2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickSince this generation launched in 2022, much has been said about its slab-sided styling and bold grille. "Polarizing" doesn't even begin to cover it. But that's the point: in an era where the blacked-out Escalade is the default mode of elevated conveyance, an actual car is already going against the grain. Why not lean into it?Thankfully, the rest of the package holds up, too. Whatever you think of the 7's looks, the 2026 i7 delivers the comfort, tech, and driving experience a flagship should.2026 BMW i7: All the Details2026 BMW i7: All the DetailsView GalleryAdvertisementAdvertisement56 photosQuick TakeA joy to be in and behind the wheel of, the i7 delivers a true all-electric flagship experience.What's New for 2026?2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickNot a whole lot… yet. The 2027 7 Series will introduce a whole host of upgrades-not to mention tweaked styling-including tech pilfered from the Neue Klasse platform for the all-electric i7 models. This i7 xDrive60 remains the middle rung in the EV ladder, sandwiched between the rear-drive eDrive50 and bonkers-quick M70. Its dual-motor setup provides a handy 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque, with official range estimates from 296 to 311 miles (476 to 501 kilometers) based on wheel size.Exterior Style:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickAdvertisementAdvertisementBrass metallic is probably not how I'd spec my personal i7, especially with its $5,500 ($5,000 CAD) sticker. In the sunlight it does have a shine worthy of its name, but on overcast days it just looks like a very dirty gray. If you must go for the pricey Individual options, might I suggest Boston Green or-for the truly daring-even Velvet Orchid? I will say I like the black trim around the bottom half of the grille giving the latter the illusion of "floating."I'm not going to make an argument for the 7 being pretty, because it ain't. But it's imposing and impossible to ignore in a way that the borderline anonymous S-Class can't match, to say nothing of the EQS.Powertrain and Fuel Economy:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickHaving been fortunate enough to sample just about every current-generation 7 Series flavor over the years, I'd argue this is the ideal setup. Over 500 horsepower ensures the i7 positively hurls its prodigious mass down the road when asked. The M70 is quicker sure, and even the gas-powered 760i has a few tenths on the xDrive60's 4.7-second run to 62 mph (100 km/h).AdvertisementAdvertisementNonetheless, this setup strikes an ideal balance between smoothness and responsiveness, and few vehicles feel better tailored for the near-silence of electric propulsion than a big limo. If the V12 were still around I could understand the argument for it, but the xDrive60's versatility makes it easy to like.2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickWith the week's temperatures being far lower than expected for the time of year-not to mention a long highway drive mid-week-the i7 didn't hit its official range estimates, coming in around 270 mi (435 km) per charge.Handling and Drivability:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickThere's no way around it: the i7 is a giant of a car. And with its 105.7-kilowatt-hour battery in the floor, it's a hefty one too: 5,975 pounds (2,710 kilograms) is a full 880 lb (399 kg) more than the V8-powered 760i. We're talking truck sizing.AdvertisementAdvertisementYet it should also come as no surprise that, with the benefit of a low center of gravity and standard rear-axle steer, the i7 is actually quite agile for a boat. The steering weight and resistance is well-judged, minimizing the odd disconnected feeling that can come from the rear wheels aiming in the opposite direction of the fronts. With the standard drive mode, body lean is kept in check; switching over to sport mode tightens up body control without sacrificing comfort.2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickCompetitorsLucid AirMercedes-Benz EQS-ClassPorsche TaycanRide Quality and Comfort:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickSpeaking of comfort, the i7 has it in spades. This big sedan floats down the road essentially impervious to surface imperfections. Credit again goes to the twin-axle adaptive air suspension, with the traditional dual wishbones up front and a multi-link setup in the back. The thick doors close with a satisfying heft, and there's virtually no outside noise even at highway speeds.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 7's power-closing doors might seem made for the 'Gram, but there is a certain satisfaction to watching them whir closed simply by putting a foot on the brake.2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickSeat comfort is simply extraordinary. There's heat, ventilation, and massaging functions on all four outboard seats, and acres of space. Those sitting in the right rear seat also gain access to a near-horizontal recline function.Interior Style and Quality:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickThis tester's extended Merino leather interior is sumptuous and goes some way towards justifying the epic list price. The taupe and blue combo is only unlocked when checking other boxes, but it lends a sense of individuality that a single color simply wouldn't. I'd be lying if I said I didn't still want the cashmere, though…AdvertisementAdvertisementThe rest of the cabin is a mix of materials and textures that all comes together to feel modern and forward-thinking. The glass controls are still elegant, and in the case of the seat adjusters now even easier to use, though the iDrive controller can reflect sunlight something fierce. Outside of some slightly small and oddly squared-off cupholders there are no complaints here.Tech and Safety:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickBMW learned from feedback and has worked to make this version of iDrive generally great to use. The main menu is plenty customizable and keeps all the most important info on-screen. Those that want to dig can still access the myriad tiles in a dedicated menu, as well. There are almost too many variables here, and it can only increase with the ability to add popular streaming apps and the like. At least the system is snappy, and allows for Apple CarPlay directions to integrate with the instrument cluster and head-up display (HUD).The updated 7 does adopt the panoramic display at the base of the windshield and the associated "Shy Tech" that works so well on the new iX3, but it also adds the industry's most useless modern interior feature: the passenger screen. So on that front, I'd call this i7's simple rectangular setup a wash.2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickAdvertisementAdvertisementOf course the 7's star feature is the fold-down theater setup in the back seat. Paired with the sublime Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround audio system, which packs 35 speakers and nearly 2,000 watts, it truly is your own exclusive cinema. Just try not to get butter on that fancy leather.Value, Dollars, and Sense:2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle Patrick$125,750 ($156,855 CAD) including destination sounds almost reasonable for a vehicle so satisfying. But that's the starting price, and this tester comes with a bevy of options.It's impossible to match this spec in the US, as features like the extended M Shadowline exterior bits are incompatible with the Executive package. Note that should you want the rear executive lounge seating with the theater screen ($7,500), you must also take the B&W audio setup ($5,000). The closest equivalent build would be around $162,000.2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Canadian price balloons nearly $50,000 CAD over the base sticker, including the Premium package ($8,300 CAD), rear entertainment ($7,500 CAD), B&W audio ($5,900 CAD), the Individual Gran Lusso package to unlock the higher-level interiors ($6,900 CAD), executive lounge package ($2,800 CAD), and automatic doors ($2,000). Total damage? $207,205.Final Thoughts: 2026 BMW i7 Review2026 bmw i7 review best in show, Image Kyle PatrickImage: Kyle PatrickWhile that's a huge chunk of change for a flagship-especially one that isn't the absolute top trim-the 2026 BMW i7 xDrive60 still succeeds in feeling completely special. It pampers like a big limo should and plays when asked, all while surrounding its driver and occupants in exceptional design. It also costs a lot less than your local multiplex. For the lucky few who've made it, and want to make sure everybody knows it, the i7 is the pick of the class.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.PROSCONSBest-driving big sedanSeriously pricey optionsCalm and collected ridePower doors are awkward to manually useHello, theater screen!It still looks like thisSpecificationsMotor:2 x electric motorsOutputs:536 hp, 549 lb-ftDrivetrain:AWDTransmission:1ATUS Fuel Economy (MPGe):85/89/87CAN Fuel Economy (Le/100 km):2.8/2.6/2.7EV Range:308 mi / 496 kmStarting Price (USD):$125,750 (inc. dest.)As-Tested Price (USD):N/A (see text)Starting Price (CAD):$156,855 (inc. dest.)As-Tested Price (CAD):$207,205 (inc. dest.)
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