The 2023 BMW 7 Series is here and BMW has dropped everything on us in one fell swoop. Today, two gasoline-powered 7-series and one electric-powered model are unveiled. The electric 7-series will be known as the i7 xDrive60. Meanwhile, the gasoline-powered models available at launch are the 740i and the 760i xDrive.
But before any powertrain details are given, you’ll notice the new, extroverted design of the seventh-generation 7 Series. Like the updated X7 previewed last week, the 7 Series has split front headlight modules. The sleek top lights (optionally available with Swarovski crystals) contain the DRLs, and the actual headlamps are housed in a hidden module further down the bumper. In recent BMW fashion, the kidney grille is huge. The grille surround also lights up, although the M Driving Professional package removes the light for dark gray paint.
The i7 has a lot of blue accents around the car to signify its status as an EV. As usual for BMW, the look will vary depending on the specific powertrain model you choose and whether or not it includes M Sport packages. While the overall design is similar between the i7 and 760i xDrive, many details have changed. Zooming all the way out, we notice that this new 7 Series is noticeably larger than its predecessor. The length is 5.1 inches higher, the width is 1.9 inches higher and the height is 2 inches higher. The wheelbase went up just under 0.2 inches, but BMW says the larger proportions all round bring more comfort to the backseat.
As for the powertrains available, we’ll start with the single electric configuration. The i7 xDrive60 (pictured above) features two electrically assisted synchronous electric motors (one at the front and one at the rear). The motor that powers the rear wheels generates 308 horsepower, and the front produces 255 horsepower — BMW says the combined maximum power is 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is capped at 149 mph.
BMW predicts that the i7 xDrive60 will have an EPA-rated range of 300 miles on a full charge, although official reviews are not yet available. The liquid-cooled battery pack provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy and the maximum charging speed is 195 kW with a DC fast charger that can handle these speeds. BMW suggests that at its maximum charging speed, this will give you about 80 miles of range in 10 minutes. All i7 owners get free, unlimited 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America stations for three years. BMW says it has refined its charging process for the i7 to be better than the i4 and iX in order to reduce charging times. In addition, the navigation system has an optimized charge scheduler, new cooling technology to extend battery life in the long term and manually selectable battery preheating to prepare for charging.
If you prefer gas flow, the base model for 2023 is the rear-wheel drive 740i. This 7 Series is equipped with an updated and more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that produces 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It’s aided by a mild-hybrid system that can briefly boost peak torque to 398 pound-feet. A new eight-speed automatic transmission debuts here, with the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and BMW says it results in smoother and more immediate responses from throttle adjustments. This model does the sprint from 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds.
If you want maximum performance, the 760i xDrive model (shown above in black) puts BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood. Power is up to 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, taking this beast from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. There is something for everyone and every model available is fast.
BMW promises that the 7 Series is also more dynamic than before, both in road holding and driving comfort. Improved road holding and agility comes from increased body stiffness, wider front and rear tracks, larger wheels and tires and a new aluminum scissor panel in all-wheel drive models to increase front stiffness. You can further improve handling by choosing an active roll stabilization feature on the 760i xDrive that uses electric swing motors to smooth out body roll. This also increases driving comfort, as the system can disconnect the fixed connection that you would otherwise have between the wheels. BMW says the active roll suppression also allows them to activate a softer air spring setting, further increasing ride comfort.
More ride improvements come via new hydro-mounts for the rear subframe, elastic steering on the front subframe (for acoustics), and new rod end bearings for the rear dampers. Every 7 Series is equipped with full air suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers. New this year, BMW has added a larger pressure reservoir and a new compressor mount to make system operation even quieter. Integral Active Steering (steering ratio varies with steering angle) has been added to the 7 Series and also has rear-wheel steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 3.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels to create a tighter turning circle. We’ll note that the S-Class’s rear-wheel steering system is much more capable, offering significantly more angle for an even tighter turning radius.
One place we’re particularly happy with the look of this new 7 Series is on the inside. It looks a lot like the beautiful iX with the huge Curved Display equipped with two screens. The cluster is a 12.3-inch screen and the infotainment system is a 14.9-inch screen. It all runs on the latest iDrive 8 interface. You can see the intricate glass controls for the gear lever, start/stop button, volume control and seat adjustment controls. It is astonishingly beautiful and luxurious to look at, but also captures the trendy minimalist design theme that many are looking for.
The luxury continues in the back seat. A 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen can be lowered and used to watch whatever you want. If you’d rather ignore the screen, the new panoramic glass roof features an LED light show that mimics the quilting on the seats. All of your rear seat controls can be found in new in-door touchscreen displays—yes, BMW has found a new place to put a screen. Here you can customize your optional “Executive Lounge” seats that allow for a 42.5 degree backrest. You’ll find more headroom and more legroom than in the rear of the new 7 Series to fully stretch out. In addition, BMW says that the total trunk volume has increased by 0.9 cu-ft. However, the i7 has a slightly smaller trunk than the gasoline-powered 7 Series, as it loses 1.4 cu-ft.
A few final notes on technology before we get to the price. BMW announces a new Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system with 36 speakers, single headlining speakers, headrests and more. You can optionally add auto-opening and closing doors that open on approach and close for you once you’re inside. In addition, a wide range of new or improved driver assistance systems are available. Most notably, an optional Highway Assistant allows for hands-free driving at speeds of up to 80 mph. As with other hands-free systems like this one, BMW keeps an eye on you to make sure you keep your eyes on the road.
Pre-orders for the i7 require a $1,500 deposit and are open now. BMW says the full line will launch in the fourth quarter of 2022. Prices start at $94,295 for the 740i. The 760i xDrive starts at $114,595 and the electric i7 at $120,295.
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