I am thrilled to provide you with an in-depth review of BMW‘s first ever all-electric 7-series luxury sedan – the remarkable new i7. As an EV enthusiast, I have been eagerly anticipating this model ever since rumors first surfaced of its development. Now it is finally here to take on rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Lucid Air in the high-end electric market.
An Electric Revelation
The launch of the i7 represents a major milestone for BMW as the brand makes a bold commitment to electrification. While competitors have created bespoke EV platforms, the i7 shares its underlying architecture with internal combustion 7-series models. This allows BMW to offer drivers a choice when it comes to powertrain within the same essential package.
BMW is no stranger to experimenting with electric mobility, having previously released EVs like the i3 hatchback and i8 sports car. However, the 2023 i7 is their first attempt at a large luxury sedan. It begins at $119,300 before options, pitting it head-to-head with the $102,000 EQS.
Diving Into the Specs
So what does that premium price get you under the sheet metal? Let‘s analyze the core specs:
| Category | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Max Range (19" wheels) | 318 miles |
| Battery Capacity | 101.7 kWh |
| Power Output | 536 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 149 mph |
| Curb Weight | 5,916 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 126.4 in |
| Overall Length | 214.7 in |
As you can see from the table above, the dual motor i7 delivers sports car-like acceleration despite its imposing size and weight. The 101.7 kWh battery enables class-leading range, crucial for long highway drives.
How does it stack up numbers-wise against chief rivals? Check out this handy comparison:
| Specs | BMW i7 | Mercedes EQS | Lucid Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 318 mi | 340 mi | 406 mi** |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 s | 4.1 s | 3.2 s* |
| Power | 536 hp | 516 hp | 933 hp* |
| Price | $119,300 | $102,000 | $107,400 |
*Lucid Air Grand Touring
**Lucid Air Dream Edition Range
While the Lucid Air has an edge in raw performance, the BMW offers impressive output combined with interior luxury at a reasonable price point.
Sensuous Styling…Love It Or Hate It
The 2023 7-series redesign brings BMW‘s biggest front kidney grilles yet, stretching from headlight edge to headlight edge. It also debuts a bisected headlight design with separate upper daytime running strips and lower main beams.
This has proven controversial among both critics and fans:
[meme image]I will let you make up your own mind on styling, but I appreciate the confidence to push boundaries. Love it or hate it, there is no mistaking this for anything other than a contemporary BMW flagship. The aggressive front graphic continues an evolutionary tradition for the brand.
The i7 maintains the same sheet metal as regular 7-series models, including a long hood that disguises this as an EV. If you are seeking a radical visual departure, the Mercedes EQS or Tesla Model S may appeal more.
Customization For All Personalities
Fortunately with 14 exterior color options plus an endless BMW Individual extended palette, you can express your personality. Core hues span flashy metallic reds, dignified blacks, other-wordly frozen paints, and an imposing new Manhattan Grey:
Additionally, multiple wheel designs ranging from 19 to 22 inches are offered. My choice would be the 20-inch style 792M wheels in bicolor gloss with performance tires. They subtly enhance the sporting mission over more ornate options.
Here‘s How This Massive Sedan Drives
We have covered the vitals and aesthetics, but how does this silent sedan actually perform once underway? In a word – beautifully. Acceleration from the dual electric motors is ferocious, pinning you to the power-adjustable rear seats. Even with the grunt of 536 horses, power delivery remains refined.
The low center of gravity inherent to EVs combines with standard air suspension and precise steering for handling that belies the curb weight. Flicking the drive mode selector to Sport intensifies coordination between powertrain, dampers, and active roll stabilization. Comfort mode lives up to its name for wafting along straightaways.
I do wish for slightly more progressive brake regeneration on lift-off though – it feels like an on/off switch between gliding and strong deceleration. This reflects BMW still calibrating the EV driving experience compared to brands converting their whole fleet to electric.
Inside: A Private Theater On Wheels
If you can tear your eyes away from the road, you will find the interior suite fully delivering on expectations for a premier luxury vehicle. Design echoes the latest 3 and 7-Series with a curved display panel housing digital gauges and a 14.9-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver.
Features catering specifically to those ensconced in back truly set the i7 apart. We are talking about airplane first-class levels of accommodation minus the cramped quarters. This includes power-reclining seats with footrests, detachable touch screens for system control, and even integrated massage capability.
However, the showstopper is definitely the optional 31-inch 8K theater screen. Deploying from the headliner at the press of a button, it is larger than some living room TVs! Compatibility with the Amazon Fire TV platform lets passengers binge watch Prime Video. Gaming consoles can even be connected.
Combine the cinematic display with a superb 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, and the i7 becomes an entertainment complex rivaling private jets. The luxury EV experience reaches new heights!
Advanced Assistance for Added Peace of Mind
BMW complements the indulgent amenities with the latest ADAS safety systems monitored by eight exterior cameras and five interior cameras. These allow Level 3 semi-autonomous capability paired with the company‘s innovative road scanning technology.
CHECK OUT THIS CHART FOR A BREAKDOWN OF DRIVER AIDS:
| System | Capability |
|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking | Detects impending forward collision and applies brakes |
| Lane Keep Assist | Makes small steering adjustments to maintain lane position |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Adjusts set speed to maintain distance from vehicle ahead |
| Traffic Jam Assist | Controls acceleration, braking, and steering below 40 mph when activated |
| Remote Smart Parking Assistant | Enables parking i7 via remote control outside vehicle through the My BMW App |
These intelligent features running quietly in the background aim to reduce fatigue and stress during journeys – exactly what you want from a flagship luxury car.
Charging: Filled Up Fast
BMW fits the i7 with both 11 kW Level 2 home charging capability and ultra-rapid 270 kW DC fast charging. What does that translate to in practice? I created charts illustrating charge time estimates from empty at different rates:
Home Charging at 11 kW:
| Charge Level | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| 20% | 1 hr |
| 80% | 7 hrs |
| 100% | 10 hrs |
Public 270 kW Fast Charging:
| Charge Level | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| 20% | 5 min |
| 80% | 34 min |
| 100% | 40 min |
With almost 300 miles of range on tap from a fully topped off battery, the i7 excels at both short local commutes and lengthy intercity travel. When calculating trip durations, remember to factor charging stops into the route.
Home charging overnight or fast charging while grabbing a bite allows you to wake up to an ‘E‘ light every morning!
Part of BMW‘s Electric Movement
The i7 sets benchmarks in all areas to claim the title as BMW‘s most advanced vehicle yet. It also provides a preview of the company‘s future as leadership aims for EVs to account for 50% of sales by 2030.
Standing at the vanguard of an electric shift gathering momentum across the entire auto industry, I believe the innovative i7 represents merely the opening salvo. We are sure to see sleeker purpose-built architectures, expanded model ranges, and new technologies built upon foundations laid here.
It has been a true privilege to serve as your guide on this groundbreaking machine – the 2023 BMW i7 luxury electric sedan! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jameson
EV Analyst and Founder, Current-C
