Photo: BMW AG
BMW today unveiled the all-new, all-electric i7 full-size luxury sedan along with the next-generation 7 Series. We also got a bit more details on the refreshed X7 that premiered last week.
CEO Oliver Zipse talked about the German automaker’s strategy when it comes to new vehicle development.
A key part of that strategy is building ICE-powered, hybrid and fully electric models on a shared architecture, which is why the new 7 Series will offer multiple powertrain options in Canada. At launch, the 760Li xDrive and its twin-turbocharged V8 engine (codename S68) will be joined by the zero-emission i7, set to become the new flagship car in the BMW portfolio.
Photo: BMW AG
The latter features two electric motors and a 107kWh battery that provides an estimated 480 km of range based on the test cycle used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Total output is 536 horsepower, matching the 760i xDrive and allowing the i7 to sprint from 0-100 km/h in five seconds.
And you know what’s really amazing? When the i7 and 760Li xDrive go on sale in Canada this fall, both will start at $147,000. A plug-in hybrid variant of the 7 Series, the 483-horsepower 750e xDrive, will be added sometime in 2023.
Photo: BMW AG
New Looks
BMW’s chief designer Domagoj Dukec explained how the new design language of the brand is expressed through the 2023 7 Series including the i7, starting with an oversized kidney grille featuring an illuminated contour. Slim daytime running lights sit above the low- and high-beam headlights, adding to the unique look. Several body colours are available.
Inside, the various models have one thing in common: a spectacular cabin that doubles as a lounge on wheels. The driver and front passenger are treated to a giant curved display similar to the one in the BMW i4 and iX, complete with the latest-generation iDrive 8 infotainment system. Designers did an awesome job of creating a highly refined and luxurious environment without going over the top.
Photo: BMW AG
Theatre Screen
The rear passengers, meanwhile, enjoy plenty of comfort and opulence with a lot more legroom than in the Mercedes-Benz EQS. Optionally, the BMW Theatre Screen, which moves out of the roof liner, is an ultra-wide, 31.1-inch screen with a 32:9 panoramic display format and 8K resolution. It transforms the rear seats into an exclusive, private cinema lounge where occupants can select their personal entertainment program from a diverse range of streaming offers (Amazon Video, Netflix and more).
Another impressive technological feature in the i7 and 7 Series is Level 3 autonomous driving capability. All the hardware is already built-in, and the system can be activated via an over-the-air update where legislation allows it. Speaking of which, a number of vehicle functions can be improved through OTA updates.
Photo: BMW AG
All-New Twin-Turbo V8
Both the 2023 BMW 7 Series and i7 come standard with an adaptive air suspension. Rear-wheel steering is optional.
Incredibly, the new twin-turbocharged S68 engine doesn’t share a single component with the N63 unit that powers the outgoing 7 Series. Displacement is still 4.4 litres, though. As mentioned earlier, output is now rated at 536 horsepower.
Photo: BMW AG
Refreshed X7
For 2023, the BMW X7 gets a mid-cycle refresh including a new front-end look similar to the sedans we’ve just covered. The headlight arrangement and illuminated kidney grille give the tall SUV more character.
For the first time on a standard BMW, the X7 is available with 23-inch wheels, which used to be exclusive to the Alpina XB7 and other Alpina model. In case you haven’t heard the latest news, the German tuner was recently purchased by BMW.
Photo: BMW AG
The rear end stands out with new-look OLED taillights that are connected by a chrome-accented light bar, plus new tailpipe finishers. The interior boasts the same curved display and iDrive8 system as the 7 Series and i7.
The 2023 BMW X7 will go on sale early in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Watch: The Car Guide Drives the 2022 BMW iX
Keyword: 2023 BMW i7 Electric Sedan is the Most Potent 7 Series Car