BMW Unveils the Seventh Generation of its Flagship 7-Series Sedan, Including the First-Ever All-Electric Version

author: FutureCar Staff    

The premium electric sedan market once dominated by Tesla's Model S just became a bit more competitive as BMW has officially launched the seventh generation of its flagship 7-Series sedan. The BMW 7 Series first debuted in 1977. 

For the first time ever, a fully-electric version is being offered with an EPA estimated range of over 310 miles. The electric sedan is poised to become a serious competitor to Tesla's Model S, Porsche, Taycan, Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Lucid Air sedan. 

The new fully-electric i7 xDrive features two highly efficient electric motors with a combined output of 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of instant torque, the i7 xDrive60 can go from 0 to 60 mph about 4.5 seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 300 zero-emission miles in utter silence and profound luxury (estimated range of up to 300 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA's test procedures.

The 101.7 kWh high-voltage battery in the i7 was made slim, with a cell height of just 4.3-inches. It's located low down in the vehicle floor to improve handling. BMW also added a heat pump to help boost efficiency in colder weather. The battery is heated using a dedicated 5.5 kW electric flow heater.

The CCS charging Unit in the BMW i7 xDrive60 allows DC charging rates of up to 11 kW, while DC power can deliver 195 kW, which can recoup around 80 miles of range in 10 minutes at a high-power charging station.

BMW i7 customers will also receive 3 years of free charging from Electrify America. Owners are offered unlimited charge sessions using Electrify America's coast-to-coast U.S. charging network. The company's ultra-fast chargers are capable of charging rates up to 350kW.

Electrify America currently has 800 charging stations and about 3,500 individual ultra-fast chargers open or under construction in North America. By 2026, the company plans to more than double its infrastructure with 1,800 charging stations providing 10,000 individual chargers in the U.S. and Canada.

When the 7 Series launches in Europe, it will only be offered as the fully-electric BMW i7. In the US, China and other selected sales regions, two models will be offered at market launch in addition to the fully-electric variant, each will come equipped with a gas engine made more efficient by 48V mild hybrid technology.

In addition to the fully-electric 7-Series, BMW now offers a choice of combustion engines and plug-in hybrid powertrain options for global markets.

The 2023 BMW 740i is powered by an upgraded version of the B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder engine. Now dubbed "B58TU2", the new Miller cycle six-cylinder features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, electronically controlled VANOS variable camshaft timing, and 48-volt mild hybrid technology to deliver more power with lower emissions.

The more powerful 760i xDrive will come with BMW's 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The new V8 engine borrows technology from BMW Motorsport. It features a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling, and improved turbocharging.  The V8 engine also includes 48V mild hybrid technology, with an electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

BMW will also offer two M models of the 7 Series equipped with electrified drive systems. The new BMW M760e xDrive will debut as early as spring 2023. It will feature an M-specific design for the exterior and interior, including an exhaust system with twin tailpipes that fitting for the performance M model with plug-in hybrid technology.

The other M-badged model will be the BMW i7 M70 xDrive equipped with an all-electric drive system with dual motors on the front and rear axle. The dual-motors electric drive system generates maximum output of over 600 hp and maximum torque of more than 737 lb-ft. It will be the most powerful BMW model ever produced for road use, and can reach 62 mph in under 4.0 seconds. The i7 M70 will be available later in 2023. 

BMW Driver Assist Technologies

The seventh generation 7 Series models offer Intelligent assistance for automated driving and parking. The technology suite features the latest generation of cameras and ultrasonic and radar sensors, a new software stack, a powerful computing platform and a 5G connection to the BMW Cloud. BMW runs one of Europe's most sophisticated cloud-based computing centers to support the development of driver assistance functions. 

Advanced software algorithms are employed for analyzing data, as well as for visualization and control functions. The 7 Series is equipped with 8-megapixel automotive cameras with leading-edge technology from Intel's autonomous driving developer Mobileye. 

BMW's Highway Assistant automated driving feature offers a more stress-free journey over long distances. It allows the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel at speeds up to 80 mph, which BMW says is more than double what was previously possible. It's important to note that Highway Assistant is a SAE Level-2 system, meaning that drivers must always maintain focus on the road ahead and be prepared to take over control if necessary.

