The internet saw heaps and heaps of jokes and memes starring the facelifted 2020 BMW 7 Series’ humongous grille, including from the guys running the Throttle House YouTube channel.
In their video comparison between the 2020 BMW 750Li and the 2001 BMW 740i they couldn’t help but take a stab at the huge kidneys again. The review opens with Thomas hearing James’ voice from inside the new 7 Series’ grille. “Did you fall into the grille again?” followed by an affirmative answer makes for one of the funniest exchanges we’ve seen on their channel.
Obviously, their review touches serious matters too, such as the fact that a new 2020 model costs 26 times more than its (used) E38 ancestor. This does make you think: is the G11/G12 LCI 26 times better than the legendary E38?
Watch: Is BMW’s E38 7-Series One Of The Best Luxury Sedans Ever?
This is not an easy question, considering that the old E38 reviewed here is for sale for only CA$6,000 ($4,540). For that kind of money, the 2001 BMW 740i offers a naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8, rear-wheel drive and timeless styling. Say what you want about the E38 and its dated technology or age-related issues, but something tells us the word “timeless” won’t be used that often in the future when people will refer to the facelifted 2020 BMW 7 Series. Still, it’s always good to remind ourselves that buying cheap used premium models usually ends up with new premium maintenance costs.
Unsurprisingly, the new model is way more advanced than the E38 generation. It comes with all the modern bells and whistles, some of which will probably be considered silly in the future – just as we look at the E38’s cassette player and car phone now.
As for the driving experience, the differences are telling for how BMW’s approach to luxury has changed over the years. The new model is an extremely comfortable and fast land yacht while the old one enables the driver to feel much more connected, delivering an almost sports car-like involvement. Oh, how times have changed.