By: Jag Dhatt
It was only a matter of time; when the likes of Porsche, Mercedes, and Telsa have their flagship electric sedans, we knew BMW would make an entrance as well. And an entrance it is. The new BMW i7 xDrive60 brings forth the legacy and opulence of the i7 and mixes it with an all-electric drivetrain and a plethora of technology, some of it quite unique.
Let’s get the main topic when discussing the i7 out of the way – the looks. Many, and I mean many, people shudder when looking at the i7. The massive kidney grille and the split headlights are polarizing. When first introduced a few years ago, I found them quite nice. While they do take a bit to get used to, I find they make the car look brutish. It works, as well, giving this flagship all-electric sedan a mean look. Definitely a better-looking sedan than the Mercedes EQS, but not quite up to par when compared to the Porsche Taycan or the Tesla Model S. A feature of the grille I think is really cool is the optional BMW Iconic Glow with backlit Swarovski crystals. Yes, it does emphasize the massive grille more, but again, it’s a nice look to me.
The overall look of the i7 is quite nice. The long silhouette and a fluid back end are striking. Subtle blue accents on the lower bumper indicate the electric powertrain. The i7 xDrive60 is a massive car, with a length of 212.2”, width of 76.8”, and a height of 60.8”. What do these numbers mean? In short, a heck of a lot of space inside. And when you step inside the i7, expect to be wowed.
The BMW 7-series has always been filled with the latest and greatest of technology and the 2023 i7 is no different. When inside the i7, you don’t feel like you’re in any regular large sedan; it’s more of a lounge experience. Premier grade leather, high-end materials, meticulous craftsman and latest technology are all geared towards making the experience for the occupants a memorable one, no matter how many times you drive or ride in the vehicle.
The all-new curved display is a masterpiece. While there are some presets available, different sections of the screen can be customized in a number of different ways. BMW’s new interface is much better than the outgoing one. Rather than scrolling through menus, the new interface is much more user friendly, and one can easily access apps and settings quickly. For passengers in the back seat, the rear-door touchscreens allow control of various functions such as entertainment, climate and even seating. While some suggest a single center mounted touchscreen would be better, you’d lose the center seat to use such controls.
The showstopper in the i7 has to be the optional BMW Theatre Screen and trust me when I tell you, it’s quite impressive. At 31.3 inches, the Theatre Screen descends from the ceiling for rear-seat entertainment. And since our test car came complete with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround System and Executive Lounge Seating, the experience was similar to an actual movie theatre. My daughter and I made popcorn, got soft drinks in our cups and enjoyed a couple of movies in the i7.
Now, to be fair, there are some limitations with the Theatre Screen. While rear passengers can use the screen even while the car is in motion, for the best viewing angle, the front seats do have to be moved forward. And if you’re a tall person driving the car, moving the seat forward might be uncomfortable. I’m 5’11’ and it was slightly uncomfortable but not overly so.
With all this technology, we haven’t even gotten to how the i7 drives. The xDrive60 is not the full beast; it’s actually the standard all-wheel drive version. If you want even more potency, then the i7 M70 is your poison. For now, let’s focus on the xDrive60.
While not as quick as the performance model, the xDrive60 is still fast. The two motors deliver 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque, which will move this heavy beast to 100 km/h from rest in just 4.7 seconds. To note here, the gas-powered does the same run in just 4.2 seconds; this is thanks to a touch more torque and a weight savings of almost 400 kg. For the average person, 4.7 is still plenty quick. When punched, the i7 doesn’t feel weary at all. And if you really want to flex the BMW’s muscles, there’s a Boost paddle shifter on the left side of the steering wheel.
On the highway is where the i7 really shines. While steering this large, heavy sedan does take a bit of getting used to, it is precise and effortless. The adaptive air suspension makes you feel like you’re floating on clouds, absorbing road imperfections as if they weren’t even there. In fact, while driving through some construction on a local highway, I could comfortably sip on my hot coffee without fear of it spilling. Before I drove this BMW, I thought the Mercedes EQS had a comfortable ride; the i7 is even more so. But with such a comfortable and quiet ride, keep your eye on the speedometer. More than a few times, when passing someone or just cruising, the acceleration is so quiet and refined that I never realized I was going as fast as I was. Just an FYI.
You’d think that a large sedan would be a nightmare in the city. Not this one. With standard four-wheel steering, the i7 is agile in narrow streets and parking lots. Not once did it feel cumbersome to drive the i7 anywhere. While maybe impractical for some, I could drive the i7 every day. It is that comfortable and fun to drive!
Range anxiety? When talking about any EV, range is one topic that draws attention. The i7 uses a 101.7 kWh battery that sits flat under the floor. According to BMW, under ideal conditions, the i7 should get about 517 km on a single charge. In my week, I averaged around 460 km, which isn’t too bad considering we used a lot of the tech a lot of the time. Regenerative braking does help but some may find it jerky and will just turn it off. And if you’re going to own a full EV like the i7, you definitely should add a level two charger at home.
The 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 is quite a technological masterpiece. While very few EVs share the same DNA and look as their gas-powered counterparts, the i7 is nearly identical, which may make it more appealing to buyers. It would for me.
The i7 starts at $147K and our test vehicle was just over $190K. While the price is high, you’re getting the flagship BMW that is not only full of technology but has impressive driving dynamics. I wrote it before, this is a car that I would love to drive around in all day, every day.
