Of all the packages BMW offers, the executive package is probably the one with the most premium features. That might sound strange, considering there’s another premium package option, but BMW uses the executive package on only the highest-spec models in the range.
With that exclusivity comes a high price, though. But what is the BMW executive package? In this article, we’ll go through the different features you get, the costs, and finally, my opinion on whether the executive package is worth it.
What’s included in the BMW Executive Package?
The BMW Executive package contains the following options, depending on the model you are buying:
- Gesture Control
- Heads Up Display
- Power Tailgate
- Soft Close Automatic Doors
- Upgraded headlights
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Front Ventilated Seats
- Front Massage Seats
- Remote Engine Start
- Heated and Cooled Cupholders
- Glass Controls
- Panoramic LED Roof
Gesture Control
BMW’s gesture control system allows you to answer calls, adjust speaker volume, change music, and more. It’s not a perfect system; I’ve had an opportunity to try it in a new 4 Series, and the responses were hit-and-miss.
If you’re looking to get the executive package, it’s good to know that you can turn off gesture control through the menu options.
Models with Gesture Control in the Executive Pack:
- 530i
- X3 M
- X4 M
- X5 40i
- X5 50e
- X6 40i
- X6 M60i
- X7 40i
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
As the name suggests, the Heads Up Display projects information onto the front windscreen. The BMW system is much better than most HUD systems I’ve used from other manufacturers, and you can change what’s shown to suit your needs.
I think the HUD feature is one of the most useful options on your BMW, so it is a bonus that it comes as part of the executive package. Like gesture control, if you don’t want the HUD, you can turn it off in the menu options.
Models with a Heads-Up Display in the Executive Pack:
- M3
- M4
- 530i
- X3 M
- X4 M
- X5 40i
- X5 50e
- X6 40i
- i5 e40
- i5 M60
To find out more about BMW models that include a HUD, visit our article here
Power Tailgate
This option feels strange to be included in the executive package, and BMW only offers it as part of the pack on a handful of vehicles. Power tailgates are standard in the industry, so it’s odd to see this as part of a high-level package from a premium brand.
It’s an excellent feature to have, though, and it’s one of those options I would miss the most if I had to go back to using a car without one.
Models with a Power Tailgate in the Executive Pack:
- M3
- M4
Heated Steering Wheel
The Heated Steering Wheel is another self-explanatory option on the executive package. Some owners will get a lot of use out of this option, and for some of you, it will be completely pointless to own.
It’s a feature I’ve always ignored when offered as a standalone option, but I’ve never complained in my cars when it’s part of a package.
Models with a Heated Steering Wheel in the Executive Pack:
- M3
- M4
- 530i
- 750e
- 740i
- X3 M
- X4 M
- i5 e40
- i5 M60
To find out the current BMW models that include a heated steering wheel, read our full article here
Front Ventilated Seats
We are into the more ‘premium’ options now. Front-ventilated seats are often confused with cooled seats, but there are differences. Ventilated seats keep the driver and passenger cool with fans, whereas a cooled seat uses a refrigerant liquid to cool the air even more.
In my climate, the ventilated seats from BMW are more than capable of keeping you cool on a warm day. This feature is only available on higher-spec models (the system takes up a lot of room within the seat), but it’s well worth it—one of the best options on the executive package.
Models with a Ventilated Seats in the Executive Pack:
- 750e
- 740i
- X5 M
- X6 M
To find out more about ventilated seats and which BMW models include these, our article is here
Front Massage Seats
Massage seats have become more prevalent in luxury cars in recent years. I’ve never tried this feature in a BMW, but it was far better than I expected when I tried it in a Mercedes a couple of years ago.
The latest BMW massage seats have different programs you can choose to target other areas, and it’s probably the ultimate luxury for passengers. As a driver, I’m not sure if I would use this while driving if it’s a distraction, but it’s still a great option.
