BMW first used the 740i nameplate on the E38-generation 7 Series, where it served as the standard-wheelbase V8 variant in the mid-1990s and became one of the defining models of BMW’s flagship luxury sedan line. That first 740i era ran through the end of the E38 generation, after which BMW moved to other 7 Series badging during the early 2000s and the 740i name disappeared for a time.
The nameplate returned in 2011 for the next major 7 Series update, this time as a six-cylinder model in BMW’s modern naming structure. From there, the 740i became a recurring entry in the 7 Series lineup again, carried forward through later generations as BMW’s core rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan in the series, with market availability varying by region and model year.
Historically, the 740i is important because it bridges two very different eras of the 7 Series: the earlier V8-powered executive sedan that helped establish BMW’s modern luxury flagship identity, and the later turbocharged six-cylinder interpretation that reflects BMW’s shift toward greater efficiency without abandoning the model’s sporty, driver-focused character. Enthusiasts often remember the badge as the classic “sweet spot” in the 7 Series range, combining prestige, strong performance credentials and understated flagship presence.