2023 BMW i7 xDrive60:
The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins, www.AutomotiveRhythms.com

The BMW 7 Series is immaculately electrified for 2023 while maintaining the same body style and interior cabin as the gasoline models. We had a chance to drive and thoroughly evaluate the 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 variant at BMW Test Fest held at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs, CA. The German EV is technologically laden, ultra-intelligent, and savvy on the road while zeroing in on owners’ desires, necessities, and feelings.

BMW i7 Evolution

BMW’s luxury flagship is a high-tech marvel in every aspect. Moreover, it’s super fast (especially in Boost mode), achieves 318 electric miles per charge, produces 536 horsepower, and features a 31” BMW Theater Screen with built-in Amazon Fire TV and 8K resolution. And, of course, the i7 maintains the equivalent dynamic performance attributes we have come to expect from BMW, so no sacrifices were made in the product planning stages. Other amenities include rear executive lounge seating, a 36-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system, auto opening and closing doors similar to Rolls-Royce, crystal headlights developed in conjunction with Swarovski, and three years of free Electrify America charging.

Electrification of the 7 Series

The seventh generation 7 Series is an evolutionary wonder as humankind continues to figure out how to reduce its carbon footprints. Now available in fully electric form, the i7 highlights two efficient electric motors and races from 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds. To extend the i7’s efficiency, only one motor needs to run on the highway, and initially, the all-electric BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system is subdued but will kick in immediately when traction is required from all four wheels. An 8-year/100,00-mile high-voltage warranty backs the battery.

Charging Ecosystem

There are three levels of charging: Level 1 (your home outlet and the slowest), Level 2 (240v in-home installation or public infrastructure), and Level 3, aka DC Fast Chargers, which are mostly installed at public retail locations. As stated, BMW partnered with Electrify America to provide i7 owners with three years of complimentary unlimited public charging. High-speed DC 195 kW max charging will power your 7 Series 10 to 80% in 34 minutes, meaning you can add 80 miles of range in just 10 minutes. When seeking a charging station, the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system will help the i7 locate the charging-optimized route and tell the driver how much time is required to charge at that station. In addition, the charging software on board the new BMW i7 has been improved from the i4 and iX models.

BMW i7 Nuances

From the purifying ride to the opulent cockpit, the seventh generation 7 Series is impressive. Also, it’s ecologically thoughtful, with floormats and other items made from recycled plastic bottles, and offers a non-leather seating option. One of the modern features is the BMW Interaction Bar, which extends across the dash and houses touch-sensitive controls. At night, it lights up to your hue of choice. The main i7 features are highlighted through the fully digital 12.3” information display and the 14.9” control display screen. Integrated into the rear doors, 5.5” touchscreen remotes (BMW Touch Command) operate like an iPad mini to control everything from the optional $7,250 BMW Theater Screen to the massaging seat adjustments, ambient lighting, and rear sunshades. A BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant uses “Hey BMW” commands to operate the vehicle from opening and closing the doors to rolling down the windows. The assistant has 600 commands built in through iDrive.

M Sport Package

The new i7 is a masterpiece on its own, but to truly enjoy all that BMW offers for the sporty touring sedan, the complimentary M Sport Package is at your disposal. The must-have package includes 21” M aerodynamic jet black rims, a thick and empowering three-spoke flat-bottom M steering wheel, Shadowline exterior trim, M Sport exterior and interior elements, and illuminated threshold plates bearing the M logo. To advance the package further, upgrade to the M Sport Professional Package, which features M Sport brakes with blue or black calipers, a discreet rear spoiler, and an extended shadowline trim on the kidney grille.

Pricing and Coloring

MSRP for the i7 xDrive60 is $119,300, and the destination fee is $995. One non-metallic and 13 metallic exterior colors can be ordered, including dark graphite metallic, sparkling copper metallic, and space silver metallic.

The 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 is a unique electric luxury sedan for conscious thinkers looking for the best of both worlds. On the one hand, owners desire to reduce their carbon footprint. Simultaneously, they still require an ultimate BMW driving machine that has been electrified and digitized while commanding a massive and stylish presence on the road.