Every BMW 7 Series has been high-tech and ambitious, but the seventh version, which will be introduced in 2023, maybe the most revolutionary. Ironically, it has the most traditional look of any 7 Series from the twenty-first century, even though the design conceals an entirely new vehicle. The inline-six and V8 engines are still available, but the i7 (which we examine separately) now has a fully electric powertrain. It also provides a ton of driving enjoyment, but BMW has increased its focus on luxury and technology to compete more directly with the S-Class and EQS from Mercedes-Benz.
BMW views the i7, the most powerful model in the new range and the most important news, as another powerplant similar to the second generation 7’s V12 in 1986. Their perspective is that the car’s larger size, interior, and extensive range of technological features are the major news. It is enormous, measuring 4.8 inches longer, 1.9 inches broader, and 2.6 inches higher than it did last year. This vehicle has more features than previous 7s, both inside and out, and the tech includes a 31-inch, 8k back cinema screen that lowers from the ceiling to hands-free driving assistance.
The i7 is sure to make all the headlines because of its originality. However, the gas-powered 7s are far lighter and just as plentiful. They drive more nimbly and handle better in the case of the V8. All models have an even more opulent inclination, making them quite competitive against established rivals like the S-Class, Audi A8, Genesis G90, and Lexus LS. The gas-powered 7s offered comparable performance, luxury, and size levels while being much less expensive than the S-Class and more expensive than the others, and they had an excessively lengthy options list.
More engines are available in international countries, but the rear-drive six-cylinder 740i and the all-wheel drive (AWD) V8 760i xDrive are the only combustion-powered variants in the United States. A plug-in hybrid 745e (similar to the 3 and 5 Series PHEVs) will be added to the range in mid-2023. There are 48-volt mild hybrid assistance systems for the 6 and the V8. Both vehicles are quick; the V8 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds despite weighing 5,000 pounds. Despite this automobile purposely leaning considerably more toward luxury than sport, driving on curvy roads is still enjoyable.
One of the 7 Series’ main advantages is that its grille, which may be either traditional (with chrome) or aggressive (in black) depending on the color option, is hidden once you’re inside. Such worries are put to rest within a spacious setting where passengers are surrounded by intelligent materials and crystal-like embellishments, with optional Merino leather or Cashmere wool inserts and a rear passenger seat that reclines like on an airplane. Big displays with gorgeous visuals dominate the dashboard in this cabin, which seems more memorable than the previous 7s. The biggest of all? The 31-inch back theater screen is an option.
The intricacy of BMW’s displays is a drawback. The complexity of the choices is challenging to navigate, even with the tremendous iDrive eight interfaces from the carmaker. Nowadays, almost every control is a touchscreen; even the seat warmers and theater screens obstruct the driver’s rearview. BMW also provides top-notch driver-assist technology, albeit getting all of it will cost you a bit more. Despite these flaws, BMW created the most wealthy 7 Series and the most adaptable vehicle without significantly compromising its fundamental sports sedan DNA.
What’s New?
- The BMW 7 Series is new for 2023, except for a few carried-over engines.
- The new 7 Series is the most extensive version of the seven that BMW has ever produced, measuring 212.2 inches long, 76.8 inches wide, and 60.8 inches tall. It is about five inches larger, two inches wider, and two inches higher than its forerunner.
- The graphics are less groundbreaking than the previous three 7 Series designs and more traditional.
- The 7 Series now has an entirely electric variant, the i7, which we examine independently for the first time.
- Initially, a 48-volt mild hybrid or a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 536 horsepower or a 375-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six (740i) will provide the power.
- In 2023, the 745e plug-in hybrid model will be launched.
- The new 7 Series utilizes the iDrive eight infotainment system and BMW’s innovative curved screens.
- Many new hues and materials, such as two-tone paint designs and cashmere-blend textiles, are available.
- Rear passengers may enjoy movies and media on demand with the help of a massive rear-seat theater screen, which is optional (and expected to be installed on many 7 Series cars headed for the United States).
- Touchscreens now have a variety of uses, including the primary infotainment screen up front, the illuminated crystal bar across the dashboard, and iPhone-sized control displays in the back doors.
- When legally possible, a Level 3 semi-autonomous driving mode may be made accessible for users in the United States through over-the-air upgrades.
Performance: BMW 7 Series
The rear-wheel drive six-cylinder 740i, the all-wheel drive V8 760i xDrive, and the all-wheel-drive i7 are the three available 7 Series models. The i7 may be the most abundant model, but the gas-powered models could be a better choice if you want to enjoy driving. The i7 has more grip and a deep source of smooth, turbine-like torque than Andre the Giant, but it is also heavy. If you move the i7, you’ll never know, but after going to the electric model, get in the driver’s seat 760i, and you’ll instantly realize how much lighter the gas vehicle is.
