We expect the 2023 BMW i7 to be offered in three trim levels, following the hierarchy of the iX SUV: i7 eDrive40, i7 eDrive50, and i7 M60, with the base model offering 322 hp and 420 lb-ft torque.
The eDrive50 model, meanwhile, is expected to serve up 516 hp and 564 lb-ft of torque. A third, sportier M60 version is likely to offer at least 600 hp when it arrives a little later.
The sedan is considered likely to use the drivetrain of the iX electric sport utility, the first deliveries of which are expected to start in a matter of days. This means the 2023 BMW i7 is like to feature a 105.2-kWh battery coupled with a dual-motor layout.
When it comes to range the 2023 BMW i7 is certainly expected to land north of the 300-mile mark in base form, given the advertised range of the iX.
But just how much more range the 2023 BMW i7 may squeeze out of the iX drivetrain is an open question, even though over 330 miles in the EPA cycle in the base version certainly seems feasible. How much range the longest-ranged version will be able to do remains to be seen.
When it comes to pricing, the 2023 BMW i7 is expected to start around $100,000 when it arrives on sale in the second half of 2022, stretching to around $140,000 for the M60 performance model. This will place the entry model a bit above the starting price of the iX, which sits at $84,195.
Unlike the gas-engined 7-Series, the 2023 BMW i7 is expected to be offered in a single wheelbase, and may likely skip a single-motor setup.
This will keep things simple, and geared toward customer expectations—variants with lower demand are not something that automakers can indulge in at the moment when it comes to electric cars.
The three available trims with different outputs and ranges will mirror the trim ladder of the iX sport utility, which will also give us a good idea of the expected range, once the EPA numbers for the iX are announced.
A fully electric car gives automakers a bit more headaches in terms of noise insulation. With no combustion engine to cancel wind and tire noises, you begin to hear more unwanted sounds.
That’s obviously not acceptable for a full-size premium sedan, which is why BMW is going the extra mile to make the cabin of its next-generation 7 Series a veritable luxury cocoon.
The next episode in the i7’s teaser campaign takes us to Munich at BMW’s new Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) where the sound emissions and immissions of the Mercedes EQS rival are being measured.
Test and development engineers evaluate the motor and rolling noise, along with vibrations and aeroacoustics. Even the mandatory pedestrian protection sound is being fine-tuned, as are the artificial “engine” noises inside, co-developed with Hollywood film music composer Hans Zimmer.
With the i7, BMW has acoustically optimized the electric drivetrain by developing a bespoke mount for the electric motors. These have a specific noise encapsulation to guarantee a silent operation, enhanced by installing a foam absorber in the tires. Body rigidity at the front is also up compared to previous 7 Series generations, while the flush door handles diminish wind noise.
For the same purpose, the 2023 BMW i7 will have aero-optimized side mirror caps (why not cameras though?) and a nearly closed underbody. In addition, the Luxo barge has been shaped in such a way as to have clear-cut body surfaces. These changes also pay dividends in terms of range by lowering air resistance.
As more information becomes available on the 2023 BMW i7, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Photos
Full Specifications
2023 BMW i7 M60 Specs
Performance Specs
Engine and Transmission
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EngineElectric
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Horsepower650 hp
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TransmissionSingle-Speed Automatic
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DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Dimensions and Measurement
Interior Space
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Seating Capacity5 seater
