Is The BMW Executive Package Worth The Investment?

Luxury vehicles like BMW are celebrated for their top-of-the-line performance, handling, technology, and of course, comfort. For buyers seeking the utmost pampered and indulgent experience, automakers offer exclusive premium packages with amenities to take luxury to the next level.

BMW offers their Executive Package as the crown jewel upgrade across vehicle lines like the 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and X5. But what exactly does the Executive Package include? Should you check this box when building your new BMW or is it an unnecessary splurge?

We’ll dive into every detail of the Executive Package so you can determine if it’s a wise investment:

What features are included in the BMW Executive Package?
How is the package priced for different BMW models?
What are the pros and cons of adding this upgrade?
Who will find the greatest value in the Executive Package?
Our final verdict: Is the BMW Executive Package really worth it?

After inspecting this top-tier BMW offering from every angle, you’ll know whether the Executive Package is a luxurious must-have or an overpriced indulgence.

What Does the BMW Executive Package Include?

The Executive Package differs slightly across BMW models, but generally includes a suite of premium features focused on rear seat passengers:

Rear Seat Entertainment System

A 10.2” tablet-style touchscreen with BluRay-DVD player is integrated into the back of the front headrests. Rear passengers can enjoy movies, TV shows, games, and online entertainment streamed from their personal devices. Wireless headphones and HDMI/MHL ports are included.

Heated and Ventilated Rear Seats

Rear outboard seats are equipped with multiple levels of heating and active cooling ventilation for personalized climate comfort.

Extended Merino Leather Upholstery

Supple Merino leather with contrast stitching trims the rear cabin and all seating in exclusive colors like Ivory White/Night Blue.

Active Seat Ventilation

Active seat ventilation with massaging function provides a refreshing flow of air through perforations in the leather to keep rear passengers cool and comfortable.

Rear Comfort Cushions

Removable headrest cushions give rear seat passengers extra neck support for improved relaxation and sleep comfort.

Separate Rear Climate Control

Rear passengers have their own zone of 4-zone climate control with auto air recirculation and active ventilation. Temperature and fan speed can be adjusted from the rear.

Gesture Control

Gestures like swiping or pointing can control features like volume and navigation, allowing rear passengers to adjust settings without reaching forward.

Glass Controls

Convenient touchpad controls located in the rear doors and center console provide easy access to entertainment, climate, lighting, blinds, and chair positioning.

Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof

The entire glass roof can transform from clear to frosted at the touch of a button, filling the cabin with gentle ambient light. The ceiling liner mimics a starry night sky.

Premium Sound System

A surround sound system from Harman Kardon, Bowers & Wilkins, or BMW Individual audio provides immersive listening with 16+ speakers throughout the cabin.

In addition to the features focused on rear seat luxury, the Executive Package also adds amenities to enhance the overall environment:

Soft-close automatic doors
Rear manual side window shades
Manual rear door sunshades
Rear vanity mirrors
Rear seat illumination
Rear seat wool blankets
Ceramic controls

Now that you know what’s included, it’s time to look at the costs associated with this premium upgrade.

Pricing for the BMW Executive Package

The Executive Package is only available on higher trim configurations for most BMW models. You first have to invest in a well-equipped model before the package can be added.

Here are the approximate costs:

BMW 3 Series: Requires M340i or M340i xDrive trim starting at $58,500. Executive Package is $6,900 additional.
BMW 5 Series: Requires M550i xDrive starting at $76,800. Executive Package is $6,600 additional.
BMW 7 Series: Requires 760i Sedan starting at $157,800 or 760Li Sedan starting at $160,800. Executive Package is $6,000 additional.
BMW X5: Requires xDrive50i starting at $76,150. Executive Package is $5,750 additional.
BMW X7: Requires xDrive40i starting at $74,900 or xDrive50i starting at $93,600. Executive Package is $6,000 additional.

As you can see, the Executive Package tacks on between $5,750 – $6,900 to an already pricey luxury vehicle. The total investment ranges from around $65,000 for a 3 Series to over $160,000 for a top-of-the-line 7 Series with the upgrade.

That’s a hefty price tag! But what exactly are you getting for all that money? Let’s look at the key pros and cons.

