The 2023 BMW 7 Series luxury saloon has been revealed, with the top performance model being fully electric.
Badged as the i7 xDrive60, the new BMW flagship saloon comes with dual electric motors offering an output of 544hp and a 101.7kWh battery, boasting a range of up to 625km. Electrical consumption is claimed at 18.4-19.6kWh/100km.
The seventh-generation 7 Series is built on BMW’s flexible CLAR (cluster architecture) platform that allows the car to be fitted with an internal combustion engine, PHEV or electric powertrain.
According to BMW, the new 7 Series will be officially launched at the end of this year and come in only the electric version in Europe during the initial period. But for China (its largest market), the US and other select sales regions, petrol, diesel and 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains will also be offered. The PHEV will do 80km in electric mode.
In addition, there will also be two M versions due for launch next year. The first is the M760e xDrive plugin hybrid with a maximum power of 571hp and 800Nm of torque.
The range-topper will be the i7 M70 xDrive, which will be the most powerful BMW registered for road use. Its dual motors generate a maximum output of over 600hp and up to 1,000Nm. BMW says that acceleration from 0-100kph takes less than 4secs.
There are several design highlights in the i7, particularly its neo-monolithic surface and huge kidney grille with illuminated surround, which together with the Swarovski crystal LED headlights make for a distinctive face.
Getting in is pretty majestic with automatic opening and closing of doors, which lead into a highly luxurious interior. There’s a choice of materials that can be specified, ranging from leather-like Veganza to Merino leather/cashmere wool.
The cockpit comes with fewer control buttons and switches, with most functions being incorporated into the BMW curved display and interaction bar.
There’s also a 31.3-inch touchscreen with 8K resolution that flips down from the headliner, B&W surround sound system and 5.5-inch touch-controlled displays in the rear doors, that turn the back seat into a cinema.
Comfort seats can be ordered with ventilation and massage functions, as well as a reclining function with leg rest in the Executive Lounge option.
Ride comfort is enhanced by adaptive air suspension with active roll stabilisation and comfort functions.
The i7 also gets the latest iDrive with Operating System 8 along with automated parking and level 3 automated driving.
Keyword: New BMW 7 Series arrives with a bold look for 2023