The basic 740i solely drives the rear wheels and is powered by the same “B58” turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six as vehicles like the M440i and 540i. It’s a great engine with 375 horsepower, 383 pound-feet of torque, and a powerful exhaust sound. Given that this is a 4,594-pound luxury car the size of a Mercury Grand Marquis, it is also relatively swift. BMW claims that it can go to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
AWD grip and the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque are available when you upgrade to the 760i xDrive. The 6 and the V8 have 48-volt mild hybrid systems integrated, and both employ an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The V8 weighs a substantial 4,969 pounds, but it is still around 1,000 pounds less than the i7. Use the hybrid boost to accelerate to 60 mph from a stop in less than 4 seconds. We checked it out.
Although you can’t expect a long-wheelbase luxury limo to be as dynamic as an M3, the 760i xDrive feels agile and more akin to a sports sedan than the quieter, heavier i7. The new 7’s bulk was evident when we hustled the V8 around the same roads where we’ve driven the M440i, M240i, and X1 (among other cars), but it was quick to cut curves and tolerant of drivers who may push a little bit too hard. Agility and maneuverability are aided by the adjustable air suspension that is standard and rear wheel steering.
Fuel efficiency: BMW 7 Series
The 2017 7 Series is remarkably fuel-efficient for a vehicle of its size, but you shouldn’t expect anything this big to get fantastic economy. In terms of range and charging, the i7 is marginally behind some of its electric rivals, but the Gas 7 outperforms them all, including the hybrid LS 500h from Lexus.
The 740i achieves 25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the interstate, and 27 mpg overall. That puts this automobile far ahead of its six-cylinder rivals. The Mercedes-Benz S500, depending on configuration, gets 23 combined mpg, the A8L, 22, and the Genesis G90, 20 or 21 combined mpg. Even the Lexus LS 500h only gets 25 combined mpg.
The V8 760i xDrive achieves 18 cities, 26 highways, and 21 combined mpg, again the best among V8 rivals. Audi’s S8 gets 18 mpg combined and just 15 in the city, compared to Mercedes’ S580 4Matic’s 16 city, 25 highway, and 19 combined mpg. While having higher power, the BMW V8’s fuel efficiency is comparable to that of the Genesis and Lexus V6 versions.
Safety and driver support technology:
The 7 Series has not yet been put through a test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But all its immediate rivals for the 2023 model year have the same flaw. These agencies seldom test automobiles this pricey, which loses some points in our statistics. Even without this information, the crash construction of the 7 Series is quite robust, and its active safety features are really of the highest caliber. The IIHS rates the 5 Series, a distant cousin of this vehicle, as a Top Safety Pick+.
Unfortunately, not all of the driver-assist features of the 7 Series come standard. The fundamentals, such as automated emergency braking, blind spot detection, adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and lane departure alerts, are nevertheless present. The $2,100 Driving Assistance Professional bundle is required for the entire suite. Although several systems are nested inside, this only seems to feature two systems on paper: Active Driving Assistant Pro and Highway Assistant.
Together, they provide adaptive cruises with a smooth Level 2, practically hands-free experience, at least on the highway. The hands-free lane changes are also possible, albeit a bit jarring. Even though it is not as seamless as GM’s Super Cruise and disengages relatively fast when the road lines are not indicated, Highway Assistant still performs a fantastic job. However, if it is ready and legal, BMW is already developing a Level 3 system based on Lidar, which may be added through over-the-air upgrades.
Comfort and Space
Long-wheelbase vehicles have long been the standard for 7 Series sedans in the United States. Now, they are the sole available configuration worldwide thanks to BMW’s optimization of the vehicle for limousine comfort. The rear leg and headroom are fantastic, particularly with the motorized back seat kits that let you move the front passenger seat forward and lower a footrest.
The legroom in the back is 43.3 inches in the Gas 7 Series. That is somewhat less than the S 580 (43.8) and A8 (44.3) but a half-inch more than the i7 and a lot more than the G90 (37.8). Although it’s difficult to envision someone who doesn’t play center for the Houston Rockets being crammed back there, you wouldn’t know by feeling. It’s difficult to find anything wrong with the seats in any row, but the front chairs are cozy while maintaining stability through sharp turns. In addition, there are several adjustments, including heating, ventilation, and massage features.
Infotainment: BMW 7 Series
Drivers of the i7 are met with a large curved display, similar to that seen in the iX SUV, that combines a 12.3-inch driver’s screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen powered by BMW’s iDrive eight system. With more than 40 programs and excellent visuals, this system earns many marks for its comprehensiveness but also loses points for its extreme complexity.
The seven has touchscreens, controls on the steering wheel, and voice controls for everything. The S-Class and the electric rivals of the i7 are comparable, but a lot is going on. Because there are fewer menus and functions to get used to, the same operating system runs flawlessly on the brand-new X1 for 2023.
