2024 BMW i7 Overview

In a large luxury car, electric powertrains make a lot of sense.
Take the 2024 BMW i7, which features a powerful EV powertrain with a near-silent
operation that only adds to the sense of comfort that luxury buyers have come
to expect. Couple that with a smooth ride and a spacious cabin built with
premium materials and you have an electric 7 Series that’s worth its asking
price. The i7 is also a sedan for the tech-savvy buyer, as it’s packed with
digital displays and can even be outfitted with a drop-down theater system for
rear passengers. Benz doesn’t offer EQS.

 The i7 xDrive60 comes with 536
horsepower and a driving range of up to 318 miles, while the
performance-oriented M70 trim boosts power to 650 hp and offers a range of
approximately 295 miles. A rear-wheel-drive eDrive50 model is also offered, and
although BMW hasn’t said it yet, it should offer the most driving range of the
group. Those range numbers are good enough to compete with rivals like the PorscheTycoon and Tesla Model S, neither of which offer anywhere near the
sybaritic luxury of the i7.

 

What is new for 2024?

BMW adds 650-hp M70 and 449-hp eDrive50 models to the i7 lineup for
2024. The more powerful electric powertrain powers the big sedan to 60 mph in
just 3.5 seconds and still offers an estimated 295 miles of driving range.

 Per
Charge The eDrive50 uses a single, rear-mounted motor, but BMW has yet to
reveal its performance or range estimates. Otherwise, we’re expecting the i7 to
make it to the new year without any other major changes.

Pricing and Which to
Buy

 Unless you expect to be challenged to an impromptu drag race at
every stoplight, we’d recommend sticking with the xDrive60 model. It still
offers plenty of zip from its 536-hp powertrain and comes standard with the
desired features. Like the gasoline-powered 7 Series, the i7 is a
limousine-like luxury sedan that can be configured to pamper rear-seat
occupants with an optional Executive Lounge package. We’d recommend this
package, as it adds a lot of features to justify its price tag, including plush
reclining rear seats with massage.

 

EV motor, power, and
performance

The all-wheel drive i7s use the same electric powertrain setup as
the iX, the brand’s EV SUV, with two electric motors—one driving each
axle—making a combined 536 horsepower. In our testing, the i7 xDrive60 hit 60
miles per hour in 4.1 seconds. The rear-wheel-drive eDrive50 model makes 449
horsepower and performance will be a bit slower. The more powerful M70 model
dials up the heat to 650 horsepower, and we estimate the model to hit 60 mph in
just 3.3 seconds. Handling is surprisingly nimble for a large sedan, but the
regular i7 sports sedan won’t appeal to buyers looking for handling. Those
looking for a comfortable and luxurious experience will have a lot to like and
during our first test drive, we noted its notably smooth ride and quiet cabin.
The M70 model dials in more fun and the big sedan feels unnaturally light on
its feet, but it’s not quite as quick as BMW’s true M-series cars. If you
prefer a petrol-powered 7 Series, there’s one still available. We review this
model separately.

Fuel Economy and
Real-World MPGe

EPA estimates the i7 xDrive60 should deliver up to 87 MPGe city and
92 MPGe highway. The M70 should offer slightly lower numbers while the eDrive50
should go up slightly.

Interiors, Comfort,
and Equipment

Because they were co-developed, the i7s benefit from the same
spacious, luxurious, and upscale cabin atmosphere as the gasoline-powered 7
Series. Luxury aside, the i7 offers high-tech convenience features that put it
on solid footing against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Tesla
Model S. Both the front and back seats have generous room and good space.
Lining Material Per Square Inch Interior.

 Opt for the Executive Lounge Package
and your backseat passengers will be treated to power-adjustable reclining
seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and extra plush headrests. Trunk
space is plentiful but if you’re carrying long items, you’ll get a pass-through
feature near the rear seat.

Range, Charging, and
Battery Life

The i7
xDrive60 boasts a commendable estimated driving range of 318 miles per charge
on its standard 19-inch wheels. During our highway fuel economy test, the
xDrive60 test vehicle demonstrated its capabilities by covering a distance of
260 miles. According to EPA estimates, the eDrive50 variant is expected to
achieve a maximum of 321 miles per charge, while the M70 model offers a
respectable 291 miles per charge.

 Equipped with a substantial 101.7-kWh battery
pack, the i7 can connect to DC fast charging stations, reportedly adding 80
miles of driving range in just 10 minutes. Notably, BMW sweetens the deal by
providing three years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify
America’s charging stations with every new i7 purchase.