The BMW 7 Series first debuted in 1978 as a four-door sedan that could compete with Mercedes and Jaguar. While the First Generation of the car was not entirely successful, the Second Generation, launched in 1988, was quick to gain popularity. The automaker revolutionized its Third Generation by offering styling and chassis updates. Over the next decade, the 7 Series went through several technological and cosmetic tweaks that have made it one of the most valuable BMW series.
With the launch of the 2023 BMW i7, the automaker plans to usher in the EV era. A tech-forward iteration that has embraced the changing times, the 7 Series will be a key competitor in the market with its new design and all-electric trim.
The Best Feature Of The 2023 BMW i7: Luxury Enters The EV Era
BMW has estimated that the i7 iteration will be the most popular trim of its mind-blowing lineup. The electric model is called the i7 xDrive60 and is equipped with two electric motors at the front and rear. It receives energy from the usable battery installed that holds the capacity of 101.7 kWh. The power from the electric engine offers an output of 536 HP and 549 lb-ft of torque. It prances from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 149 MPH.
The i7 battery can be charged at a DC Fast Charging station, and if the car charges for ten minutes at the DC Station, it can offer 80 miles of driving range. The company also provides complimentary charging sessions to i7 buyers at the Electrify America stations for the first three years after purchase. Along with the electric engine, the i7 will also be offered in a new trim called M70 that is likely to replace the M760Li twelve-cylinder engine and will produce 600 HP and 737 lb-ft of torque.
BMW i7: A Re-Styled Bodywork
There is a substantive change in the signature front lighting that BMW once offered for the 7 Series. Similar to the SAV BMW X7, the i7 has a horizontally split setup for the headlights, with upper horizontal stripes on either side that function as daytime running lamps. The gas and electric versions of the luxury sedan will also offer perimeter lighting around the grille.
While the look of the i7 has been inspired by the X7, it has a few tweaks and changes. Gone are the old integrated appearances in the front, and instead, the lights are spread out vertically for a refreshing look. The twin-kidney grille in the front has also been comparatively reduced in size from its previous iteration. To enhance the outlook of the exterior, the car has an illuminated outline that distinguishes it from its gas-powered trims. In the back, the taillights have become thin and increased in size, similar to the 7 Series in the early-2000s.
A Bold And Uncompromised Interior
While the 2023 iteration has a rear-wheel steering system and adaptive air suspension, this luxury sedan is not a sports sedan. The automaker has taken bold risks when designing the interior with elegant materials and new technology. The digital dashboard has a floating glass panel with two 12.3-inch displays that function as a gauge cluster and infotainment system. The newly updated iDrive 8 application is also available in the electric trim of the BMW i4. A glass panel stretches across the car's width towards the door panels, which can be illuminated with ambient lighting. The Interaction Bar features an option for the glove box release and integrated touch controls for the air vents and hazard lights. The plush seats lined with expensive materials offer heating, cooling, and massage functions. At the same time, the rear passenger seats are designed with the utmost care, and the additional Executive Lounge Package includes power-adjustable seats that can recline.
The most exciting and unique interior feature is the Theater Screen Entertainment System. A digital screen is fixed in the rear door panels, and passengers can unfold a 31.3-inch touchscreen display from the roof that can be used to browse and stream on various online platforms like Netflix and Hulu via the cellular data connection in the car. BMW has also rolled out a new series of driver-assistance features that includes Highway Assistant, exclusively available to North American customers. It will also offer a hands-free driving mode, but the driver will have to keep their eye on the road. The starting price of the electric i7 will be $120,295, while the gas-powered trim will be priced at $114,595.
A stunning feat of innovation in the BMW 7 Series, the i7 is ready to take on competitors with its unique and stand-out features. Available in electric and gas-powered trims, the 2023 i7 is expected to boost the sales of the flagship series after its launch in Fall 2022.
Sources: Forbes, BMW USA, Car and Driver