~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Imagining the 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60, designers at Germany’s Bavarian Motor Works appear to to have fixated on the poetry and song of “the road less traveled.”

This all-electric luxury sedan, which competes in the full-size segment that includes the Mercedes-Benz EQS, has many features that set it apart from the competition, fossil-fueled and electric, not the least of which is the plush cloth upholstery that would easily do justice to the lounge furniture at an exclusive billionaires’ club.

Looking at a ritzy big sedan like the i7 xDrive60, you fully expect to be cosseted in seats covered in finely tanned leather, as you’d find in almost any automobile with the BMW’s six-figure prices—in this case $120,295 to start and $151,995 as tested.

But no. The i7 xDrive60, despite the description on the window sticker that the upholstery was crafted of “Extended Merino Leather,” was fitted with warm, perforated gray cloth that has been described as a combination of cashmere and fine wool. Sure, there’s a bit of decorative leather trim here and there that doesn’t contribute to the cozy comfort of the cloth—warm in winter and ventilated in the summer heat.

That’s not all. The surroundings are punctuated by decorative trim that includes crystal glass knobs, the start-stop button, shifter, switches and other controls in a variety of colors, some of them of backlighted.

Moreover, fully electric vehicles can display features that border on the magical. When you approach the i7 xDrive60 with the electronic remote control in purse or pocket, the car lights up all around and the doors unlock. If you get in and softly close the door part way, it takes a second or two and closes itself. If you leave the door all the way open, touch your foot on the brake pedal and it closes automatically.

If you opt for the Executive Package and Executive Lounge Seating in back, for a total of $13,800, you’ll get reclining rear seats with footrests, an executive console, a drop-down theater screen, front massaging seats, and crystal headlights.

Such are some of the joys of luxury electric vehicles—not to mention the fact that they are more environmentally friendly than any gasoline or diesel oil-fueled car or truck.

Moreover, the spinning blue and white propeller emblem of the Bayerische Motoren Werke tells the world that this car is all about performance—the Ultimate Driving Machine, as the ads always say.

With two electric motors, the i7 xDrive60 delivers 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force, to the front and rear wheels. It is enough to send the three-ton machine easily from a stop to 60 miles an hour in 4.1 seconds. Top speed is 150 mph.

With the ambiance of the cushy cloth interior, a supple ride and smooth handling that doesn’t jerk passengers around, the feel of the i7 tester was of comfort and competence—something resembling the big American Cadillacs and Lincolns of yore, but with way better control.

Unlike ancestor luxury cars, the i7 also offers a hands-free highway driving mode and a parking assistance program that allows the driver to leave the car and park it using a smart phone app.

Standard safety features included automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection and adaptive cruise control.

The i7 also is economical. Its city/highway/combined equivalent fuel consumption rating by the Environmental Protection Agency is 85/89/87 MPGe. Its driving range is advertised as 308 miles. Of course, careful driving while using the regenerative braking can improve on that.

Charging time on a level two, 240-volt charger is 5.5 hours. It is easy to charge overnight even when coming home from late-night partying. And on a commercial DC fast charger, BMW says the i7 can be juiced up from 10% to 80% in 34 minutes.

The manufacturer also offers an incentive to soften possible owner range anxiety. The purchase price includes three years of unlimited free charging on the national Electrify America network. With increasing numbers of capable electric vehicles invading the marketplace, it’s fair to say that this BMW is among the better contenders. Its $150 K price tag is a deterrent for many prospective owners. But if you’re a comfort-seeking buyer with the bucks, take a seat.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 four-door sedan.
  • Motors: Two electrics, front and rear; combined system 536 hp, 549 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Direct-drive automatic.
  • Overall length: 17 feet 8 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 1 inch.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/trunk volume: 112/18 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 6,067 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 7,500 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined equivalent fuel consumption: 85/89/87 MPGe.
  • Driving range: 308 miles.
  • Charging times: Level two charger 5.5 hours from empty; on DC fast charger 34 minutes from 10% to 80%.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $120,295.
  • Price as tested: $151,995.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©BMW