More than twenty years after it made its debut, it’s hard to remember just how controversial the new BMW ‘E65’ 7-Series was. But in 2001, it was an absolute game-changer and a car that redefined people’s perceptions of the BMW brand.

Previously, the company had made classically elegant but hardly revolutionary models that were handsome to look at, great to drive and beautifully finished, but which were all built in a fairly traditional mould.

The E65 changed all that, bringing both styling and technological revolutions to the brand’s model line-up.

The E65 was the first BMW to introduce what BMW called it’s ‘flame surfacing’ styling language, introduced by BMW’s design chief Chris Bangle, although it was actually Dutch designer Adrian van Hooydonk that was responsible for most of the car’s external appearance. Indeed, the production model was somewhat toned-down from Van Hooydonk’s original proposal, which gave the 7-series a more coupe-like rear end.

The look wasn’t entirely well-received. The previous 7-series was a sharp and stylish machine, while the 3- and 5-series were also undeniably elegant, so the more challenging looks of the E65 came in for quite a bit of criticism at launch (enough, in fact, for BMW to facelift it and tone it down a bit in 2004). However, it has aged well, not least thanks to the influence its styling themes have had on subsequent new BMW models. It’s more that, when new, the car was competing in an extremely conservative area of the market, against traditionally styled cars such as the Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S-class and Lexus LS.

If it took buyers a while to get used to the styling, then there was also the small issue of working out how to operate the thing. Gone were the handbrake and conventional gear selector, replaced by a dashboard-mounted ‘e-brake’ and a steering column-mounted gear selector that was little bigger than an indicator stalk. 

Then there was BMW’s all-new ‘i-Drive’ controller. A silver wheel, which you turned to scroll between menus on the central screen. This operated anything from tuning the stereo to altering the damper rates, as well as climate control, seat memory settings and the trip computer. Today, it’s intuitive and the 7-Series is rapidly becoming a modern classic exec. This one – a very late example – is an ideal candidate to preserve with a really low mileage and a comprehensive history.

The 750i spent the first year of its life with BMW UK and was registered at its demo centre in Thorne, near Doncaster, suggesting that it was part of the company’s press or chauffeur fleet. 

A second keeper then owned it for a decade before it passed onto the vendor who has used it as a family car but is slimming down his collection of British and German luxury models due to a lack of storage.

It has a service book stamped all the way through to 2020 with inspections every year regardless of mileage. It also comes with all of its originals owners’ manuals and booklets.

 

With spotless black leather and smart dark wood veneers, the 7-Series is the absolute epitome of luxury and the specification is incredible. Climate control, cruise control, i-Drive, electric sun blinds, electric front and rear seat adjustment, a hidden CD changer, parking sensors – even a full-size spare wheel. It’s an incredibly luxurious and supremely comfortable car presented in flawless condition.

 

Finished in Mystic Blue Mica, the 750i looks almost black in certain lights and is an extremely handsome car, the toned-down styling of the E65 facelift looking fresh and modern still after 18 years. 

It’s in superb order throughout with no major marks or damage other than some very tiny stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet. The alloys are near-perfect and all of the trim is present and correct.

The machine benefits with having a iDrive System them an can tell the owner a vast array of items on the Vehicle Service Menu. The images show that the car does not have any existing faults, then goes onto presenting a detailed list of consumables that are in need or in this case NOT in need of attention for the foreseeable future. This ranges from Micro filter (not needing of a change for 29,000 miles), Spark plugs (not needing a change for 60,000 miles), Engine Oil & Filter (not needing a change for another 19,000 miles), Brake Fluid (not needing a change for another 24 months), Rear Brake Pads and Discs (not needing to be looked at or needing a change for another 38,000miles), Front Brake Pads and Discs (not needing to be looked at or changed for 33,000) and finally not needing a Periodic Inspection until July 2023 or 27,000 miles whichever is sooner). 

This machine is one that has been pampered and looked after only at BMW Dealerships - all of the Service History is with BMW as pictured in the Service Book. This is not a 7 series that has been used and abused like many on the market that haven been used for chauffeuring the rich and famous. This is one that has been used as an additional car that for those special occasions - it is a true credit to the family who have maintained this car cosmetically as well as mechanically.  

This is also packed with more extra’s than you will ever likely to need or use - being a BMW Show Car and Demonstrator which is usually packed with all the toys such as soft closing doors (doors that close themselves when they haven't been shut properly and won’t allow them to be slammed, sunroof, pop out phone, Premium Factory Alloys (which all have a new set of new Dunlop tyres 275/40R19 - which are a small fortune on their own), this is to name a few. This is not even mentioning the array of extra’s that are photographed and that the Sport model has as upgrades a factory standard.  

According to the vendor it drives absolutely brilliantly, in total comfort and without fault.

 

There are many 7-Series on the market but very few 750s and even fewer in this kind of condition, with the provenance and low mileage that this car demonstrates. It’s a lovely thing in exceptional condition and promises to be a wise future investment as well as a luxurious modern classic that you can just jump in and use.