The New BMW 7 Series Arrives
BMW has revealed the new 7 Series sedan, including the first ever all-electric i7 xDrive60. The new 7 Series falls in line with BMW’s recent shifts in terms of both design and powertrain; while still offering internal combustion options, they are now paired with mild hybrid technology. The first all-electric 7 Series, the i7 xDrive60, also joins the automaker’s luxury full-size sedan flagship lineup.
At launch, there will be three models available: the aforementioned i7, the 740i xDrive and the 760i xDrive. The 740i xDrive is powered by the B58TU2 engine, an upgraded variant of the B58 3-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine. The new design features redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers and electronically controlled VANOS variable camshaft timing. The new engine is rated at 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque; paired with the 48-volt hybrid system, torque can be boosted temporarily to 398 lb-ft. Stepping up to the 760i xDrive means a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbocharged V8 engine, also paired with the 48-volt mild hybrid system. This updated engine incorporates a new exhaust manifold, external oil cooling and enhanced turbocharging capabilities. The 48-volt system is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Output is 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, culminating into an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. The i7 xDrive60, naturally, sees the largest departure from BMW’s previous 7 Series, as it features an all-electric drivetrain. In detail, this system utilizes two electric motors for a combined output of 536 horses and 549 lb-ft of torque, estimated to complete 0-60 mph runs in about 4.5 seconds and, perhaps with a more reserved foothold on the throttle, leading up to 300 miles of range (estimated), also thanks to an adaptive recuperation function pulled from the BMW iX and i4 models. AC charging can be achieved up to 11kW, but DC power can be drawn up to 195kW; at this rate, 80 miles of range can be picked up in 10 minutes. Three years of no-cost charging sessions, by the way, are made possible through BMW’s partnership with Electrify America.
The new design incorporates the love-it-or-hate-it twin kidney grille, bookended by two-piece split headlights. The grille can also be optionally illuminated if you want to shed more light on the vertically-prominent front end. The 7 Series comes standard with Adaptive LED Headlights with cornering light and high beam assistance. The car’s width is emphasized by a single-piece lower air intake, as well as slim side intakes positions at the outer edges. The hood further defines the 7’s muscular toning; a chiseled bonnet sculpted with a hood streak down the center. In back, a “clearly divided surface” shapes the rear deck. The width of the car, similar to the front, is accentuated by horizontal elements, and slim LED rear lights extend from the side and onto the deck. Brake lights and turn indicators are generated by two slim strips located below the main rear light units. Below, the license plate mount is embedded in the lower section of the rear apron. Overall proportions of the new 7 Series aren’t too drastically different from what’s been seen before; 5.1-inches longer, 1.9-inches wider and 2-inches higher. The wheelbase has only sprouted an additional 0.2-inches. Internally, the 7 Series sees a slight improvement in luggage capacity; cargo space is up to 19.1 cubic feet, 0.9 more than its predecessor. Cruising with the i7, cargo space is slightly less at 17.7 cubic feet.
Speaking of the interior, the cabin of the new 7 Series is, as one would suspect, luxurious and updated. The operator is placed inside a driver-centric cockpit with a reduced number of buttons, switches and controls, now presented digitally. The primary screen is a 14.9-inch display; instrumentation is virtually mocked up through a 12.3-inch display. Together, they make up BMW’s Curved Display getup, which presents information and entertainment through a smartphone-like user interface. Driver-car interactions are mitigated through the BMW Interaction Bar, debuting in the new 7 Series. It houses touch-sensitive controls for adjusting things like the ventilation and climate control, switching on/off hazard lights and opening the glove compartment. This unit extends from below the trim strip across the full width of the instrument panel and into the door panel trim. Its decorative appearance is bolstered by ambient lighting and dynamic animations.
No matter which model you chose, four-zone automatic climate control is fitted as standard, as is the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof. This feature now consists of a single fixed glass surface framed by a single steel surround, much larger in transparent surface area than the outgoing model. And, as shown above, a new 31-inch theatre screen feature is thrown into the i7 for even great rear ocupancy entertainment. Perhaps a tad gratuitous for some, but a worthwhile feature for those being chauffeured. And now for pricing: the seven generation 7 Series will start at $94,295 for the 740i, $114,595 for the 760i xDrive and $120,295 for the i7 xDrive60. This all includes the $995 destination charge; speaking of, US market launch and dealership arrivals are expected in Q4 2022.