BMW announced a new electric 7 series luxury sedan, the i7 xDrive60, the first all-electric version of its full-size luxury sedan. The long-wheelbase luxury sedan offers a dual-motor setup 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque that will get you from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. Speed is capped at 149 mph and the company promises a range of up to 300 miles. The sedan gets an all-new design inside and out.
The i7 can fast charge up to a rate of 195 kW, can add as much as 80 miles (128 km) of range in just 10 minutes. BMW has also optimized charge software, using lessons learned from the i4 and iX. For starters, temperatures for DC fast charging are more precisely controlled, lengthening the overall battery life. While the i7 DC charges, the software alternates phases of full and partial cooling in an effort to reduce stress on the battery cells and shorten recharge times.
The design is unmistakably BMW, massive kidney-shaped grille in the front. BMW claims that the i7’s grille has been “completely reinterpreted to achieve a modern and distinct look.” For example, the grille is outlined in a narrow band of “exclusive crystal glass” LED. BMW has also updated the rear of the car, where the tail lights have been slimmed down and now come with a triangular pattern along the sides.
As with the conventional 7 series, though, the focus is on creature comforts this is designed as much for chauffeured executives as it is for drivers. The driver will see a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen of high-tech features. Stretching the width of the dashboard you’ll find what BMW calls the “Interaction Bar,” a functional piece of trim with a crystalline surface and adjustable backlighting that houses touch-sensitive controls for things like climate, hazard lights, and opening the glove box, a massive 8K theater screen for rear passengers. This is what BMW is calling the “Theater Screen” and it comes with Amazon Fire TV built-in and even has its own sound track composed by Hans Zimmer. The truly interesting stuff happens in the rear. On each door panel you’ll find a 5.5-inch touchscreen for controlling virtually everything, including climate and seat position.
Pre-orders for the i7 will open on April 20, with first deliveries expected in Q4 of this year. The base i7 xDrive60 starts from $119,300 + $995 destination charge, making it the most expensive in the 2023 7-Series range. Discover Opulent Club on Apple news.