BMW expands its flagship 7 Series range with a new fully-electric model that’s not just big in size, but also in technology and features.
BMW has crowned its range with a new, all-electric flagship: the 2023 BMW i7 takes the technology and opulence of the regular 7 Series, and gives it a swift and silent electric twist.
From launch BMW offers the i7 in a single variant, the i7 xDrive 60, which sits above the regular petrol-powered 740i in the 7 Series range. From late in 2023, the i7 xDrive 60 will be joined by a second electric model dubbed the i7 M70 xDrive, slotting in as a new halo model in the range.
While the i7 models share their underpinnings with the regular 7 Series, BMW has spun the i7 models off as their own distinct models within the range.
Befitting their flagship status, both the xDrive 60 and M70 xDrive feature dual-motor drivetrains with front and rear electric motors and all-wheel drive.
In the case of the i7 xDrive 60, a front 190kW/365Nm motor and rear 230kW/380Nm motor combine for claimed maximum outputs of 400kW and 745Nm. The i7 M70 ups the ante with the same front motor working in tandem with a more powerful 360kW/650Nm rear motor. In this case, peak outputs rise to 550kW and 1015Nm, but by using Launch Control or M Boost Mode a temporary 1100Nm peak is available.
While luxury is the prime directive of both models, the xDrive 60 is capable of a 0–100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds, while the M70 slashes that time to a far swifter 3.7 seconds.
2023 BMW i7 – data table
| Model | BMW i7 xDrive 60 | BMW i7 M70 xDrive | |
| Price (MSRP) | $306,900 | $344,900 | |
| Format | Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive | Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive | |
| Power | 400kW | 550kW | |
| Torque | 745Nm | 1015Nm (1100Nm with launch control) | |
| Battery size | 106kWh (101.7kWh useable) | 106kWh (101.7kWh useable) | |
| Range (WLTP) | 625km | 560km | |
| Energy use | 22.2kWh/100km | 23.8kW/100km | |
| Max charge speed | 34min @ 195kW (10–80%) | 34min @ 195kW (10–80%) | |
| Plug type | Type 2 AC / CCS2 DC | Type 2 AC / CCS2 DC | |
| Weight (kerb) | 2640kg | 2695kg | |
| Boot space | 500L | 500L |
Driving range using WLTP maximum range forecasts gives the i7 xDrive 60 a potential 625km from a single charge, while the more powerful M70 xDrive carries a 560km maximum range claim. Both use the same 106kWh lithium ion battery, resulting in a full charge from an 11kW wallbox in 10 hours 42 minutes, a 50kW fast charge time of 2h 21min, or at the i7’s maximum 195kW charge rate, a 34-minute 10–80 per cent charge.
Want to find out more? Click here to discover more about the BMW i7 range, including comprehensive price and specifications, and in-depth reviews and road tests from the Drive team.
Approximate charging times: 10–80 per cent
| Home (up to 2.4kW) |
Wallbox (up to 7.7kW) |
Three-phase (up to 11kW) |
Public (up to 50kW DC) |
Maximum | ||
| BMW i7 xDrive 60 | 106kWh | 34h 21min | 10h 42min | 7h 29min | 1h 38min | 34min @ 195kW |
| BMW i7 M70 xDrive | 106kWh | 34h 21min | 10h 42min | 7h 29min | 1h 38min | 34min @ 195kW |
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