An "Assisted View" feature in the instrument cluster gives the driver an overview of the automated driving systems whenever it's activated. The display provides a three-dimensional mock-up of the vehicle and its surroundings. Drivers can see an image of the cars, trucks and motorcycles detected by the cameras and sensors in the driver's current lane, along with those in any adjacent lanes. It provides drivers with a better understanding of their immediate surroundings and nearby vehicles.

Existing functions can be improved or expanded through BMW Remote Software Upgrades, which also let customers add new features and functions in the future as they are developed. 

The standard front-collision warning system in the new BMW 7 Series is designed to improve safety in urban traffic and many other driving situations. It includes features such as City Collision Mitigation with braking function that reacts to oncoming traffic. And it can also warn the driver of pedestrians and cyclists approaching the vehicle from the front or rear when turning right, reducing the risk of a collision.

The front-collision warning system also helps to increase safety when turning left. If a vehicle is approaching on the side of the road the driver needs to cross, visible and acoustic warnings are triggered, and the brakes are applied to prevent the driver from continuing with their maneuver.

Since the 7 Series is BMW's flagship sedan, the interior is well appointed as one would expect from BMW. The minimalist interior includes a choice of materials and precision craftsmanship, according to BMW. A new optional feature adds a cashmere to a portion of the seating surfaces. Other options include fine wood interior trim and stainless steel speaker covers.

One of the highlights of the 7 Series interior is the optional BMW Theater Screen with built-in Amazon Fire TV. This system includes a 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen display with an audiophile-grade Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system. The audio system features a seven-band equalizer with up to 18 speakers delivering 655 watts of power. 

It also offers optional subwoofers in the seats, built-in touch screen remotes in the door panels and an automated rear shade system that closes to dim the cabin when the BMW Theater Screen is switched on.

The BMW Theater Screen combined with Amazon Fire TV lets passengers enjoy content in up to 4K/UHD resolution from popular apps. Passengers can stream videos, play games, listen to music, get information, and watch downloaded programs while on the road.

Occupants can also enjoy personalized streaming by setting up unique user profiles, complete with recommendations, viewing history, and watch lists. 

Rear seat passengers can watch films and TV shows in 16:9, 21:9, or 32:9 cinemascope aspect ratio for an immersive theater-like experience. The screen folds into the roof when not in use, and can be moved closer or further from the viewers to put it within arm's reach for touch controls or to put it at the preferred viewing distance.The profiles allow rear seat passengers to start a film or TV show at home and pick up where they left off once on the road.

The BMW Theater Screen comes down from the roof.

Drivers can also personalize the interior with a choice of seven BMW "MY Modes" vehicle presets. Each can be selected easily by voice command or by using the button on the center console.

Each My Mode activates specific settings for the powertrain and chassis, the appearance of the BMW Curved Display and the interior lighting. Content shown in the BMW Head-Up Display also adapts when either Sport or Efficient Modes are selected.

In the available Relax Mode, the focus shifts to well-being, harmony, and relaxation, accompanied by graphics on the BMW Curved Display inspired by natural landscapes. The seats' optional massage function is also activated if equipped. This mode also activates a matching interior soundscape for a more tranquil ride.

BMW also offers an intelligent voice-powered assistant for the new 7 Series. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant comes with new skills and new features for enhanced interaction. Information can now be processed faster, while an instant text display underneath the Intelligent Personal Assistant graphic also now indicates the command that has just been understood and processed by the voice assistant. 

Natural language instructions can be used by the driver to activate driver assistance systems or open the doors. The Intelligent Personal Assistant evn reacts to instructions from backseat  passengers.

The new BMW 7 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany. The plant is the automaker's largest production facility in Europe and will also be producing the e-drive components and the high-voltage battery pack for the fully-electric models. 

BMW 7 Series vehicles with combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and all-electric drive systems will all be produced on the same assembly line in Dingolfing.

Preorders for the new 7 Series including the i7, are now open. Customers can reserve one online by putting down a $1,500 deposit.

Base MSRP for the 2023 740i is $93,300. The 760i xDrive is priced at $113,600, the xDrive60 starts at $119,300.

FutureCar Staff