It takes at least two swipes to activate the seat warmers and ventilators in the seven while it moves. The switching of displays is awkward and cumbersome, and the switching of driving modes is the worst. It switches from the screen you were using to a picture informing you that you have switched to Sport mode and then forgets to return. Although iDrive 8’s helper has a high learning curve, she is constantly at your disposal. Say, “Hey, BMW,” and it will issue a request or query; in most cases, it will get the appropriate response.
Additionally, the theater screen on the 7 Series, a 31.3-inch, 8k display that extends across behind the front seat headrests, is the best there is. It is astounding in terms of both size and quality. The main drawbacks are that it may be difficult to concentrate on while in use and hinders the driver’s rear vision (albeit you may change the display size).
Storage & Cargo Space:
Expect no more than 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the Big 7’s trunk since the back seats cannot be folded down. Neither that nor the lack of foldable rear seats in the S-Class is exceptional in this class. While many people will be driven in one of these to the airport, it is not designed for SUV practicality. Due to all the electrical equipment underneath, the Gas 7 has an edge over the i7, which only has 11.4 cubes.
The pockets aren’t enormous compared to the size of the doors, but they are essential. Although the center console bin is small, it is at least more intelligible in a vehicle with a large driveshaft down the middle than in the i7, which has a flat floor filled with batteries. The center console may fold down for the rear seat passengers, or there is a full-time version with an electric seat option.
Design: BMW 7 Series
Modern BMWs are often the subject of design debate, but even though the Seven isn’t as attractive as the G90, it’s still powerful. It’s the most conventionally fashioned seven since the controversial 2001 makeover spearheaded by previous designer Chris Bangle and looks stately and staid by Munich standards. Even though it is enormous—212.2 inches long—from a distance, its proportions give the impression that it is smaller than the previous model and does not seem bulky.
The M Sports blackout trim is a personal preference that may make the already enormous grille seem bigger and (in dim light) sometimes unclear, but it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
Its lavish interior emphasizes absolute luxury and comfort at every step. And it manifests. The cabin features excellent details and ambient lighting, even though certain surfaces are prone to reflections. There are new textiles and materials, such as the cashmere mix (not available on the 740i and the $6,450 option on the 760i), and a panoramic roof with LEDs integrated into it that is standard and beautiful at night. It looks and feels more luxurious than any regular clothes. The seven feels made like a tank, not likely to rattle, and free of cheap plastic components, as it should.
The 2023 BMW 7 Series: Is It Pricey?
Even the basic 740i, with its six-cylinder, 3.0-liter engine, will provide all the speed a 7 Series customer would need, along with all the smoothness and character. BMW has improved the 7 Series so much over its predecessor. The 740i is by far the most affordable of the new 7s, starting at $94,295; it also has the highest fuel efficiency of any substantial, gas-powered luxo-barge. Although the rear-wheel drive may turn off some people, the reduced weight and rear-drive configuration also offer advantages for savvy drivers.
Because the price is lower, there is more space for choices, and BMW always has a long list. We would forego the M Sport appearance, but there are other options available, including wheels and tires, interior options of extended or full Merino leather ($1,850 and $7,300, respectively), the $2,100 driving assistance package, the luxury rear-seating package with a reclining seat ($3,000), two-tone paint ($12,000), ventilated front seats ($500), the Theater Screen ($4,700), and more.
The price jumps significantly to $114,595 when upgrading to the 760i xDrive (both values include a $995 destination charge), but the option selection is comparable (and similarly priced). However, that is still slightly less than the i7 ($120,295).
All six-cylinder rivals of the seven save the Mercedes-Benz S 500 are less expensive, although they are less common. Another benefit is that the V8 760i is less costly than the six-cylinder S500 or the S8 from Audi. It is, without a doubt, time for BMW to stop sparring with the S-Class after doing so for far too long. And at long last, it has.
How Much Does a BMW 7 Series Insurance Policy Cost?
The 7 Series is an expensive vehicle to purchase or insure. Though this averages all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of $5,028 for the V8 but just $4,042 for the six-cylinder 740i. This contrasts with the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S 580, Genesis G90, $3,820, and Lexus LS, which cost $5,220, $5,285, and $4,084, respectively.
Verdict
More important than any of its predecessors, the all-new seventh-generation BMW 7 Series is as bold as it is massive. Except for its large grilles, it’s the most traditional-looking 7 in 20 years, and it’s both attractive and intimidating. Luxurious interior amenities include drop-down movie screens for passengers in the rear and optional cashmere blend materials. There is a brand-new all-electric i7 as well, but BMW didn’t sacrifice the feel of a classic sports sedan. Well, it is done. The gas 7s are engaging to drive challengers to the S-Class in their way.
