Snapshot
- 2023 BMW 7 Series revealed ahead of Australian launch
- All-electric i7 debuts alongside internal-combustion variant
- New technology includes Level 3 autonomous driving
Following months of teasers, spy photos and leaks, the seventh-generation 2023 BMW 7 Series has made its debut.
In a first for the 45-year-old nameplate, the model showcased to the world is the all-electric i7.
The flagship i7 M70 xDrive is one of the most powerful series-production vehicles ever produced by BMW, providing the heat to battle against the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53.
Featuring a dual-motor setup, the performance variant has a substantial 485kW of power and more than 1000Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h sprint in less than four seconds. It will go on sale later in 2023, with additional information to be released in the coming months.
A less potent dual-motor xDrive60 will kickstart the i7 line-up, featuring 400kW/745Nm with a 101.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a claimed 625km driving range.
It can surge to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a recharge rate of up to 195kW allowing 10 minutes of electric juice to add a claimed 170km of range.
While the iconic 7 Series might be going electric, BMW will still offer the latest generation range – codenamed G70 – with inline-six petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid, and petrol V8 drivetrains.
Exterior
BMW claims it has reduced the carbon footprint of its Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 rival by approximately 39 per cent, although it has grown physically.
Measuring in at 5391mm long, 1950mm wide and 1544mm high, with 3.2m between the wheels, the 7 Series is closer in size to the previous long-wheelbase iteration.
First seen on the updated X7 large SUV, the 7 Series adopts BMW’s latest split headlight design – in addition to a large, illuminated double-kidney waterfall grille with vertical chrome bars.
The controversial stacked lighting configuration includes a thin upper daytime running light strip and partially hidden adaptive matrix LED headlights.
Buyers will be able to option the daytime light unit with crystals from Swarovski arranged in L-shapes, with each backlit by 14 LED units.
The marque has developed a welcome and goodbye scenario to showcase the lighting, with the crystal unit following the illuminated ‘Iconic Glow’ surround of the kidney grille when the vehicle is approached.
Along the side, the 7 Series includes fewer creases with flush door handles from the electric iX crossover and thick chrome on the C-pillar to accentuate BMW’s famous Hofmeister kink.
For the first time, a two-tone paint finish by BMW Individual will become available to compete against the avant-garde Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
A range of 19- to 22-inch alloy wheels will be available.
Interior
Inside, the 7 Series picks up the latest BMW design cues, including a broad curved display running the latest iDrive 8 operating system.
This consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen, as seen on the iX and facelifted X7.
BMW has also introduced the Interaction Bar, which comprises a crystalline strip running across the entire dashboard to house an ambient lighting system and touch-sensitive controls for various functions.
The infotainment system features 5G connectivity, allowing passengers to enjoy video-on-demand services such as YouTube – but only when the vehicle is stationary – while augmented reality satellite navigation is new to the 7 Series.
Rear passengers are treated to the large theatre screen that extends downwards from the roof to provide a 31.3-inch 8K panoramic display equipped with Amazon Fire TV, in a 32:9 two-in-one display format.
The in-house BMW personal assistant has been expanded to the second-row, allowing rear passengers to control a slew of functions by voice, while the rear seats can be reclined 42.5 degrees.
A 5.5-inch digital screen is integrated into each rear side door, with occupants able to operate the cinema display, make phone calls and adjust comfort-orientated features.
18 655-watt in-car speakers will be offered as standard on the 7 Series, however, the available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System includes 36, 1965-watt high-quality speakers with a 4D audio experience and magnetically controlled vibrations to improve bass.
Cloth seats also make a return, with stain-resistant cashmere wool trim joined by a number of synthetic leather and real leather options.
Autonomous driving
As expected, each model will include a full suite of active safety technology, with the latest additions including an exit warning function and an improved autonomous emergency system.
However, the big news is the autonomous driving capabilities of the new 7 Series.
When equipped with the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package, BMW claims the latest-generation vehicle is capable of Level 3 autonomous hands-free driving at speeds of up to 130km/h on select North American highways.
Powertrains
BMW will offer six internal-combustion options at launch, all fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and some form of electrification.
Petrol-powered versions consist of the rear-wheel-drive six-cylinder 735i, more powerful 740i, and the flagship 760i with a twin-turbo V8 and all-wheel-drive.
The brand’s 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six is found under the bonnet of the 735i and 740i, both matched with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
Destined for China, the entry-level 735i produces 210kW of power and 425Nm of torque, while the global 740i increases power to 280kW/540Nm.
Meanwhile, the 760i sports a 400kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. This is a decrease in power over the outgoing M760Li, which featured a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 producing 448kW/850Nm.
Instead, BMW will offer a plug-in hybrid to succeed the previous M Performance version of the 7 Series.
The M760e xDrive will become available in early 2023, pairing the 280kW turbocharged inline-six from the 740i with a 145kW electric motor for a total system output of 420kW/800Nm (with temporary boost).
It has a WLTP-rated electric driving range of 84-kilometres and will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 250km/h.
A less-powerful 750e xDrive is also available, with 360kW/700Nm, an electric driving range of 89-kilometres and 0-100km/h in 4.9s.
The sole diesel option at launch is the 740d, featuring a 220kW/670Nm mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six.
Availability
BMW expects approximately 50 per cent of all 7 Series sales to originate from China, with an additional 20 per cent across Asia.
The 2023 BMW 7 Series and i7 are expected to launch in Australia during the second half of 2022.
Wheels has contacted BMW Australia for additional information. This article will be updated with its response.
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