And BMW will stick to this approach when it introduces the redesigned 5 Series in late 2023.
The 7 Series lineup starts with the 740i, packing a smooth, energetic, and fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Then there’s the 760i xDrive with a muscular 4.4-liter turbo V8, and a 750e plug-in hybrid, also with the 4.4-liter V8. Prices range from $96,400 to $121,300.
The gas-powered 7 Series competes with the world’s elite sedans: Audi A8, Lexus LS, Genesis G90, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. That’s a dwindling class of cars because the luxury market is branching into two distinct directions: EVs or large SUVs.
The i7 comes in three flavors: a rear-drive eDrive50 ($105,700), xDrive60 AWD ($124,200), and the super high-performance M70 ($168,500). The i7 relies on a 101.7-kWh battery and the xDrive60, the sweet spot of the lineup, has a range that spans 296 to 318 miles depending on tire size. Thanks to an 11-kW onboard charger, the i7 is compatible with a 48-ampere Level 2 charger, which means home charging is quick. At public DC fast-charging locations, the peak acceptance rate of 195 kW is competitive but not a standout.
The i7 competes with the top crop of EVs, such as the Audi eTron GT, Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Porsche Taycan, and Tesla Model S.
If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our expert assessment of the BMW 7 Series is available to you below. We are not planning on buying a 7 Series or an i7 for a formal full road test due to its high price and low volume. We will, however, buy and fully test the upcoming redesigned 2024 5 Series and its electric twin the i5.
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What We Rented
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60
Powertrain: 536-hp, dual electric motors; one-speed direct drive, all-wheel drive, 101.7-kWh battery
MSRP: $119,300
Options: Rear Executive Lounge Seating ($7,250), Executive Package ($6,550), Alcantara headliner ($5,450), Frozen Deep Grey Paint ($5,000), Bowers & Wilkins Sound System ($4,800), Driver’s Assistance Pro Package ($2,100), M Sport Package ($1,300), Climate Comfort Laminated Glass ($1,300), Luxury Rear Seating ($600), M Sport Professional Package ($950), Parking Assistance Package ($900), Interior Camera ($100)
Total options: $36,300
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $156,595
2023 BMW 760i xDrive
Powertrain: 536-hp, 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $113,600
Options: Autobahn Package ($3,600), Driver’s Assistance Pro Package ($2,100), Alcantara Headliner ($5,450), Luxury Rear Seating Package ($3,000), M Sport professional package ($950), Parking Assistance Package ($900), Executive Package ($3,700), Rear Executive Lounge Seating ($7,250), 21-inch wheels ($1,300), Climate Comfort Laminated Glass ($1,300), Interior Camera ($100), Bowers & Wilkins Sound System ($4,800)
Total options: $34,450
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $149,045
