2012 BMW 740Li
The 2012 BMW 740Li is a sedan. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 315 hp (235 kW), with a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.0 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2012 BMW 740LI
The 2012 BMW 740Li is the long-wheelbase six-cylinder version of the fifth-generation 7 Series (F02). For this pre-facelift model year it uses the N54 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six, rated at 315 hp and 330 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic.
The last of the early F02
The 740Li joined the US range for the 2011 model year as the entry point beneath the V8 750Li, and 2012 was its final year in this form. For 2013 the facelifted 7 Series switched the 740Li to the single-turbo N55 engine and an eight-speed automatic, so the 2012 car is the last with the twin-turbo N54 and six-speed gearbox. The long-wheelbase body adds rear legroom on a 3,210 mm wheelbase, and it was built at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Germany.
Comfort and equipment
The 740Li prioritises rear-seat space and quiet cruising. The six-cylinder makes it lighter over the front axle than the V8 models, and typical equipment included iDrive with navigation, leather upholstery and a wide range of comfort and driver-assistance options.
Buying one today
Known N54 weak points include high-pressure fuel pump and injector problems, turbo wastegate rattle and oil leaks. As with any large luxury saloon of this age, the air suspension (where fitted), electronics and comfort features can be costly to repair, so a careful inspection is worthwhile.
Rivals
Its competitors included the Mercedes-Benz S550, Audi A8 L, Lexus LS 460 L and Jaguar XJL.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 740Li |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 740Li |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 315 hp / 235 kW | Torque | 450 Nm / 330 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.0 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 3,210 mm | Kerb Weight | 2,005 kg (4,420 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 SEDANS
Compared with other 2012 sedans in our database, its 315 hp is 14% more than the average 2012 sedan (276 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 2.0 seconds quicker than average, and it is 24% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2012 BMW 740Li | Average 2012 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 315 hp | 276 hp (119 cars) | +14% |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 355 Nm (119 cars) | +27% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.0 s | 7.0 s (121 cars) | -28% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 137 mph (121 cars) | +13% |
| Kerb weight | 2,005 kg | 1,623 kg (138 cars) | +24% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,193 cc (135 cars) | -6% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2012 sedans with similar power to the 2012 BMW 740Li.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 740Li | 315 hp | 5.0 s | 2,005 kg |
| 2012 Hyundai Genesis | 306 hp | — | 1,697 kg |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 305 hp | 5.0 s | 1,750 kg |
| 2012 Volvo S80 AWD | 300 hp | 7.0 s | 1,685 kg |
| 2012 Audi A7 quattro | 333 hp | 5.6 s | 1,820 kg |