The 2019 BMW 7 Series (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) is impossible to miss. Why? Because of the grille. BMW enlarged the kidney grille by 40% to ensure the 7 Series commands presence in the rear-view mirror of S-Class owners. Beyond the face, this generation (G11/G12, launched in 2015) features the revolutionary "Carbon Core" chassis, blending carbon fiber with steel to reduce weight and increase stiffness.

Two inline-6 engines dominate the Kenyan market:

• 730d / 730Ld (3.0L Diesel): 261 HP / 620 Nm. RECOMMENDED The B57 engine is a masterpiece. It offers V8-levels of torque with 4-cylinder fuel economy. It is the sensible choice for high-mileage executives.
• 740i / 740Li (3.0L Petrol): 335 HP. The B58 engine. Silky smooth, quieter than the diesel, but thirstier. Ideally suited for those who prioritize silence over range.

• Gesture Control: You can adjust the volume by twirling your finger in the air. It is a gimmick, but a cool one to show off.
• Executive Lounge: In the "Li" (Long Wheelbase) models, the rear left seat reclines, and the front passenger seat folds forward. It offers first-class airline comfort with massage functions.

• Consumption: 12–14 km/l (730d) vs 8–9 km/l (740i). The diesel offers a range of nearly 1,000km on a single tank.
• Service: This is a flagship car. Brake discs are massive and expensive. Air suspension struts can fail after 8 years. Budget at least Ksh 100,000 annually for preventative maintenance.
• Depreciation: Steep. A 7 Series loses value faster than a Land Cruiser. Great for used buyers, painful for new buyers.

Magic Carpet Ride: Standard 2-axle air suspension with Dynamic Damper Control smooths out almost everything. The "Lift" function can raise the car by 20mm for steep driveways, but it is not an off-roader. The low-profile run-flat tyres are susceptible to bubbling on potholes.

Includes Driving Assistant Professional (steering and lane control assistant). The Carbon Core safety cell is incredibly rigid. Reliability of the B57/B58 engines is high, but the sheer number of electronics (screens, sensors, massage motors) means minor glitches are possible.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The driver who wants the agility of a 5 Series with the comfort of a limo. It is the "Driver's Flagship." Who is it NOT for? Those who prefer to be driven—the S-Class rear seat is still the gold standard for passengers.