2023 BMW 7 Series Straddles ICE and EV Worlds

By Edward A. Sanchez – April 21, 2022

Conventional automotive wisdom is that the best approach to building an optimized electric vehicle is to build it on a dedicated EV platform that does away with the inherent compromises of trying to adapt an EV drivetrain to a legacy ICE chassis. But BMW conveniently ignored those rules with the new 2023 G70 7 Series, which will be offered in ICE, hybrid, and full-EV variants.

Obviously, being a blog and commentary site focused primarily on EVs, our keenest interest is in the i7 full-EV variant, but for those ICE devotees still out there, BMW will offer the new 7 Series with a 3.0L I-6, a 4.4L V-8, a plug-in hybrid (presumably utilizing the I-6 used in the current 745e, and of course, the fully battery-electric i7.

Externally, all of the variants look very similar, with “eyebrow” style running lights and headlamps mounted below, as was the case when the KL Jeep Cherokee debuted in 2014 (it has since reverted to a more traditional headlamp design).

In terms of powertrain, the electric i7 features a dual-motor configuration with a claimed combined output of 400 kW (536 hp), and a 101.7 kWh battery pack, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 625 km, or a targeted EPA range of 310 miles. For once, we’re thankful OEMs are giving realistic figures for the different markets and not just using the wildly optimistic WLTP estimate.

The BMW i7 EV comes equipped with two motors and a battery that’s north of 100 kWh.

Despite a projected MSRP of more than $100,000, the i7 only features 195 kW DC fast charging, which seems a little disappointing compared to the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform featuring 350 kW charging standard, and even the Genesis Electrified G80, which although not officially on the E-GMP platform, appears to employ much of its hardware and technology.

Reflecting the increasing emphasis on in-cabin infotainment in newer models, the new 7 Series features a 31-inch, 32:9 rear seat video display, and smartphone-like 5.5-inch displays on the rear doors for controlling various functions. Adding to the home theater experience is a “Sky Lounge” panoramic glass sunroof with LED light threads, and an available “Executive Lounge” package with a reclining rear seat with an elevated leg rest. Presumably, there’s a weight sensor in the front passenger seat to prevent them from being smushed into the dashboard when the backseat VIP decides to kick off his or her loafers and raises the leg rest.

As expected, the interior of the i7 doesn’t disappoint.

In an acknowledgement of the ascendancy of electrification, both of the future “performance flagships” of the 7 Series line will be electrified. The M760e xDrive plug-in hybrid with 571 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque (presumably an I-6), and the full-BEV i7 M70 xDrive, which will have “well over” 600 hp and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque. Alas, with the transition to electric-boosted performance, the V-12 is dropped, which will now become the exclusive province of the Rolls-Royce brand within the BMW family.

While both figures fall well short of the Tesla Model S Plaid and the top models of the Lucid Air, there’s little disputing that the power output is ample for the vehicle’s mission of stately, swift transportation either for the driver, or the driven.

A large display dominates the driver’s view.

Of course, no new introduction of a German car model would be complete without a little triumphalist hubris, and the G70 7 Series is no different.

With the introduction of Munich’s latest luxury flagship, BMW Group sales chief Pieter Nota declared Tesla’s days of having a “unique selling point” of being a premium EV model as “over.” OK — factually true, but let’s not forget that in terms of overall EV sales, Tesla dominates in most markets by a healthy margin. Tesla may not have the whole EV sandbox to itself anymore, but the company is definitely the big kid in it.

We’ve always thought the more, the better when it comes to variety and diversity in the EV market, and although its projected $100,00-plus price tag will put it out of reach of most of the motoring public, the i7 does add another compelling option in the premium EV space.

(Images courtesy BMW)

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