OVERVIEW
BMW's sworn enemy Mercedes-Benz follows wherever it goes, and vice versa. It comes as no surprise that BMW is releasing the i7, an all-electric version of its flagship luxury car, now that Mercedes has shown the EQS, an electric version of the S-class.
The next-generation 7-series and the electric Bimmer were both developed in tandem, and both vehicles offer the same level of luxury. The i7 is equipped with a battery pack big enough to compete with the EQS and other high-end electric cars like the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan. It is propelled by two electric motors.
The 2023 BMW i7 nonetheless takes some stylistic risks despite being more subdued than the recently unveiled XM SUV concept, particularly with its front-end design, which features unusually big grille intakes and split-element headlamps.
The inside of the i7 combines a variety of technological innovations with luxurious materials, making it the ideal choice for purchasers who want luxurious transportation that is both whisper-quiet and who also want to unwind in the back while being driven.
What Has Changed For 2023?
As the pinnacle of BMW's growing I sub-brand of electric vehicles, the 2023 i7 is a new nameplate.
2023 BMW i7: EV Motor And Performance
Two electric motors—one driving each axle—producing a total of 536 horsepower are used in the i7's electric drivetrain, which is similar to the company's new EV SUV, the iX. For such a huge vehicle, acceleration is quick, and all-wheel drive is standard. According to our estimation, the i7 xDrive60 will reach 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Although the i7's handling is surprisingly nimble for a big sedan, consumers seeking sports-sedan handling won't be drawn to it. When we took it for a first test drive, we noticed that it had a very smooth ride and a quiet cabin, which will appeal to those looking for a comfortable and opulent experience. There is still a gasoline-powered 7-series available, and we have a separate review for that vehicle.
2023 BMW i7: Battery Life, Range, And Charging
Although the EPA hasn't yet provided an official assessment, BMW claims that the i7 should have a driving range of about 300 miles per charge. The car's enormous 101.7-kWh battery pack can be connected to DC fast charging stations, and it is claimed that doing so can increase the vehicle's driving range by 80 miles in just 10 minutes.
Speaking of charging, every new i7 from BMW comes with three years of cost-free 30-minute sessions at Electrify America charging stations.
2023 BMW i7: Interior And Comfort
Since they were collaboratively developed, the i7 enjoys the same roomy, opulent, and upmarket interior as the gasoline-powered 7-series. The i7 boasts a plethora of high-tech convenience features in addition to luxury, giving it a competitive edge over rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Tesla Model S. Both the front and rear seats provide plenty of space, and the entire inside is lined with high-quality materials.
Your rear-seat guests will enjoy power-adjustable reclining chairs, a wireless smartphone charging station, and extra-plush headrests if you choose the Executive Lounge option. Although there is plenty of trunk space, there is a useful rear-seat pass-through feature if you need to transport longer items.
2023 BMW i7: Connectivity
The i7 adopts the iX SUV's digital dashboard, which features substantial floating digital gauges and multimedia panels. The two displays, which are sandwiched together under a single pane of glass, provide a clear view of the entertainment elements and driving statistics.
Additionally, a rear-seat entertainment system with a sizable 31.3-inch screen that descends from the ceiling is an option. This system uses the car's 5G cellular connection to access streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.
2023 BMW i7: Pricing
For 2023 there is only the xDrive60 Variant available which is priced at $120,294.
Which One To Purchase?
BMW now only provides the all-wheel-drive xDrive60 edition of the i7, but we anticipate that it will ultimately offer a sportier M-sport variant as well. The i7 is a limo-like luxury sedan, similar to the gasoline-powered 7-series, that can be equipped with the Executive Lounge package to pamper passengers in the back seats.
That package comes with a lot of features that justify its high price, such as luxurious, electrically reclining rear seats with massage.