The 7-Series is BMW's flagship model, a showcase of the latest advancements in engineering and technology that the multi-billion dollar manufacturer has to offer. For decades, it has been biting at the heels of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, yet to dethrone the king of the executive luxury sedan segment.
The current 7-Series has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 2015.
After seven years on the market, BMW is replacing it with the completely new seventh generation for the 2023 model year. With a bold new design, industry-leading technology, and an array of new features, will this be enough for the 7-Series to finally get out of the long shadow cast by its rival from Stuttgart?
2023 BMW 7-Series
- 31.3-inch Rear Widescreen Display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- 0-60 MPH In Just 4.1 Seconds
- Fully Electric Variant
- Rear Seat Massage Functionality
- Up to 83 MPGe
- Model: 2023 BMW 7-Series
- Engine:: 3.0 L Inline 6 / 4.4 L V-8 / Electric Motor
- Power Output: 375-563 HP
- Torque: 383-549 LB-FT
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Driveline: RWD & AWD
- MSRP: $93,000 - $119,300
- Competitive Starting Price
- Game-Changing Technology
- Beautifully Designed Cabin
- Controversial Styling
- Historically Bad Depreciation
- i7 Electric Range Is Only 318 Miles
2023 BMW 7-Series Performance And Capability
For the U.S. market, the 7-Series is only available in three trim levels:
- 740i
- 760i xDrive
- i7 xDrive 60
The entry-level 7-Series is the 740i, which is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with twin turbochargers, that puts out a healthy 375 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
The performance-oriented driver will want to consider the 760i xDrive, which is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8, that produces 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. That power combined with BMW’s xDrive system, which can send up to 100% of the power to the front or rear axle when needed, launches the nearly 5,000 lb limousine to 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds.
The i7 xDrive 60 is arguably the most exciting of the variants because it is the first fully-electric 7-Series ever made. It’s also one of the only fully electric executive sedans available from a legacy brand. The i7 features a 105 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, that provides the necessary range and power. The electric motors produce 536 horsepower and have a maximum range of 318 miles, achieving an impressive 83 MPGe combined. While it benefits from 549 pound-feet of instantaneous electric torque, it weighs 1,000 lbs more than its V-8 counterpart and therefore takes a more leisurely 4.5 seconds to reach 60 mph from stationary.
Trim | 740i | 760i xDrive | i7 xDrive 60 |
Engine | 3.0 L Inline-6 | 4.4 L V-8 | Electric Motor |
Horsepower | 375 HP | 536 HP | 563 HP |
Torque | 383 LB-FT | 553 LB-FT | 549 LB-FT |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic | 1-Speed |
Drive Layout | Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
0-60 MPH | 5.2 Seconds | 4.1 Seconds | 4.5 Seconds |
Exterior Styling
BMW has taken a radical new styling direction in recent years, with mixed results. Some love the bold new designs out of Munich, but others have been critical. The new 7-Series has undoubtedly drawn a mixture of opinions, but that’s to be expected of any new design, and the response towards this model has overall been positive.
Compared to some of the extreme creations of late, the design team has taken a more conservative route with the 7-Series. They went with a textbook three-box sedan design, with squared edges and almost no curves to be found. The slab sides and high waistline make the sedan feel tall and imposing, especially with a blunt front fascia that consists of tall kidney grilles and slim split-level LED headlights. These design elements give the car a brutalist style that communicates power.
The captains of industry who will no doubt own the new 7-Series will love the conveniences that it comes with, such as the self-opening doors that will release as soon as you touch the door handle. There are a handful of sensors built-in to prevent the doors from dinging other cars in a parking lot, the doors will open to an aperture that is just wide enough for passengers to enter or exit.
The new 7-Series makes a statement wherever you go. No other luxury sedan on the market can be mistaken for it. While the styling has received mixed reviews, it’s definitely a bold departure from the sea of homogenized cars that exist today, and that uniqueness is the strength of the new 7-Series.
Standard | Alpine White | $0 |
Metallic | Carbon Black Metallic | $0 |
Black Sapphire Metallic | $0 | |
Mineral White Metallic | $0 | |
Oxide Grey Metallic | $0 | |
Brooklyn Grey Metallic | $0 | |
Aventurin Red Metallic | $0 | |
Dravit Grey Metallic | $1,950 | |
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic | $1,950 | |
Frozen Pure Grey Metallic | $5,000 | |
Frozen Deep Grey | $5,000 |
Length | 212.2 in |
Width | 76.8 in |
Height | 60.8 in |
Wheelbase | 126.6 in |
Ground Clearance | 5.4-5.8 in |
Curb Weight | 4,594-5,917 lbs |
Interior Quality And Technology
The interior of the new 7-Series is just as radical as the exterior. BMW has changed the luxury sedan game with the design and features you’ll find inside. Upfront is a gorgeous cabin with a curved 14.9” touchscreen that houses the latest iDrive 8 system.
