Auto review: The 2023 BMW i7; an EV that beats its rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Tesla

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – 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 Mercedes-Benz 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. Up front, you’ll find a gargantuan modern interpretation of BMW’s twin-kidney grille flanked by dual horizontal headlights that are meant to recall the previous 7 Series’ twin round headlamps. But these new ones can be fitted with optional Swarovski crystal.

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 impact of the display and the band beneath comes from the removal of nearly all physical buttons, which visually cleans up the cabin significantly. BMW designers have avoided a feeling of starkness by applying any number of textures and finishes to a variety of surfaces, yet it avoids the third-world-casino flashiness of its main competitor from Stuttgart.

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. This system, in contrast to comparable ones in other large cars, is roomy enough for people who are taller than 6 feet.

It all proves an appetizer for the main event: Driving.

The 2023 BMW i7 is powered by an electric motor on each axle, extracting 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque from a 101.7 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. All-wheel drive is standard. Range is estimated at 318 miles according to BMW, and you get 80 miles of range in 10 minutes using a DC high-speed charger.

BMW claims the powertrain delivers a 0-60 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. It’s also almost as silent. It’s not just due to sound deadening materials, insulated glass or noise cancellation; it’s also owing to the driveline. When you don’t have a controlled explosion under the hood, as in a gas engine, there’s no noise vibration or harshness to quell.

The Executive Package is incredibly luxurious, and the perfect accompaniment to the enormous fold-down screen and doors that close at the touch of a button. However, when the screen is in use, it blocks the rear view as the i7 lacks a rearview camera mirror. Oh, and while we’re picking nits, how is it possible that a 212.2-inch-long sedan has a trunk that’s smaller than the one in the 185.7-inch-long BMW 3 Series?

But the 2023 BMW i7 is more about sublime driving and cruising than schlepping stuff. Its overall responsiveness makes this large luxury ride fun to drive. Yes, it provides the expected indulgence and quiet, upscale ambience that puts the world at arm’s length.

Add it all up and you’ll find this is truly the ultimate electric driving machine.