, it has relatively good handling for the class and good maneuverability thanks to an available four-wheel-steering system.

The 7 Series separates itself from other large cars in the segment with its well-balanced handling, comfortable seats, powerful engines, advanced tech features, and handling capability. Keep in mind, though, it trails key rivals when it comes to ride quality, interior materials, standard features, throttle response, and cargo capacity. While the 7 Series is a large car, it has a small trunk with just 14 cubic feet of cargo space. Some passengers may also find that the 7 Series has a firm ride quality, while its delayed throttle response in the Normal drive mode can make the car feel slower than rivals. And compared to other large luxury cars in the class, the 7 Series doesn’t have the same opulent cabin materials as competitors.

BMW 7 Series Changes for 2011

• New twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine in 740i and 740Li.

Where the 7 Series Sits in the 2011 BMW Lineup

BMW’s vehicle lineup includes cars, sports cars, and SUVs such as the X5. The 7 Series is the largest car in BMW’s lineup. It’s positioned above cars such as the 3-Series, 5-Series, and M3.

2011 BMW 7 Series vs. the Competition

A large luxury car such as the 7 Series is an ideal choice for shoppers who want maximum passenger space in a sedan body style, an upscale interior, and punchy engines. The 7 Series competes with these rivals:

• Audi A8: Standard all-wheel drive, packed with high-tech features, luxurious interior, balanced handling, and a standard 372-horsepower V8 engine.

• Maserati Quattroporte: Distinctive exterior styling, relatively athletic handling, available 433-horsepower V8 engine, quick acceleration, and an extensive list of options.

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Opulent interior design, available 621-horsepower V12 engine, strong acceleration, cutting-edge features, and a lavish ride.

What’s the Best 2011 BMW 7 Series Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value

With features such as a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, quad-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and navigation, the 740i trim has features shoppers expect to see in a large luxury car. Its list of standard equipment also includes parking sensors, auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, 10 audio speakers, an HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, keyless entry, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, adaptive xenon headlights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

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Best Trim for Fuel Economy

The 740i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine that makes 315 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. It can get up to 20 mpg combined in this configuration.

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Best Trim for Cargo Space

The 7 Series has up to 14 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk.

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Top-of-the-Line Trim

The range-topping Alpina B7 is the best option for maximum luxury and performance. It has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that makes 500 horsepower, 21-inch wheels, a sunroof, xenon headlights, a power trunk lid, keyless entry, parking sensors, a power rear sunshade, keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, quad-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, wood trim, a head-up display, heated rear seats, a six-disc CD changer, iPod compatibility, and navigation.

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Should I Buy an Older BMW 7 Series Instead?

The 2011 7 Series is in its fifth generation, which was introduced with the 2009 model year. Any older first-generation model (2009-2015) will be broadly similar to the 2011 7 Series, and you could save money by purchasing a used 7 Series that’s older than the 2011 model.

You can find a used BMW 7 Series with Carfax used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the 7 Series from other model years