Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the US will exceed one million for the first time in 2023, and BMW, with its new 2023 i7 xDrive, is helping to increase the growing high-end luxury sedan EV market.

Luxury-laden inside with a muscular looking exterior, princely on-road performance, and exquisite German engineering on display everywhere—especially in the technology—the i7 xDrive is now BMW’s flagship EV.

The company offers eight electrified vehicles for 2023, with one in each of the 3, 4, 5 and 7 series.

Our test vehicle

Our test drive was the 2023 i7 xDrive60, which added 11 options totaling $31,700 for a final price of $151,995.

Getting one of the best driving, most luxurious sedans with a Theatre Mode and second-row internet access requires a wallet with no fear to go along with a commitment to the electric vehicle revolution.

Outside, the huge sealed front grill—for looks only and to display BMWs iconic dual kidney illuminating design—is a familiar feature, with the body exhibiting minimal sculpting and bland front fascia and rear design.

Luxurious interior

In sharp contrast to the relatively plain exterior is the panache of the interior design and features, especially the drop-down 31.3-inch tilt-adjustable screen with Amazon Fire TV that darkens side and rear windows and uses 5.5-inch computer screens on rear door armrests to control access to adjust seats, infotainment, movies, the internet, etc.

Heated and cooled massaging seats also recline in the rear with footrests, and there are colorful cut glass knobs and trim, automatically closing doors and 32-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio.

Marino leather upholstery with matching upscale materials like Alcantra headliner are the definition of comfort, and there are ample charging ports and a colorful 14.9-inch curved dashboard touchscreen armed with 32 icons to earn your PhD in BMW knowledge. Sitting next to it is the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

While ensconced in the cabin, drivers understand why BMW can advertise without serious contradiction, it is the “Ultimate Driving Machine.”

The test drive

Acceleration is impressive (and quiet), needing 4.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, and power thrusts are immediate on the highway for passing as the suspension handles the three-ton sedan smoothly with a two-axle air suspension and electronic dampers quelling reaction to rough pavement.

Braking is excellent and standard safety features are cutting edge, including hands-free driving if the camera network says it is ok. Drive modes include Sport, Efficient and Personal—each offering all-wheel drive.

The BMW i7 xDrive60 is one of the most progressive and comfortable of today’s EVs—edging out Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S—and a thrill to drive or enjoy as a backseat passenger watching NASCAR live on the giant rear screen.

From a safety perspective, drivers lose rear window visibility in Theatre Mode, but adjusted side mirrors and blind spot detection can reveal vehicles in the opposite lane.

Voice recognition was excellent and prompts appropriately timed. The touchscreen can also be manipulated via a knob on the center spine or by voice.

Phone apps are available, and while the cargo area is compromised due to the battery, it is ample enough for a family of four with careful packing. The cabin also has a few small storage cubbies.

Range and charging

With 21-inch Pirelli low profile summer tires, our range using the two front and rear electric motors (powered by a strong ion-lithium battery) was 308 miles, saving some pennies versus the purchase price. (Smaller tires will slightly increase mileage.)

Level three charging at Electrify America (owned by Volkswagen) was good, reaching 80% from 20% in about 26 minutes. BMW i7 provides three years of free charging (30 minutes at a time) and complimentary maintenance for three years/36,00 miles.

Overall review

LIKES: Power, mileage, luxury-laden interior, superior handling and ride, drive modes, quiet

DISLIKES: Options a must for top experience, no spare tire

BOTTOM LINE: Family friendly, addictive to drive, options elevate it above the competition  

Car fact file