The theater’s large 31-inch 8K screen streams Amazon Fire TV.
With the introduction of the new model 2023, the BMW 7 Series enters its seventh-generation. One could argue that this is the most significant 7 in history. The gas-powered 7 Series now has an electric counterpart, called the BMW i7, for the first time since 1977.
This is all part of BMW’s push towards electrification. According to Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW, new EV models will begin arriving “thickly” in 2019. This is because the company is committed to the Paris Climate Agreements and plans a move towards a fully-electric lineup in the future. The i7 joins the iX, i4 , and HTML3_i4 . This means that BMW Group could have 10 million electric vehicles on the roads by 2030.
We may recall that we had the opportunity to test both the electric and gas versions of the 7 series in prototype form earlier this month. The short time we spent behind the wheel gave us a glimpse of what to expect. BMW today revealed the two flagship models, which Zipse described as “tech magic at it’s best.”
Two gas, one EV
BMW will launch two versions of its gas-powered 7 Series: a base six-cylinder model as well as a more powerful V8 variant. BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-Six engine is now available in a base 740i. It also features a 48-volt mild hybrid assist.
The 740i’s total output is 375 horsepower and 383 pounds-feet. This marks an increase of 40 HP over the previous model. The 48-volt system can be run at maximum tilt and the 740i can reach 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. It has a maximum torque figure (398 lb-ft) and can travel in short bursts.
The top-end 760i xDrive model uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine with mild-hybrid assistance. This allows it to accelerate to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission is used in both cars.
The electric 7er, officially called the i7 xDrive60, uses two electric motors with a single battery pack that has 101.7 kilowatts of energy. It can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. And it can go up to a maximum speed of 149 mph. The 155-hp models that are powered by gas are meanwhile limited to 155.
BMW estimates that the EPA driving range of the i7 xDrive60 in the US will be approximately 300 miles, although that number isn’t yet officially established. The i7 can charge at up to 195.0 kilowatts using a DC fast charger station. This allows it to recover 80 miles in just ten minutes. Electrify America will provide unlimited charging for i7 owners within the United States for the first three year of their ownership.
The standard 4-corner air suspension system comes with an electronic controlled damper and automatic self-leveling for every 2023 7 Series. The 7 Series is lowered by 0.4 inches when it is in Sport mode, but raised up to 0.8 inches for small obstacles and rough roads. Aerodynamics are also improved by the i7 automatically lowering its speed to a little over 75 mph. The 7 Series also features integral adaptive steering which allows for more precise steering at higher speeds.
Bold Exterior, Tech-Focused Cabin
The new 7 Series is quite different from the luxury sedan that it replaces. The focal point of the new 7 Series is its front end, which was first seen on the updated X7. It features large kidney grilles and a split light fixture treatment. This places the headlights near the bumper and puts them in the middle of it. Blue accents are used on the fascia base on the i7 while standard M Sport styling is applied to the gas-powered cars.
The M Sport bits are an optional option on the i7 xDrive60. They give the 7 Series a more aggressive front design, with 20-inch and 21-inch M Sport wheels options. Shadowline trim is also available, which darkens some exterior accents.
The 7 Series features the latest version of BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus and the most current iDrive 8 software. The new Curved Display is located in the center of the vehicle. It is a single piece of glass with two screens that are plus-sized: a 12.3-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel, and a central touchscreen measuring 14.9 inches. The 7’s exclusive Interaction Bar features a crystalline surface that has touch-capacitive controls to control things such as ventilation and climate control.
The second row in the 7 Series is the best. The optional 31.3-inch 8K Theater Screen display is located between the front and rear seats. This allows rear passengers to access Amazon Fire TV and other online services. The screen can be controlled by each rear passenger either by touching it, or two 5.5-inch tablets that are mounted in the door panels.
The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is an optional upgrade to the standard 18 speakers in your car. It replaces them with 36 high-quality speakers. Four of the 36 speakers can be integrated into the headliner. All offer full 4D audio functions that use magnetically controlled vibrations to improve bass.
Each 7 Series gets the standard suite of BMW’s active driving assistance functions. But, for the first time, the 7 Series receives a hands-free “Level 2 Plus” hands free driving system. This system was tested in an early prototype. It is intuitive, with excellent lane-centering technology. The automatic lane-change functions and automatic lane-change function give it as much functionality and versatility as Cadillac’s Super Cruise or Ford’s BlueCruise.
BMW has also extended its Parking Assistant feature to the 7 Series and 7 Series. This system now allows advanced Remote Smartphone Parking and a new Reverse Assist, which allows the i7’s to reverse itself out of tight situations without any steering input from the driver.
Plug-In Price
The 7 Series’ first units will be shipped this November. The base 740i starts at $94,295, and the $995 destination fee is included. The V8-powered 760ixDrive costs $114,995 and the electric I7 is $1202,295 straight out of the box.