Review
A completely new generation of the 7th series, length BMW flagship sedan and the brand’s most luxurious and advanced product, debuting in the 2023 model year. The formula is largely unchanged from the current car, with powertrains including a turbocharged inline-six and a twin-turbo V-8, with a plug-in hybrid coming later. During our first test drive, we found the 7 Series to really float down the road. Handling is slightly better than the 2022 car thanks to some changes to the chassis and suspension, including a new rear-wheel steering system. Its driver assistance technology provides hands-free driving on the highway, but the car demo feature is optional 31.3-inch entertainment system display called the Theater Screen, which drops from the ceiling and streams TV and movies via a built-in Wi-Fi system.
What’s new in 2023?
The 7 Series has been completely redesigned for the 2023 model year and offers an even more luxurious interior, more futuristic technology and bolder exterior styling.
Pricing and which one to buy
The 740i will be powered by BMW’s sweet silky inline-six and will only be offered with rear-wheel drive. We expect most buyers will find this version more than adequate, but for those who want all-wheel drive or extra horsepower, there’s the 760i xDrive, which comes with a twin-turbo V-8. If you plan to drive with a driver in your new 7 Series, we recommend both the Executive Lounge package (power reclining rear seats with massage, among other luxuries) and the cool 31.3-inch Theater Screen rear-seat entertainment system. which can stream content through the vehicle’s on-board Wi-Fi hotspot. An an all-electric variant called the i7 will be based on the same body shell; we consider this model separately.
Engine, transmission and performance
3.0-liter straight six with a capacity of 375 hp. turbocharged is standard – models with this engine are designated as 740i – and is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system; rear-wheel drive is the only setup available for this model. BMW estimates the 740i to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. The 760i xDrive is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 536 hp. and comes standard with all-wheel drive; that engine also uses a 48-volt hybrid system, and BMW claims it will sprint to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. We were able to sample 760i xDrive and noted its smooth operation as well as powerful acceleration. The new car comes with air suspension as standard, and BMW has also integrated rear-wheel steering and adaptive dampers into the chassis. As a result, the new car feels more agile than the previous model, but remains more focused on comfort than athleticism.
Fuel economy and real mpg
Fuel economy estimates for the 740i are 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, but using the 760i xDrive with the V-8 engine and all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. When we get a chance to check out the 7 Series for ourselves, we’ll take it our 75 mph highway fuel economy test route and report its results here. For more information on the fuel economy of the 7 Series, visit EPA website.
Interior, comfort and cargo
As the pinnacle of BMW’s lineup, the 7 Series brings a cornucopia of luxuries to its occupants. Richly scented leather, stainless steel accents, and gorgeous glass and wood trim give the 7 Series’ interior a luxurious feel; buyers can even choose a new cashmere upholstery option if it suits their personal aesthetic. The luxurious interior now has the technology, style and opulence to better challenge Mercedes-Benz S-class. Passenger space is generous in both the front and rear, but the 7 Series is most impressive when equipped with the Executive Lounge package, which adds power rear seats with massage, a wireless smartphone charging pad for the rear seat area, and adjustable neck pillows on headrests. The trunk is as large as you’d expect from a full-size luxury car, and the rear seat pass-through allows longer items like skis to be transported.
Infotainment system and communication
The 7 Series uses the same dashboard layout as the iX SUV, which features a large digital display mounted under the same glass panel as the infotainment touchscreen. Reconfigurable displays provide crisp resolution and fast response. A rear-seat entertainment system, which BMW calls Theater Screen, is optional; it uses a huge 31.3-inch display that unfolds from the car’s ceiling. Using a built-in 5G cellular data connection, rear-seat riders can stream Netflix or browse the web by interacting with the system via touchscreen displays built into the door panels.
Safety features and driver assistance
A host of updated driver assistance features are available, including a new hands-free driving mode for highway use and an updated Park Assist feature that allows the driver to exit the vehicle and park the vehicle via a smartphone app. For more information on the 7 Series crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute of Road Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features are expected to include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with assistance system
- Adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode is available
Warranty and maintenance
The three-year or 36,000-mile free scheduled maintenance plan included with every 7 Series is an advantage over competitors from Audi and Mercedes-Benz do not offer. Both Volvo S90 and Genesis G90 matches BMW’s free maintenance plan, but the G90 comes with longer warranty periods.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- The transmission is covered by a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty
- Free maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Technical characteristics
Technical characteristics
2023 BMW 760i xDrive
Vehicle type: front engine, four-wheel drive, 5-seat, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base: $114,595
ENGINE
32-valve DOHC twin-turbo intercooled V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 inches34395 cm3
Power: 536 horsepower at 6500 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft at 1,800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 126.6 inches
Length: 212.2 inches
Width: 76.8 inches
Height: 60.8 inches
Passenger volume: 112 feet3
Trunk volume: 14 feet3
Curb weight (C/D estimate): 5,000 lbs
EFFICIENCY (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.0 sec
100 mph: 9.6 sec
1/4 mile: 12.3 sec
Top speed: 130-155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 21/18/26 mpg
https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/a27435845/7-series/