Models with a Massage Seats in the Executive Pack:
- 760i
- 750e
- 740i
- X5 M
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- i7 50e
- i7 60i
To find out more about BMW massage seats, click here
Remote Engine Start
The remote engine start feature allows you to connect to your car through a mobile app (or your vehicle key) from a distance and turn on various features. The most valuable part is heating or cooling the vehicle so it’s at the perfect temperature when you get in, saving you a few minutes of discomfort.
I have this option on my current BMW. It’s a show-off to people. It’s been helpful in extreme weather, but I’ve mainly used it to impress passengers. I don’t know if that’s just me, but most owners use this option similarly.
Models with a Remote Engine Start in the Executive Pack:
- M4
- 530i
- X5 40i
- X6 40i
To find out more about how Remote Start works, click here
Heated and Cooled Cupholders
The heated and cooled cupholder option is designed to keep your drink at a suitable temperature for longer. That might sound like a simple explanation, but it’s a straightforward feature.
It’s also a feature I don’t think anyone needs. I’ve spoken to owners with this feature, and it’s unsurprisingly not that effective, but it is much better than nothing. The problem is that most of the time if you’re drinking something hot, you’ll have an insulated cup, so the heated cupholder isn’t doing much.
Models with Heated & Cooled Cupholders in the Executive Pack:
- X5 M
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
Panoramic LED Roof
The panoramic LED roof feature, also known as Sky Lounge, is a system of ambient lighting on the roof of your car. This is one of those features you need to see in person to get the whole experience.
It’s only available on the 7 Series and the higher-spec SUV models, so most owners won’t have this as an option. This is undoubtedly the most ‘showcase’ option in the executive package and probably why I would pick this package if I had the opportunity.
Models with a Panoramic LED Roof in the Executive Pack:
- X5 40i
- X5 50e
- X5 M60i
- X5 M
- X6 40i
- X6 M60i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- i5 e40
- i5 M60
What BMW Models Have This Package?
The executive package is limited to only a handful of BMW models currently. You’ll find the executive package option on the following models.
- M3
- M4
- 530i
- M550i
- M5
- 7 Series (various models)
- X3M
- X4M
- X5M
- X6M
The features you get with each model are different – for example, the temperature-controlled cupholders aren’t available on the M3 or M4 executive package. The variety of feature choices also affects the price of the executive package.
How Much Does It Cost?
The executive package cost varies significantly between models, depending on the features. At the low end, it’s around $1,500 in cars like the M3 and M4, where you don’t have access to some luxury options.
Move up to an X6M, and you’ll have to pay $2,600 for the BMW executive package – but you get several extra features. In terms of the price, BMW will provide a list of what comes with each model if you want to specify the executive package onto your vehicle. If you’re buying a used BMW, double-check with the current owner to find out what features are present.
- M3 – $1,450
- M4 – $1,550
- 530i – $4,450
- 760i – $3,700
- 750e – $4,600
- 740i – $4,600
- X3 M – $3,650
- X4 M – $2,250
- X5 40i – $4,450
- X5 50e – $3,950
- X5 M60i – $1,650
- X5 M – $3,100
- X6 40i – $3,450
- X6 M60i – $1,850
- X6 M – $3,100
- X7 40i – $3,950
- X7 M60i – $2,100
- i5 M60 – $3,850
- i5 e40 – $4,25
- i7 50e – $3,700
- i7 60i – $3,700
- i7 M70 – $2,900
Is the Executive Package Worth It?
This is a difficult question. Most BMW packages focus on one area of the car – it might be technology upgrades or comfort improvements. The Executive package mixes in a lot of different features.
The problem with that approach is that I’m not sure if you would need everything in the executive package. Some of the options are amazing, but you are able to choose most of these as standalone options, so you don’t need the whole package.
The executive package works for BMW purely because it’s aimed at the best in their model range. If you’re looking at buying at X5M and spending $100,000, does an extra $2,600 really matter? I’ll let you decide that.
If you liked this post and want to find out more about BMW and other packages, check out the links below:
