2023 BMW i7 review: Australian first drive

The BMW 7 Series is held as the most technologically forward car you can buy with a Bavarian roundel on the bonnet. It is even respected as one of the most advanced new cars on the market outright. The new seventh-generation G70 7 Series brings a host of new tech advancements, not least of which is the nameplate's first-ever electric model, the 2023 BMW i7 xDrive 60. We’ve been to the launch to see whether the model's first-ever fully electric offshoot, the 2023 BMW i7, is a worthy addition to the range.

There's no skirting around the fact that the 2023 BMW 7 Series is a pricey beast, no matter whether you choose the petrol version (740i) or the electric (i7 xDrive 60). But, boy, do you get a lot for your money…

Whereas the petrol-powered 740i begins at $268,900 (plus on-road costs), pricing rises to $297,900 (plus ORCs) for the fully electric flagship i7 xDrive 60. It's only a two-strong range for the time being, whereas previous generations offered an entire line-up of engine choices, and the 7 Series is only offered in long-wheelbase guise in Australia.

The electric i7 is the first of its kind so there is no direct price comparison. However, it does compete against cars such as the $328,400 (plus ORCs) Mercedes-AMG EQS53. Whereas that car aims squarely at the performance envelope, the i7 prioritises luxury.

As stated, the BMW 740i kicks off the range with petrol power. Those with an environmental conscience (or who simply want the range-topper) can opt for the BMW i7 xDrive 60. Power is provided by a 106kWh battery to a dual-motor, all-wheel drivetrain that outputs 400kW/745Nm. BMW says it’ll travel 625km on a full charge and sprint from zero to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds (0.7sec quicker than its petrol-powered counterpart).

There are simply too many features to list (you can check out the full equipment list here), but standard 7 Series range highlights include a curved dash display that incorporates a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, rear-wheel steering, dual-axle air suspension, adaptive LED headlights with Swarovski crystal highlights, glass roof, massage seats, and automatic parking using your phone.

Along with the electrified powertrain, the i7 adds equipment such as electric anti-roll bars, 21-inch wheels, power-operated doors, multi-function electric rear seats, and Merino leather/cashmere wool upholstery. Arguably its pièce de résistance is the 31.3-inch widescreen rear entertainment system mated to a 35-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system. More on that soon.

The i7 comes with M Sport styling as standard, but the switch to Design Pure Excellence (which substitutes the M Sport’s sporty trimmings for elegant design touches) is a no-cost option.

This review will focus on the i7 xDrive 60 electric-only BMW 7 Series. To see how we went with the petrol 740i check out this review.

It’s hard not to be floored by the sheer level of luxury inside the BMW 7 Series. Starting at the front seats, the materials used are top-notch and the spaciousness is impressive. Even the tallest minority on the height bell curve will be more than comfortable slipping in through the wide front doors and slumping down into the cushy leather pews.

Every single touch point has been considered and subsequently covered in some kind of plush or fancy overlay. Whether it’s the crystal elements of the seat controls, the considered plastics around the centre console, or the metallic finishes to the speakers – it all feels extremely high-end.

The i7 gets a cashmere wool seat covering that feels like a high-fashion sweater in the hand. Even on a hot 36-degree day the fibre wicks away moisture and the cooled seat functionality works a treat to keep occupants cool, calm, and collected.

There is great storage about the centre console area including dual cupholders, a wireless phone charger, and a double-door centre console bin. The glovebox is opened using the BMW Interaction Bar that extends across the entire cabin; it also controls the air vents and houses a 'door open' button on the cars fitted with the power-operated doors. There were some instances of this bar not responding to touch inputs, and you do have to be persistent with it.

Naturally, if you’re buying a 7 Series there’s a good chance that the rear seats will get a proper workout, and BMW has saved some of the best in interior comforts for the second row. All BMW i7s come specified with the astonishing 31.3-inch widescreen entertainment unit that is controlled by a small touchscreen built into each door. The i7 does come with the option of an additional $9000 Connoisseur Lounge package that affords 'Executive Lounge' seating, rear-seat ventilation, and rear-seat massage.

The widescreen is most easily utilised with the in-built Amazon Fire software, which can include access to all your favourite streaming services, though it does have a USB-C power port and HDMI input too.

Some of your favourite films may be shown in letterboxed format considering the 32:9 aspect ratio, but the array is hugely impressive nonetheless and it’s a real selling point for those who see a lot of use of the back seat. Both the widescreen and its associated door-mounted control screen are touch-sensitive, and the latter can also handle your electric seat position, air-conditioning, blinds, and even the car’s sound system.

Cars on test also featured the Executive Lounge Seating option, which affords passengers the chance to fully recline and sink back into the seat for viewing that gargantuan screen. A one-touch command on the control screen contorts the front seat forward and out of the way so that the back seat can recline. You can then turn on the massage seats to complete the ridiculously relaxing experience. However, once the passenger seat is folded forward and the widescreen folds down, rearward visibility is extremely limited (and there's no digital rear-vision camera).

Even when the back seat is in its default position, there’s an incredible amount of legroom. The 7 Series has a fold-down centre armrest that houses USB-C ports and a wireless phone charger, plus a pair of cupholders. This is folded back up in order to use the fifth seat.

The boot is electrically opened using either the key or a recess on the boot lid. Cargo capacity for the i7 (500L) is slightly down on its ICE range-mate due to the size of the underfloor battery.

Interestingly, the 7 Series can’t really be construed as leading the BMW brand in the infotainment stakes alone, but pair it with the aforementioned rear screen entertainment, the sound system, the auxiliary screens and touch functions, and it becomes an impressive all-round package.

But the 7 Series features much the same infotainment as you’ll see about the rest of its range, including the same 14.9- and 12.3-inch twin displays you’ll get inside the new 3 Series. It runs iDrive 8 software that includes provision for voice control. The system can also be controlled using the (crystalline) rotary controller synonymous with BMW infotainment systems, or by simply tapping the touchscreen panel.

There is so much content to the new software system and the navigation between menu systems is not as fluid as BMW iDrive systems of old. You still get shortcut buttons around the shifter for key functions such as navigation, media, and a home button, but there are pages' worth of apps and functions embedded into the menus that can overload the driver.

Some will be enthralled with the amount of content on offer, but for those that find it too much, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is available. BMW now offers 'My Modes' in place of driving modes, which also change up the car’s screens with matching visuals. Those with simpler tastes will be happy to learn that you can have individual drive modes with changeable dynamics too.

The i7 gets a 35-speaker, 1965W Bowers and Wilkins sound system. It sounds incredibly impressive playing anything from your favourite tunes to a blockbuster movie from the widescreen. The system is also eminently customisable. A nice touch is the 4D sound effect that vibrates the seat along with the speaker outputs – this is a fantastic phenomenon when you’re watching any kind of movie on the rear screen.

Safety? Look at it, it’s an absolute behemoth! But unfortunately the 2023 BMW i7 does not get an ANCAP rating. However, read on to find out about the level of included safety technology.

The BMW 7 Series comes standard with the Driving Assistant Professional suite of technology, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision prevention, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

It also gets a 360-degree camera, exit warning, a drive recorder, automatic speed sign assist, and seven airbags (including central airbag between driver and front passenger).

In practice these systems work hand-in-hand with the driver rather than hinder unnecessarily. The adaptive cruise-control system keeps an appropriate distance to a leading vehicle and is quick to react to sudden acceleration or deceleration. The lane-centring, too, is very proficient at staying within a lane.

The BMW i7 features ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear seats – lucky kids!

As is tradition for the BMW 7 Series, it’ll compete primarily against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 long-wheelbase saloons. But the i7 is a relative unknown in the segment as one of the first fully electric luxury sedans. However, it does cost a lot less than the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG EQS53 ($328,400 plus ORCs).

By this point in the review you’re hopefully beginning to understand what $297,900 gets you in the i7, but there’s more to it still.

To help with running costs, BMW has rolled in a six-year servicing package for the i7. The service intervals are condition-based; the car will tell you when it needs maintenance.

BMW now offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty in line with its rivals. The i7’s 106kWh battery is covered under warranty for eight years or 160,000km (whichever is sooner). Included with the i7 is a home wallbox for faster three-phase charging, but customers will have to pay for installation out of their own pockets. It also comes with a complimentary five-year Chargefox subscription to keep you charged on the go.

As one of the first vehicles to be launched in the new year, insurance quotes using our comparative insurer are unavailable.

BMW suggests the i7 will return a combined energy efficiency of 22.2kWh/100km. Our drive saw the figure start as low as 21.4kWh/100km and rise to 24.3kWh/100km later in the drive experience. This is impressive efficiency for a vehicle of its size and weight. To learn more about what constitutes an efficient electric vehicle, be sure to read this explainer.

BMW says the i7 will run 625km on a WLTP test cycle.

The i7 can charge at a maximum DC rate of 195kW. At this level BMW states the i7 will recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in 34 minutes. AC home charging at up to 11kW is also available.

Four modes of regenerative braking are included, and can be changed using the infotainment system.

Talk about a perfect powertrain for the BMW 7 Series — one that should be hugely powerful and extremely quiet — the i7's electric powertrain is a perfect pairing to the luxurious experience.

The petrol motor of the 740i was already extremely refined and powerful, but the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive electric powertrain ups the serene experience to new heights and goes to the core of what the 7 Series is all about.

With 400kW/745Nm available under a flex of the right foot, the 2640kg body moves along with mesmerising ease. These outputs are available instantaneously, making for some fun acceleration sprints when you push the throttle to the floor. The 'BOOST' steering-wheel-mounted paddle can be pulled for even more neck-straining runs up to the speed limit.

While the power on tap makes it feel surprisingly sprightly in a straight line, there is no hiding the enormous 5391mm-long body. It feels tricky to place on single-lane roadways, only becoming more manageable once on highways and dual-lane carriageways.

The i7 performs better than you'd expect through a series of switchback corners, though this is no sports car. There is no doubt that, even despite the powerful powertrain, the i7 is a pure luxury play.

I pity the poor person who has to navigate the i7's nose through an underground parking garage – this really is more of a valet-only type of operator. However, the 7 Series does include rear-axle steering, which turns the rear wheels in opposing direction to the front wheels at speeds of up to 60km/h, and they turn the same way as the fronts at speeds above 60km/h.

Steering feel is very light for the size of the car, which makes manoeuvrability simple, but there is no feel to the steering system.

A change of direction is handled well despite the car's sizeable dimensions and weight. However, though there are dynamic changes (such as the suspension firming up and the powertrain becoming more responsive) made to the car when in its Sport 'My Mode', there's not a hugely noticeable difference.

Rightly so, that's exactly where the i7 excels. The ride comfort is phenomenally plush over all but the most brittle road imperfections. Even then, there are no harsh, hard edges felt communicated through to the cabin. Between the soft seats and the air suspension, the i7 delivers a lovely and luxurious ride experience.

It's also very quiet, as you'd expect. Road roar is all but absent and no wind is heard through the single-pane glass windows.

BMW's i7 presents an interesting and unique take on what an electric vehicle should be. Whereas most flagship EVs prioritise performance over all else, the 2023 BMW i7's luxurious angle is wholly refreshing and speaks exactly to an electrified powertrain's strengths of refinement, quietness, and smoothness.

As for whether it still upholds the 7 Series' reputation for being the ultimate in technological achievement, there is no doubt the i7 remains as a boundary-pushing range-topper. True, some aspects like the feature-packed and convoluted infotainment may be overwhelming, but many would argue it's better to have than have not.

In electric specification, the G70 7 Series is as luxurious and well appointed as it has ever been, and the driving experience is supremely comfortable. Arguably, the electric powertrain suits the 7 Series even better than a petrol one ever did.