Auto123 tests the 2023 BMW i7.
After more than four decades of existence, the BMW 7 series finally comes to us in a fully electric version. Now the flagship of the Bavarian brand is offered on our market with two propulsion modes; a gasoline V8 engine, then another, electric, offering 536 horsepower. The M70 electric variant even offers a pharaonic power of 650 horsepower and completes the 0-100 km/h in 3.7 s.
The i7 is a big sedan that reaches a length of 5391mm, a width of 1950mm and a height of 1544mm. If, in the past, short and extended variants were offered, there is only one wheelbase length today, at 3215 mm.
Visually, there is no differentiation between the thermal and electric version, apart from a very small "i" on the grille, an "i7" logo on the trunk and of course the absence of exhaust pipes on the version without combustion engine.
2023 BMW i7 Key Features
The BMW i7 has two motors, located on each axis to obtain all-wheel drive (190 kW at the front, 230 kW at the rear). Total power reaches 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque. The i7 M60 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and its top speed is limited to 240 km/h.
The lithium-ion battery placed under the floor has a capacity of 101.7 kWh and can reach up to 512 km of autonomy, according to BMW. In alternating current, it can be charged to a maximum of 11 kW and in direct current, it accepts fast charges to 195 kW.
How much does the 2023 BMW i7 cost? — 7/10
The i7 has a starting price of $147,000. BMW offers the thermal and electric version at the same price. It's expensive, but let's say that this rate is more or less comparable to what the competition offers on our market. You have to expect to pay this amount to ride in a vehicle that is in a class of its own.
And that's just the call price. If you want additional options to enhance your comfort, you still have to get out the checkbook. Our tester had no less than $37,800 in additional options for a total of $184,800.
Is it a redesign of the new model?
The 7 Series is an all-new model for 2023. The total redesign and the addition of the electric “i” derivative mark continuity for BMW in the race for electrification.
On the outside, the 7 series cannot leave anyone indifferent. We got a little used to the huge grille that we now find on several BMW models. However, we have some reservations about the dual lens. We saw it with the X7 and our opinion remains mixed. Indeed, the adaptive LED headlights are narrower than on the old model and are divided into two parts, with a separate module for daytime running lights, position lights and indicators.
As an option, you can get, as on our test model, the BMW Iconic Glow with backlit Swarovski crystals in the grille.
Other design details of this BMW i7 are the aero wheels of this version, which help to achieve a coefficient of 0.24 Cx. A rear with very flowing lines also attracts attention. In this case, you can see horizontal lights that end in a point. The lower part of the bumper has blue accents to clearly indicate that this is an electric vehicle.
Who is this vehicle for?
We buy this i7 if we are looking for a presidential model offering the ultimate in luxury. Compared to its direct rival, the Mercedes EQS, this i7 will give you a lot more if you travel in the back.
The BMW i7 versus the competition - 8.5/10
If however you are buying this vehicle to be the driver then it would be important to take a close look at the Mercedes-EQ EQS. The i7 is a mini-limousine and comfort, even if the front occupants are not forgotten, is mainly concentrated in the rear.
BMW i7 charging time — 8/10
Despite the presence of a very large battery of 101.7 kWh (usable), the BMW i7 remains behind a Mercedes EQS and its 108.4 kWh. That translates to a range of 512km for our 544hp i7 xDrive60, compared to 547km for the 523hp EQS 580 4Matic. The Mercedes benefits from the aerodynamics of a drop of water (Cx record of 0.20) and a lower weight of 130 kg. The i7 exceeds 2.7 tons…
At launch, the BMW i7 is available in a single xDrive60 version with two engines accumulating 544 horsepower, stolen from its sporty little sister, the i4 in preparation M50. The 660-horsepower M70 configuration is still awaited, the interest of which should remain limited.
During our road test in summer temperatures, the i7 xDrive 60 consumed 23.4 kWh per 100 km according to the on-board computer after 265 km in mainly urban driving.
We used the batteries until 17% power remained and 84 km of range. We headed to our favorite 350kW station. Once plugged in, the BMW i7 immediately started pumping out the juice at a speed of 162kW. BMW announces a possibility of 195 kW of maximum charging power. In short, 162 kW is not too bad either, even if the competition does better on this subject.
We charged for 27 minutes to leave the station at 71%, with 354 km of autonomy. We deliberately stopped charging at this point, as the speed drops significantly beyond 70% (to 96kW).
Good news, however, for first-time BMW i7 owners, as they won't need to shell out a dime for charging in Canada. Indeed, BMW Group Canada and Electrify Canada have announced an agreement to offer customers of the luxury sedan three years of free charging through the Electrify Canada network, from the date of purchase of the vehicle.
Driving the 2023 BMW i7 - 9.5/10
In terms of driving, the i7 leaves you initially skeptical, but it quickly gives way to happiness. The steering of the liner is precise, the air suspension does an outstanding job and the power is breathtaking. We deliberately took bad roads (not too hard to find in Quebec) and pointed the flagship straight on them. A picture is worth a thousand words, we could have had a glass filled to the brim and we are sure not a drop would have escaped. This vehicle provides an unequaled and superior level of comfort to the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan.
As we have seen elsewhere, the air suspension very often does a remarkable job. But here, it feels like floating on a cloud. Despite its 2.7 tons, when the time comes to press the brake pedal, the vehicle stops as quickly as it starts.
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