Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW 7 Series review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

An entirely plug-in hybrid range means good emissions for company car drivers, but costly insurance and heavy depreciation will be expensive

MPG, CO2 and running costs rating

3.5

How we review cars
Price
£106,100 - £144,775
Find your BMW 7 Series
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Any individual or company looking to purchase a £100,000 luxury car isn’t likely to be too concerned about the day-to-day running costs of running such a car.

However, those getting a BMW 7 Series as a company car purchase can take advantage of its low plug-in hybrid emissions compared with the pure petrol and diesel alternatives of the Mercedes S-Class. And while its smaller 18.7kWh (useable) battery pack means it won’t be able to travel as far on a charge compared with the 21.5kWh (useable) pack in an S-Class, both currently sit in the same benefit-in-kind (BIK) taxation band. If you need something with a lower rate, then there is always the option of the all-electric BMW i7 to consider.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Fuel consumption (provided you regularly charge up) should be low. The best version is the 750e with an official figure of 282.5mpg, followed by the M760e with 256.8mpg. During our test of the M760e we pitched against the Mercedes S 580 e, the BMW managed 34.1mpg with a depleted battery, whereas the Mercedes achieved 36.3mpg. 

The 750e and M760e can be charged up from flat to full from a 7.4kW wallbox charger at home in three hours, which is similar to how long it’ll take an S 580 e S-Class to charge up. The Mercedes can be rapid charged in 20 minutes, though.

Insurance groups

All versions of the 7 Series sit in the highest insurance group of 50, which is typical of luxury cars in this price range. You’ll have to shop around or look into a multi-car policy to find ways of reducing your insurance bill.

You can get personalised car insurance quotes fast with our comparison tool powered by Quotezone…

Depreciation

This is an area of contention, but unfortunately, expensive luxury cars tend to lose value particularly quickly. The 7 Series is no exception because it’ll be worth 44-46% of its original value after three years or 36,000 miles.

The S-Class will be worth more over the same period, but if you can, try the all-electric i7. The least expensive xDrive50 Excellence or M Sport versions are predicted to retain 51% of their value.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our valuation tool...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

BMW i7 review
BMW i7 - front tracking

BMW i7 review

In-depth reviews
14 Aug 2024
New BMW i7 eDrive50 M Sport review: RWD luxury EV with a sporty twist
BMW i7 - front

New BMW i7 eDrive50 M Sport review: RWD luxury EV with a sporty twist

Road tests
9 Aug 2024
Range Rover D350 HSE: long-term test review
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler standing with multiple generations of Range Rover

Range Rover D350 HSE: long-term test review

Long-term tests
12 Oct 2023

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates
Mazda CX-60 - front 3/4 static

Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates

Mazda’s SUV has picked up some worthy trim and technical updates
News
13 Nov 2024
Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?
Dacia Duster and MG ZS - front tracking

Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?

The new Dacia Duster and MG ZS are the UK’s cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
Car group tests
13 Nov 2024