2013 BMW 7 Series Gets Mid-Cycle Refresh

The 2013 model year BMW 7-Series gets an update, with some minimal exterior changes, new and upgraded engine variants, a multifunctional instrument display, a new Rear Seat Entertainment package, and a possible 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency.

On the outside, the front-end of the 7-Series gets full-LED headlights while the prominent BMW kidney grille has been modified to nine slats rather than the previous 12. The front bumper also saw minor modifications to set it apart from its predecessor. Turn signal indicators have also been integrated into the side mirrors while the rear got a thin chrome strip accent.

The interior gets ample upgrades as well, with newly-redesigned front leather seats while individual seats can now be ordered as an option. The optional Rear Seat Entertainment package comes with a 9.2-inch flatscreen monitor to keep passengers entertained. There is also a 1,200-watt Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System option with 16 speakers.

The new multifunctional instrument display is similar to the one equipped in the updated 5-Series model, featuring a 10.25-inch screen with different colors and graphics depending on the driving mode selected.

Mostly importantly however, is the update to the powertrain options for the 2013 7-Series model. The German automaker has now mated each engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission with auto start-stop functionality, brake energy regeneration, and the second-generation Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO mode to enhance fuel efficiency.

BMW’s 3.0-liter tri-turbocharged, inline-six diesel engine (first seen in the M550d) has found its way onto the 7-Series in the form of a 750d xDrive model with 375-hp and 546 lb-ft of torque. Europeans and other select markets will get their hands on a 740d with 309-hp from a 3.0-liter, inline-six while the 730d is a detuned variant with 255-hp.

The 760i will sports 537-hp from a 6.0-liter, bi-turbo V12 while the 750i sees a revised 4.4-liter, turbocharged V8 with 444-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 740i also receives the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbo with 315-hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.

If your head isn’t spinning yet, certain markets will also see the addition of an entry-level 730i with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter engine pushing out 255-hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. And lastly, the ActiveHybrid 7 model has seen its powertrain replaced with the 740i’s 3.0-liter, turbo-inline-six mated to a 54-hp electric motor for a combined output of 349-hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

The 2013 7-Series also receives a self-leveling, rear air suspension as standard.

The U.S. market will see the 740i/Li, 750i/Li, 760i/Li, and ActiveHybrid 7 models and will be on sale later in the summer.