A lane departure warning system - as fitted to the E60 5 Series since 2007 - was also available for the first time in a 7 Series. The instrument cluster has an LCD backdrop (with the gauge needles and rings still present as physical objects), allowing various graphics to be shown. By combining these cameras with the front and rear cameras, the F01 can display a virtual overhead graphic of the car to assist with parking. Side cameras were fitted in the front bumper to assist with merging and exiting narrow spaces. The F01 was available with rear-wheel steering (Integral Active Steering), all-wheel drive (xDrive), eight speed automatic transmission, pedestrian recognition for the night vision feature, blind spot monitoring, massage function for the rear seats and the radar cruise control system was now able to completely stop the car and accelerate from a standstill (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go). Other launch events included the Paris Motor Show in October and the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November. The car was first revealed to the public in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. The F01 7 Series was larger than its predecessor adding 1.7 in (43.2 mm) to the overall length and 3.2 in (81.3 mm) to the wheelbase while gaining more weight. The car incorporated a wider and bigger kidney grille that went deeper into the front apron for a more aggressive appearance. The headlamps were reminiscent to the E65 but were smaller and sleeker. The styling retained some elements from its E65 7 Series predecessor but was a less controversial approach. The car's exterior was designed by Lebanese automotive designer Karim Habib. In July 2015, the BMW 7 Series (G11) began production as the successor to the F01. Other model codes used for this generation were F03 for the 'High Security 7 Series' armoured car and F04 for the 'ActiveHybrid 7' hybrid-electric model. The wheelbase was increased by 8 cm over the outgoing 7 Series.

It was the second 7 Series to be available with a turbocharged petrol engine (the first being the European E23 745i), and all-wheel drive (xDrive). The F01 was the first BMW vehicle to be available with a hybrid drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged V12 engine. The F01/F02 generation was produced by BMW from 2008 to 2015 and is often collectively referred to as the F01.

The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW F01 (sedan version) and BMW F02 (long-wheelbase sedan version) full-size luxury sedans.

Bmw f01 fa code list