BMW New 7 Series

Today we are road testing a truly amazing luxury car. Introducing the completely redesigned new generation 2023 BMW 7 Series. This farout flagship sedan brings drivers of the ultimate driving machine more luxurious accommodations, world class comfort, and the very latest high-tech gadgetry. All this plus the kind of perfected performance that BMW is known for.

 

In terms of powertrains and performance, the 7 Series includes a turbocharged inline-six hybrid, a twin-turbo V-8 hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid variant is coming soon. The 760i xDrive's 536-horsepower V-8 is coupled with a 48-volt hybrid system for zero to 60 mpg times of just over 4 seconds. The big sleek sedan floats effortlessly on the highway thanks to improved chassis and suspension components including an all-new rear wheel steering system similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

 

Inside, you'll find every amenity imaginable, from reclining massage chairs in the ample back seat to a massive 31.3-inch Theater Screen that comes down from the ceiling to bring you all your favorite movies and entertainment via Wi-Fi. From the pilot's seat you can switch on adaptive cruise control and utilize remarkable hands-free driving while speakers inside the leather or cashmere adorned seats place you right in the orchestra pit. While parked, BMW's voice recognition system even allows you to open or close the vehicle's doors by saying "Hello BMW, open doors."

 

Before we go any further, let's discuss the elephant in the room, namely BMW's new styling for the 7 Series. Some people are not a fan of the big toothy kidneys up front which suggest that the luxury saloon must require massive amounts of air to keep its big V-8 cool. Drawing even more attention to this gaping grille maw is the fact that it is actually illuminated. Paired with its squinting split headlights and LED running lights, makes the front end look a bit like Darth Vader. But like the look or not, we prefer it to cars which have no front grille at all such as the Tesla Model 3. Who wants a car that looks like a bar of soap or a boat? If you're still having trouble accepting that Bucky Beaver grin at the front of the 7 Series, we suggest you look up at the stunning panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof.

 

We like the door latch design which opens at the push of a button. Four sinister wheel designs come in 20- and 21-inch options. The back of the car is equally sinister with its squinty taillights and quad exhaust. Interestingly, this new 7 Series is the first BMW to offer two-tone paint for an additional $12,500.

 

Some might argue that the true elephant in the room is the 7 Series' price tag. Base MSRP for the 740i sporting the inline six engine is a lofty $96,695. A similarly appointed Mercedes S Class has a starting MSRP of $114,500 so by comparison, maybe the Beemer isn't so spendy after all.

 

In terms of performance, the standard 375 horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-powered 740i offers more than enough performance for most luxury sedan owners. The silky smooth six-cylinder engine is mated to a 48-volt hybrid system and rear wheel drive that will launch you from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5 seconds. That's plenty fast for a big executive hauler. This combo offers up an EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg highway.

 

Stepping up to the 536-horsepower, 553 pound-feet of torque, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 in the 760i xDrive, which also utilizes the 48-volt hybrid system, shaves a few points off of that zero to 60 mph time. This all-wheel drive version will get you there in 4.2 seconds, however, the 760i has an MSRP starting at $116,400. Proof that even in this age of stellar excess, speed costs. Naturally, the V-8 will cost you a bit more at the gas pump as well. EPA estimates the 760i xDrive drops the miles per gallon down to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

 

A plug-in hybrid variant of the new 7 Series called the 750e xDrive is due in showrooms by the end of 2023. It will use the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 engine as the 740i mated to an electric motor for 490 combined horses. It will take you 57 miles on electric power only before switching over to gasoline.

 

An all-electric top-of-the-line i7 M70 xDrive from BMW's M Performance Division will boast over 600 horsepower and a zero to 60 mph time of under 4 seconds. Details on this blacked-out luxury EV supercar will be coming soon.

 

This splendid sedan showcases the ultimate in what BMW is known for. Inside the well-appointed cabin you'll find the finest materials in the form of lush leather, stainless steel, and opulent wood trim, even a new cashmere upholstery option. Passenger space in the deluxe interior surrounds you in posh elegance. An Executive Lounge Package adds reclining power seats that can massage your worries away while you enjoy binging your favorite new Netflix series on the retractable 31.3-inch high resolution Theater Screen. This Package also includes a wireless smartphone charging pad in the back and adjustable neck pillows. Trunk space in the 7 Series is a cavernous best-in-class 19.1-cubic feet and includes a rear seat pass through. You can probably fit three full-sized dentists in the trunk.

 

A leather-wrapped steering wheel with shifter paddles fits your hands perfectly. Upon first glance at the console, you'll experience an impressive digital gauge display wrapped around sweeping glass that also incorporates the infotainment touchscreen running BMW's excellent iDrive 8.5 software with every bell and whistle imaginable. Besides running the 40-speaker Bowers & Wilkins upgraded stereo, climate control, GPS mapping, 5G smartphone connectivity and more, you'll find an expansive suite of driver assist features. These include the aforementioned adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving mode, standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and even a new parking assistant feature that lets you get out of the car and park it through a smartphone app. Simply amazing! Ambient lighting throughout the console adds further elegance and the lighting cues change with various drive modes. For the first time, a BMW interior truly rivals Mercedes-Benz.

 

What's the new 7 Series like to drive? Let's find out! The first thing we noticed was how luxurious and refined the car feels. Everything fits just right and the quality of the materials' fit and finish is impressive. Driving the car makes you feel special, like you're the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or something. The 760i xDrive we drove was extremely quiet and silky smooth. Steering and cornering is crisp, and the new 7 really jumps when you put the pedal down. The chassis with its adaptive dampers and air suspension feels like a big cat; agile, powerful and in control.

 

The suspension soaks up bumps so they hardly exist. The car positively glides over the road, keeping you in a secure cocoon of comfort. We were impressed by the new Active Rear Steering System. Yes, the rear wheels actually turn. When driving slowly, say in a parking lot, the rear wheels turn subtly in the opposite direction of the front wheels to rotate the back end of the car for better maneuverability. It has the effect of making the big sedan feel much smaller and more nimble. On the highway at speed, the rear wheels will turn in the same direction as the front wheels to make passing or changing lanes happen instantly and with little effort. There's more poise at high speeds and better control.

 

The vehicle's prowess is all the more impressive when you realize it weighs in at 5,100 pounds. It is a big, heavy, four-door luxury sedan, but all-wheel drive helps to launch from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds and Active Rear Steering makes it feel more like a 3-series. You won't believe how nimble this big car is.

 

After driving this excellent new BMW 7 Series and experiencing all it has to offer in the way of comfort, performance, and myriad features that just blew us away, we have to say… it is worth every penny. This is a great car.