Yahoo Autos 2023 BMW i7 and new gas-powered 7 Series fully revealed
The 2023 BMW 7 Series is here, and BMW dropped everything on us at once. Today sees the reveal of two gasoline-powered 7 Series and one electric-powered model. The electric 7 Series is to be known as the i7 xDrive60. Meanwhile, the gasoline-powered models available at launch include the 740i and the 760i xDrive.
Before any powertrain details, though, you’re going to notice the new, extroverted design of the seventh-generation 7 Series. Just like the updated X7 previewed last week, the 7 Series features split headlight modules up front. The slim top lights (optionally available with Swarovski crystals inset) house the DRLs, and the actual headlights are in a hidden module further down the bumper. In recent BMW fashion, the kidney grille is huge. The grille surround also lights up, though the M Driving Professional package deletes the light for dark gray paint.
The i7 features a bunch of blue accents all around the car to denote its status as an EV. Per usual for BMW, the appearance varies depending on the specific powertrain model you choose and whether or not it includes M Sport packages. While the overall design is similar between the i7 and 760i xDrive, many of the details are changed. Zooming all the way out, we’ll note that this new 7 Series is noticeably larger than its predecessor. Length is up by 5.1 inches, width is up by 1.9 inches and height is up 2 inches. Wheelbase went up a tiny 0.2 inch, but BMW says the larger proportions all around bring more seating comfort to the rear seats.
As for the available powertrains, we’ll start with the single electric configuration. The i7 xDrive60 (pictured directly above) features two electrically excited synchronous electric motors (one in front and one in back). The motor driving the rear wheels generates 308 horsepower, and the one in front produces 255 horsepower — BMW says the combined maximum output is 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 149 mph.
BMW predicts the i7 xDrive60 will have an EPA-rated 300-mile range on a full charge, though official ratings are not yet available. Its liquid-cooled battery pack provides 101.7 kWh of usable energy, and the maximum charge rate is 195 kW at a DC fast charger capable of those speeds. BMW suggests this will pour in about 80 miles of range in 10 minutes at its peak charging speed. All i7 owners will get free, unlimited 30-minute charge sessions for three years at Electrify America stations. BMW says it has refined its charging process for the i7 to be better than the i4 and iX to reduce charging times. Plus, the navigation system has an optimized charging planner, new cooling tech to increase long-term battery life and manually-selectable preheating of the battery to prepare for charging.
If you prefer gas power, the base model for 2023 is the rear-drive 740i. This 7 Series is fitted with an updated and more powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine that produces 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It’s helped via a mild-hybrid system that can briefly raise peak torque to 398 pound-feet. A new eight-speed automatic transmission debuts here, incorporating the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, and BMW says it results in smoother and more instantaneous responses from accelerator adjustments. This model does the 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.0 seconds.
If you want maximum performance, the 760i xDrive model (pictured directly above in black) puts BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood. Output is up to 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, moving this beast from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. There’s a little something for everybody, and every available model is quick.
