The BMW 7 Series, introduced in 1977, emerged as the pinnacle of Bavarian engineering and luxury, following in the footsteps of the "New Six" concept that began with the E3 bodywork in 1968. The first-generation 7 Series came equipped exclusively with six-cylinder engines, emphasizing smooth performance and understated elegance. A prototype V12 was built but never mass-produced, hinting early on at BMW’s ambitions to dominate the high-end executive sedan market. Its shark-nose profile gave it a commanding presence - an aesthetic echo that persisted across generations.
By 1997, BMW pushed the boundaries of executive comfort with the L7 750iXL - an ultra-luxurious, extended version of the E38 chassis. With an additional 250 mm of rear cabin space, it was engineered for rear-seat opulence. Available with two or three rear seats, the two-seat configuration offered a central console with a fridge, cupholders, rear climate controls, seat heating, and even the ability for the right-rear passenger to adjust the front passenger seat. This limousine-level customization set a new benchmark for luxury sedans.
The fourth generation, the E65 (2001–2008), proved to be controversial. Designed by Chris Bangle, it introduced the "flame-surfacing" design language, drawing strong opinions for its bold lines and angular proportions. Despite the polarizing design, it was a technological triumph - so advanced it won awards in Japan and broke sales records over previous models. It introduced innovations like iDrive and active steering, redefining what a luxury sedan could offer.
In 2008, amidst global financial uncertainty, BMW released the fifth-generation 7 Series - coded F01/F02. Abandoning Bangle’s radical aesthetics, the F01 returned to a more traditional, graceful design with long, clean lines and a refined stance. The interior design was more driver-focused and understated, while underneath, it packed cutting-edge chassis dynamics and comfort technologies. This marked BMW’s transition from the “E” to “F” coding system, and it set the stage for a new design era.
The sixth generation arrived in 2015 as a 2016 model year and ushered in the CLAR platform - BMW’s new lightweight architecture featuring carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. This 7 Series was significantly redesigned from the ground up, blending performance, efficiency, and unmatched luxury. Laser headlights, larger grilles, reshaped bumpers, and refined aerodynamics redefined its exterior look. Inside, ambient lighting, a LED “light carpet” entry feature, a refreshed dashboard, and advanced technology - like Gesture Control and touchscreen iDrive 5 - pushed the luxury experience to futuristic levels. Rear passengers enjoyed executive-class comfort, including tablet-controlled infotainment that felt like something out of a spaceship.
Much like SherlockLock, the BMW 7 Series has continually evolved to stay ahead - blending heritage with cutting-edge innovation. As the 7 Series delivers precision, comfort, and forward-thinking luxury for those who demand the best, SherlockLock does the same for businesses and residents across Greater Boston - leading with reliability, high standards, and smart solutions tailored to every need.