The BMW F01 is the current BMW 7 series that went into production in September 2008. The long-wheelbase model, codenamed BMW F02, is 14 cm (5.5 in) longer than the BMW F01.

The F01 is expected to provide 20% of the components for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, slotting in below the ultra-luxury Phantom. This $250,000 car would be assembled by Rolls-Royce in their factory in Goodwood, England.

The car's official unveiling occurred in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. The unusual nature of the unveiling had been attracting attention since 6 July 2008. The new BMW 7 series was placed in the upper half of an acrylic, glass, and steel hourglass. The car was initially hidden by more than 180,000 silvered balls, which gradually dropped into the lower half to reveal the new BMW 7 Series.

For the 7 Series, the previous E65/E66 model marked a revolution in the 7-Series design, while the F01 is more evolutionary. The front end later inspired the design of the BMW CS Concept, from the large twin grilles to the headlamps, which have "eyebrows" and internal configuration similar to individual lamps but slightly different in shape. It now looks more conventional and less controversial than the vehicle it replaces. The interior has also been reworked and the column-mounted shifter has relocated to the center console. Its "L"-shaped tail lights have design cues to the E32 7-series.

The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine. The 7 Series traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before they trickle down to smaller sedans in BMW's lineup.

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The E32 was introduced in 1986, with the 730i and 735i featuring 3.0 L and 3.5 L straight-6 engines respectively, and a new, 5.0 L, 300 horsepower (220 kW) V12 engine for the 750i. In 1992, 3.0 L and 4.0 L V8 engines were added to the lineup (730i and 740i). All models were also available in a stretched 'L' version, which had 10 centimetres (3.9 in) of extra legroom for the rear passengers. This was last 7 series generation to be available exclusively with gasoline engines (in Europe).

The E38 generation (1994–2001) had a five-speed automatic. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L Both included Stock Turbo option), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L V12 346 hp (258 kW; 351 PS) engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).