Electric BMW i7 headlines new 7 Series

BMW has revealed its electric i7 luxury sedan which leads its 2023 7 Series.

The global market launch starts in November 2022, with US pre-orders already reported to be open – the BMW i7 xDrive60 selling there from about US$119,300, and the New Zealand launch in Q4 2022 with pricing and specification to be announced ahead of its introduction.

Its modern design includes a traditional feel and it comes loaded with tech – including heaps of screens, while the electric i7 is said to have about 500km to 600km range.

The i7′s two electric motors produce a combined 400kW of power and 744Nm torque, and it can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in under five seconds.

The new BMW 7 Series model range worldwide will expand to include two BMW M models equipped with electrified drive systems, BMW adds.

The new BMW M760e xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 1.2 -1.1 l/100km, electric power consumption combined: 26.9-25.8 kWh/100km, CO2 emissions 28-25 g/km) has a 420kW power output and 800Nm torque and will debut in 2023, the brand says.

Its electric motor generates a temporary boost worth an extra 30kW when hard acceleration is needed.

The future flagship model, the new BMW i7 M70 xDrive (26.4-21.2kWh/100km, zero CO2 emissions) will have an all-electric drive system with two motors – on the front and rear axle – and will be available later in 2023, BMW says.

“Its drive system generates maximum output of well over 447kW and more than 1000 Nm maximum torque – the most powerful BMW model ever registered for road use accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in under 4.0 seconds.”

The new BMW 7 Series now offers a choice of combustion engines, PHEV systems and all-electric drive for the first time, BMW explains.

The market launch in Europe will initially feature only the BMW i7. In the USA, China and other selected sales regions, two models will be offered at market launch in addition to the all-electric variant, each equipped with a petrol engine and 48V mild hybrid technology.

PHEV variants of the new BMW 7 Series are expected to follow in numerous markets from the beginning of 2023.

These will include the first BMW M model with a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and PHEV drive system. A model variant with a diesel engine and 48V mild hybrid technology will be added to the range in Europe just after the market launch.

Further variants of the all-electric BMW i7, including the future top-of-the-line BMW i7 M70 xDrive, will be made available at a later stage, BMW adds.

The new BMW 7 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

Click here for more details and here for BMW NZ information.