Pair that with alternative materials like the Merino leather seats with cashmere inlays that offer an upmarket alternative to Nappa leather, which is a dime a dozen in luxury cars today, and you have a refreshingly different interior to that of luxury sedans of the past.
While the front of the cabin is a lovely place to spend time, BMW hasn’t forgotten owners that will be spending time in the backseats as well. Rest assured, you will be just as cosseted as you are upfront. The first thing you’ll notice in the backseat are the touch screens on the door panels. These screens allow passengers to control the climate zones, play music throughout the cabin, make phone calls, and adjust the rear seats. All from one easy-to-reach location.
On the topic of the rear seats, they are just as plush and adjustable as those up front. Backseat passengers have power-adjustable seats that can be optioned with heating and cooling, as well as massage functionality. Above you'll find the standard Panoramic Sky Lounge, an all-glass roof with LED accent lights that mimic the quilting pattern of the seats. All of this combined makes the backseat of the new 7-Series a serene place to unwind after a busy day of corporate takeovers.
Manufacturers have integrated technology in the backseat of luxury cars for nearly two decades now. But in all of that time, not many inventive new solutions have come about. There are typically one of two approaches: infotainment screens behind the front headrests or a removable tablet stored in the center console. BMW has completely changed the game with the ‘rear theater’ option in the new 7-Series.
This package adds a 31.3-inch widescreen that will deploy from the roof with 8k resolution, 5G connectivity, and Amazon Fire TV built-in. Making the back seat a safe haven for the owner who wishes to be cocooned in luxury as they are chauffeured around.
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Headroom (front) | 39.7 in |
Headroom (rear) | 38.6 in |
Legroom (front) | 41.2 in |
Legroom (rear) | 43.3 in |
Shoulder room (front) | 61.0 in |
Shoulder room (rear) | 56.3 in |
Cargo Room | 11.4-13.7 cu-ft |
2023 BMW 7-Series Price And Availability
The 2023 7-Series may finally disrupt the order of things because it is an incredibly compelling package. Pair its design and features with a starting price that is significantly less than its longtime rival, and it seems even more tempting. The Mercedes S500 is the least expensive trim level and starts at $111,100, while the 740i starts at only $93,000–nearly twenty thousand dollars less.
The range-topping internal combustion 7-Series is the 760i xDrive, which starts at $113,600. Once again, less than the equivalent Mercedes S580’s base price of $117,700. The i7 has the highest base price at $119,300, but it is nearly $6,000 less and has more horsepower than the Mercedes EQS 580 with which it competes against. Overall, it is clear that the BMW offers significantly better value upfront.
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
740i | $93,000 |
760i xDrive | $113,600 |
i7 xDrive60 | $119,300 |
Main Competition
The existence of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long plagued the 7-Series. Mercedes is the king of this segment, and sales figures reflect that. Mercedes historically has the strongest resale value in this segment as well. Despite the fact that the BMW has a lower base price, the S-Class outpaces the 7-Series in depreciation, or the lack thereof.
In addition, BMW’s positioning as the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ isn’t as appealing to buyers of executive sedans. This clientele wants the utmost luxury and refinement, not necessarily sporty ride & handling.
The 7-Series is available in more trim levels than the S-Class, including the fully-electric i7. Whereas Mercedes customers have to look at the EQS if they want a luxury EV sedan, a completely different model with less rear seat comfort and controversial styling.
They say seven is a lucky number, so it would stand to reason that the 7th generation of the 7-Series would have double the luck on its side. It’s too soon to say how this new generation of BMW’s legendary flagship model will fare, but it’s certainly off to a promising start, and the executives in Stuttgart should be concerned.
Manufacturers of executive luxury sedans tend to get caught up in trying to please older generations, and their products begin to feel stale and out of touch. But this new 7-Series speaks to a younger generation, one that is growing in purchasing power and subsequently demanding luxury products that reflect their values.
The new 7-Series is just that, a luxury sedan from a legacy automaker that understands what younger affluent buyers want. BMW summed it up best when it stated upon its release that this new 7-Series is “automotive luxury for the digital age”.
FAQ
Q: Is there a new BMW 7 Series coming out?
Yes, BMW is launching the completely redesigned seventh-generation 7-Series in 2023.
Q: How much will the 2023 7 Series cost?
The entry-level 740i has a base MSRP of $93,000 before options, and the range-topping i7 xDrive60 starts at $119,300.
Q: When can you order a 2023 BMW 7 Series?
As of the fall of 2022, the order banks are open for the new 2023 BMW 7-Series. Due to global supply chain issues and microchip shortages, there will be limited availability.
Q: Is BMW discontinuing the 7 Series?
The current 7-Series has been on the market for seven years, and BMW is replacing it with a completely redesigned seventh-generation 7-Series for the 2023 model year.