’23 BMW i7 an EV that beats rivals
BMW once advertised its vehicles using the tagline “the ultimate driving machine.” They no longer do, unfortunately. Is this a subtle admission that modern BMWs aren’t the ultimate driving machine? Hardly. As exhibit A, I offer you the 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60. Deconstructed, the “I” means it’s electrically powered, the 7 means it’s a 7 series, and the xDrive is for all-wheel drive. What does the 60 mean? Beats me.
But all you’ll need to know is that this 7 Series, part of a redesigned 7 Series line for 2023, is a pure electric powerhouse, a slab of Bavarian luxury ready to tussle with the MercedesBenz EQS and Tesla Model S.
And it’s a better car than either of them, and better than the gas-powered versions of the new 7 Series.
The 2023 rendition of the 7 Series offers more to love than ever before, measuring 5.1 inches longer, 1.9 inches wider, and 2 inches taller than the 2022 model. Yet it wears its newfound size with an imposing grandeur, although its appearance is merely an evolution of the outgoing model.
The bigger changes come inside; a polycarbonate
band runs the width of the instrument panel to accentuate its width. It’s fitted with a number of capacitive switches, and serves as a base for BMW’s massive curved display that combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch iDrive multimedia touchscreen behind a single sheet of glass.
The screen uses the latest version of BMW’s iDrive interface, which can also be controlled though a controller on the center console as well as a number of shortcut buttons.
But the i7’s enormous 31.3-inch screen is the real treat. Descending from the ceiling, it streams Netflix, Hulu or other content using the vehicle’s 5G cellular connection. It pairs perfectly with the Executive Lounge Package, which moves the front seat forward while a little footrest pops out of the seatback to allow the rear passenger seat to recline.
BMW claims the powertrain delivers a zero to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The driveline’s immediate torque makes acceleration smooth and surprisingly swift, responding quicker than its numbers imply. There is seamlessness here, whether braking or cornering, thanks to an adjustable air suspension that effectively strikes a balance between ride comfort and athleticism with little, if any, body lean, wallow or float. The i7 is incredibly long and wide, and it does fill its lane. When flinging into corners, its weight is obvious, yet its athletic handling belies its 5,917-pound heft. Although the steering is a little light in feel, it’s precisely balanced and more engaging than that of a Rolls-Royce, which BMW Group owns. However, the i7 is also capable of offering the same smooth, pleasant ride.