2008 BMW 7-Series
Based on analysis of 33 7-Series reviews and test drives.
BMW 7-Series - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 BMW 7-Series ranks 4 out of 5 Super Luxury Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 7-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The BMW 7-Series offers outstanding ride and handling for its large size, and an interior that's competitive with the finest of production cars. However, its electronics interface remains needlessly confusing, and its styling -- despite a slight refresh for 2008 -- is dated.
The 2008 BMW 7-Series is the flagship of the German luxury brand most associated with high-performance driving. It carries that heavy mantle well, with refined driving dynamics that call to mind smaller, more obviously nimble cars. Forbes says the 7-Series "defies its size with athletic moves." Remarkably, the big car accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in under six seconds, and the automotive press repeatedly praises the handling of the car -- yet it weighs over half a ton more than rivals like the Lexus LS.
The 2008 BMW 7-Series comes as a 750i, 750Li and 760Li. Both 750 models are powered by a 4.8-liter V8 putting out 360 horsepower. The 760 Li is powered by an impressive 6.0-liter V12 putting out 438 hp. All models feature BMW's iDrive user interface, designed to control all of the car's electronics through a single device, which is theoretically simple to use. But the automotive press has repeatedly criticized it as confusing and pined for BMW to return to simple knobs and buttons. Since the 7-Series has more advanced features than any other BMW, its iDrive interface is the most advanced -- or the most frustrating, for those who haven't mastered the system.
This is the final year for this generation of the 7-Series. An all-new model debuts in the 2009 model year. If you're in the market for a Super Luxury Sedan, you might also consider the Audi A8 or the Mercedes-Benz S Class.
- "This is a car that can quickly take intrepid drivers to cornering limits they wouldn't dare explore further unless on a racetrack." -- Forbes
- "Once rolling -- and once the navigation, sound, climate, shift points, and other transport details have been set -- the 750i is a delight to drive.." -- Boston Globe
- "The latest edition of BMW's 750Li sedan may be the perfect car for effortless and entertaining long-distance touring." -- Detroit News
- "This big sedan is so smooth that full days at the wheel are never taxing, and it's a great refuge in commuter traffic. It's easy to drive the 7 Series well, even on winding mountain roads, and few luxury sedans can keep up with it at high speeds." -- New Car Test Drive
- "It's always been fantastic to drive, enough so that we've given the car two Automobile All-Star awards since 2002. But times have changed, and Mercedes-Benz has improved upon the winning BMW formula. With the exception of the brakes...the S550 outclasses the 750Li in every way." -- Automobile Magazine
7-Series Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)
The automotive press regards the BMW 7-Series as the driving enthusiast's choice in the Super Luxury class. Reviews praise the brisk acceleration of the standard V8 -- nevermind what the upgraded V12 can do. The six-speed steptronic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control squeezes exotic-car performance out of either engine, and the car's handling balance belies its curb weight -- about 4,500 lbs for the short wheelbase model, nearly 4,900 for the longer edition. "For the money," the Detroit News says, "the 750Li is the world's finest luxury/performance sedan." Continue with our full Performance Review to read about the best brakes in this class and speed-sensitive steering that makes the 7-Series a joy in corners. continue
7-Series Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
When reviewers comment at all on the body of the 2008 BMW 7-Series, it is usually to express relief that BMW has toned down the look of earlier editions. The 2006 and 2007 versions were controversial, with an unusual trunk design that earned heavy criticism. For 2008, the controversial lines have been smoothed out, leaving attractive, but conservative, sheet metal. Check out our BMW 7-Series Photo Gallery to see the look for yourself, or continue with our full Exterior Review for critical opinion. continue
7-Series Interior - 7.1 (Good)
The 2008 BMW 7-Series is spacious, comfortable and filled with advanced technology. Writers often single out the comfortable seats for praise. They also often single out the iDrive electronic interface for criticism, but some can master it. Forbes writes, "There are times when the iDrive makes you want to...rip it out and throw it against a wall -- but there are also times when, after a few days of fiddling, you realize, 'Hey, this makes sense....' Try it, be patient and maybe you'll end up loving it. OK, maybe not." See the cabin in detail in our BMW 7-Series Photo Gallery, or continue with our full Interior Review to read about the limousine-like dimensions of the long wheelbase 760 model. continue
7-Series Safety - NA
No U.S. safety testing agency has crash tested the BMW 7-Series. The car comes equipped with dynamic traction control, dynamic stability control, dynamic brake control, adaptive headlights and a full set of airbags. Read our full Safety Review for details on the equipment, and a powerful braking system that could help you avoid getting into an accident in the first place. continue
7-Series Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 BMW 7-Series reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). BMW covers its cars with a new vehicle warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles, and includes some car maintenance, such as oil services and unlimited-mileage roadside assistance, all at no additional charge. Read our full Reliability Review for more details. continue
