If you're into large, luxurious sedans—or you're lucky enough to have your own chauffer—the 2020 BMW 7-series is a handsome and comfortable choice. We have praised past 7-series generations for bridging the gap between luxury and athleticism, but unfortunately we can't say the same for this latest offering. It's basically the antithesis of a sports sedan: The ride is soft, the steering is light, and it's set up to cruise silently for hours, pampering its occupants with tech and comfort features along the way. Powertrains range from the 320-hp turbocharged inline-six to the monstrous twin-turbo V-12 in the range-topping M760i; buyers seeking good fuel economy can opt for the 745e plug-in hybrid model. No matter the powertrain, the 7-series is best when it is equipped with the optional semi-autonomous driving mode so you can sit back and leave the driving to it.
BMW has given its flagship a thorough refresh for the 2020 model year, starting with exterior styling revisions that include a much larger front grille, new front and rear bumpers, new exterior lighting elements, and a higher, flatter hood. A self-parking feature is now standard across the lineup, as are LED adaptive headlamps and a heated steering wheel; 740i and 745e models come standard with 20-way adjustable front seats. The 750i model now comes only with all-wheel drive and receives a more powerful twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 making 523 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid model ditches last year's four-cylinder/electric motor arrangement for a six-cylinder gasoline engine with electric assist for a total of 389 horsepower and is now called the 745e; it also comes with a larger 12.0-kWh battery pack.
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