Every car company has a flagship model, and BMW is no different. Since 1977, the model that has always been at the pinnacle of their technological prowess has been the 7 Series. Now for 2013, the 7 Series is going to be packed with even more technology, and some extra grunt as well.


While the 2013 7 Series (aka, F01/F02) is not an all new model, it does come with some notable improvements: There is a new base model, the 740Li xDrive, plus the ActiveHybrid 7 model will use a new powertrain.

The popular 750i and Li model continues, now available only with all-wheel drive, while the range-topping 760Li is still offered with a twin-turbo V12 and only rear-wheel drive.

While having a $189,100 luxury sedan with a 536 horsepower, V12 motor (760Li) is something one dreams about, the reality is that most buyers will opt for the 7 Series model with the smaller engine.

The 2013 BMW 7 Series new entry-level model will be the big story as this is the first time since the E32 model that a 7 Series model is being offered for sale in Canada with a 6-cylinder engine.

This new base engine is a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder unit that uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger. It is essentially the same engine you’ll find in the 135i, BMW’s smallest car, but in the 7 Series it's tweaked to produce 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

Now for 2013, the 7 Series is going to be packed with even more technology, and some extra grunt as well. (Photo: BMW)

This model, which is called the 740Li xDrive, is only offered in the long wheelbase body with BMW’s clever all-wheel drive system. This model starts at $106,600.

While the 740Li xDrive is quite economical to run, averaging just 9.3L/100km on a combined city and highway cycle. However, if you’re looking to save a little bit more money on petrol then perhaps the new ActiveHybrid 7 will be more to your taste.

The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 uses the same inline 6-cylinder motor as the 740Li xDrive, but now features a synchronous electric motor which, when combined with the gas engine, produces a total of 349 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque.

Not only is the ActiveHybrid 7 more economical than its conventional counterpart, averaging 8.1L/100km on a combined cycle, but thanks to its extra grunt and rear-wheel drive it is quicker, dispensing the 0-100 km/h run in just 4.8 seconds (versus 5.7 seconds for the 740Li xDrive).

However, there is a price to pay for the extra performance and fuel savings. The ActiveHybrid 7, which also only comes in the long wheelbase trim, starts at $140,200.

The popular 750 model is still offered in a regular (i) or long wheelbase (Li) body, but for 2013 is packing some extra grunt, as its 4.4L, twin-scroll, twin-turbo motor now produces 443 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Pricing for the 750i xDrive starts at $112,300, while the more spacious Li model raises that base price by $7,900.

All 2013 models of the 7 Series come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, engine auto start-stop technology and a brake energy regeneration system. Mild styling tweaks also help set the new model apart from the previous one.

The popular 750 model is packing some extra grunt, as its 4.4L, twin-scroll, twin-turbo motor now produces 443 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: BMW)