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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $88,265–$107,128 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 BMW 7 Series at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.3/10, while Value at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.1/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. The cabin tech earns 9.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $88,265–$107,128, 22 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 7 Series sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 5.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 BMW 7 Series is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 BMW 7 Series ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $88,265 starting price is about 219% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 BMW 7 Series scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.1 — and starts roughly $8,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $99,904 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $96,995 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $94,085 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $91,175 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $88,265 | |
| 2020 | 7.1/10 | $85,355 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $82,445 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $79,535 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $76,626 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $73,716 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $70,806 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 BMW 7 Series's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #982 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 25% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 BMW 7 Series starts at $88,265 and ranges up to $107,128 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.