Pros of Adding the BMW Executive Package

An Ultra-Luxurious Backseat Experience

The Executive Package lavishes rear passengers with amenities like reclining seats, individual climate zones, and the entertainment system. Rear passengers feel pampered and comfortable while being driven.

Great for Being Chauffeured

Many Executive Package features are only usable from the backseat. The upgrade gives rear passengers control over their environment and activities, making luxury BMW models excellent chauffeured vehicles.

Rear Passenger Comfort and Entertainment

Between massage seats, ventilation, blankets, extra cushions, and private displays, rear seat riders have everything they need to relax or stay entertained for hours.

Unique Offerings Like Gesture Control

Cutting-edge additions like gesture controls, Sky Lounge lighting, and removable cushions take luxury to new levels. These novelties help justify the package’s price tag.

Extended Merino Leather Trim

Premium Merino leather with quilting and piping exceeds standard BMW upholstery. The softer, high-end leather boosts the sophistication of the rear cabin.

Rear Climate Controls and Ventilation

Rear passengers get their own climate zone with controls to dial in their perfect temperature. Active seat ventilation keeps rear riders cool and dry.

Cons of the BMW Executive Package

Very Expensive Upgrade

The Executive Package tacks thousands onto an already costly luxury vehicle. Not all buyers can justify spending over $160,000+ on a single vehicle.

Most Features Only Benefit Rear Passengers

Besides gesture controls and ceramic accents, most amenities are focused on keeping rear seat riders comfortable and entertained. Front passengers get little extra.

Adds Cost But Not Performance

Upgrading to an M3 or Alpina B3 adds tangible performance and handling improvements. The Executive Package only enhances creature comforts.

Purchase Hard to Justify Unless Regularly Chauffeured

Many Executive Package features will go unused unless owners are frequently driven by a chauffeur. Infrequent backseat passengers won’t get full value.

Consider Individual Options vs. Full Package

Rear entertainment, massage seats, and ventilation can be added individually. The package bundles every rear amenity together at a premium cost.

Now that we’ve weighed the pros and cons, let’s discuss the type of BMW buyer that will find the greatest value in this top-tier upgrade.

Who Should Add the BMW Executive Package?

The ideal Executive Package buyer is someone who:

Plans to be frequently chauffeured while rear passengers use the backseat amenities
Wants to create the most luxurious, pampered experience for VIP rear riders
Has the financial means to afford the substantial upgrade cost
Appreciates the novelty and exclusivity of the newest luxury features
Prioritizes rear seat comfort, climate control, and entertainment over driving performance

Folks that are more likely to actually drive their BMW themselves versus being driven by a chauffeur will find less value in the rear-focused Executive Package.

Our Verdict: Is the BMW Executive Package Worth It?

For buyers wanting an ultra-luxurious chauffeured vehicle, the Executive Package is money well spent. The breadth of amenities creates a best-in-class backseat experience that’s hard to match. Upgrades like the Sky Lounge Roof and removable cushions take luxury to innovative new levels.

Rear passengers feel pampered with reclining heated and cooled seats, expansive legroom, personalized climate zones, and private entertainment screens. Seamlessly integrating the latest technology like gesture control into a refined leather cabin highlights the engineering prowess underpinning these ultimate driving machines.

While not cheap, the Executive Package costs align with other premium luxury automaker packages when considering the cutting-edge features included.

For buyers who plan to drive themselves the majority of the time, the value proposition is harder to justify. Features like massaging seats, ventilation, and rear climate zones go largely unused if the owner is behind the wheel. And the considerable upgrade spend could buy stand-alone options like a head-up display that benefit the driver.

Ultimately, the Executive Package delivers on its promise of creating an unmatched chauffeured experience for rear passengers. BMW has assembled the latest innovations in comfort, climate, and infotainment into a cohesive and elegant upgrade. For buyers wanting the pinnacle of both technology and luxury, the Executive Package warrants serious consideration.

We hope this comprehensive review has provided keen insight into the complete BMW Executive Package offering. You should now have clarity if this upgrade aligns with your preferences and budget. No doubt these amenities take BMW luxury to new heights. But the key is determining whether you’ll make full use of the indulgent rear seat enhancements before signing on the dotted line.