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BMW i7 xDrive60 seamlessly integrates its electric drivetrain


Should an EV look different from a gasoline-powered equivalent, or have we reached a stage where electric power is just another powertrain option, like choosing between four- and six-cylinder engines? ? Ford, with F-150 Lightningchose to make its EV version look like the regular F series. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz offers EQS not like it Current S-class.

With new feature for 2023 7-series, BMW has gone firmly down the line in making electrification simply another powertrain alternative. The i7 xDrive60As the EV version is called, it differs only from the V-8-powered 760i xDrive in small visual details: The BMW circle on the hood has a subtle blue ring around it, the blue inner start/stop button. the grille is solid and there’s a small “I” in the vertical element, and of course, no connecting pipes.

This all-new Seven bears a clear resemblance to the previous model. The basic shape remains a three-box sedan with a large cabin to provide plenty of space for passengers in both rows. At the front, the large grilles remain, but they retain the dominant horizontal orientation, which does not overwhelm the vehicle’s face. The new BMW signature split lights are combined with narrow lights at the top corners and main headlights an inch or two below.

There’s a strong character line running down the sides and the iconic Hofmeister bend present in the rear quarter windows — tripled — is repeated in the door shape, chrome trim and interior trim. Reinforcement is visible in the window. Overall, the car has a presence — looks luxurious, elegant and rich.

Some of that presence comes from the sheer size, as the new model is a solid increment larger than its predecessor. The overall length is up to 212.2 inches, almost 5 inches longer than before, although the wheelbase has increased by only 0.2 inches – and there is no short wheelbase version. Width increased by almost two inches and overall height increased by about two and a half inches. These dimensions make the i7 the biggest car in the luxury sedan segment — for a fair amount of money.

Battery size and range

Much of this increase was driven by the need for a battery compartment underneath the interior floor. This volume is 4.9 inches deep to accommodate 4.3 inch tall lithium-ion cells. The battery operates at 376 volts and provides a usable energy capacity of 101.7 kWh. That should be enough for an EPA range of 296 to 318 miles, depending on wheel and tire options.

Those electrons power a 255-horsepower electric motor that drives the front wheels and a 308-horsepower motor in the rear. Combined power is 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque. Both motors use excitation field coils instead of permanent magnets to avoid the need for rare earth elements. Of course, Such motor use brushwhich BMW hopes will prolong the life of the vehicle.

Driving i7

We predict this formidable powertrain will accelerate the nearly 6000-pound i7 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and the i7 certainly feels just as quick. As with most electrical equipment, the torque-rich, single-speed powertrain is smooth, seamless and responsive, especially in urban areas.

As speed increases, acceleration decreases simply because the power-to-weight ratio isn’t as spectacular, and also because the electric motor produces peak power at 8,000 rpm, which is less than half that. with a top speed of 16,700 rpm, achieved at 149-mph top speed. That makes power peak at a little over 70 mph, and with no actuators to keep the engines close to their peak, power starts to dwindle as you exceed that speed.

BMW offers three levels of regenerative braking, as well as single-pedal driving if you select “B” on the transmission shifter. Using the single-pedal mode makes urban driving very smooth, and it also works well for tough driving on mountain roads — uphill at least. You barely need to touch the brake. When you press the left pedal, you appreciate BMW’s excellent work in combining regen and frictional braking, with no interruptions in pedaling effort or movement.

Running strong, the i7 feels stable and capable, though you’ll never forget it weighs almost three tons. With standard air springs and adjustable dampers in all four corners, as well as a low-mounted half-ton battery pack, the car corners are admirably flat when you press.

Selecting Sport mode helps a bit with such driving, as it tightens the dampers, reduces ride height by about 0.4 inches and delivers full power. In Normal mode, the i7 engine is limited to 489 horsepower but that equates to 549 pound-feet. In certain versions, you can also swipe a switch marked Boost to activate peak power and torque for a few seconds.

Smoothly running, the i7 is smooth and quiet, with a solid build. The seats are fully adjustable and have great shape, acceleration is easy, and the standard Bowers & Wilkins sound system (18 speakers, 655 watts or 36 speakers and 1965 watts with the optional Diamond version) fills the cabin. with high definition music of your choice.

2023 bmw i7 xdrive60

Daniel Kraus

A wide range of luxury features

The i7’s interior is a lovely place, with jeweled main controls, nicely detailed speaker grilles and panel surfaces, and lovely upholstery, including an optional cashmere/wool blend new feeling of special richness. And every vehicle comes with huge Panoramic Sky Lounge LED moon-windows that can create a fanciful light show and have motorized shadows placed in the front to avoid affecting rear space.

The i7 also offers many convenient features, such as optional power-operated door opening and closing — front and rear — each with its own sensor battery to avoid hitting adjacent cars, walls or people.

You can also specify the Executive Lounge option if you plan to have a driver drive the i7 for you. It offers a reclining right rear seat – up to 42.5 degrees – including legroom and a heel rest at the back of the right front seat, which can slide and tilt forward as much as possible when you use this option.

Another new feature is the Theater Monitor. This is a 31-inch 8K LCD screen that can be folded down from the roof for the rear passengers. It actually measures about 30 inches wide by 9 inches high, so the film will have a tall letterbox, unless you stretch it too much. But you can shift the screen to the sides to bring the picture closer to a passenger sitting in the back. Controlling the operation of this screen, as well as any adjustments to the rear seats, is done using a 5.5-inch touchscreen in the armrests of each rear door.

For drivers, one notable addition is a feature called Highway Assistant, which will both maintain speed and steer the vehicle on highways at up to 80 mph without the need for a steering wheel. driver. However, the driver must pay attention to the road and the car will follow your eyes with the camera. If you look down or go further than a few seconds, you will be warned to look at the road or put your hand on the wheel. The system works great and can even perform a safe lane change in traffic if you flash your turn signal. But if the lane line is blurred or the road is too zigzag, the system will stop.

With so many functions to operate, the touch screen interface will have a tough learning curve. Almost every function is displayed on the BMW Curved Display, including a 12.3-inch LCD screen that serves as the instrument cluster, along with a 14.9-inch central display, both housed in a thin, gracefully curved panel.

The new eighth generation of iDrive controls everything, and you can operate the center console using a traditional iDrive controller, either directly through the touchscreen or via a number of shortcuts dotted around the chamber. drive. Shortcuts are a nice touch because if you call up the car’s display of all apps, they total 43 — all with several submenus. The i7 also offers a pretty decent voice-activated system that works better for the usual functions than for the obscure ones.

The instrument cluster offers a variety of layouts and options for information to display. But some designs are more creative than practical, with key elements like the graphical speedometer and power display largely blocked by the steering wheel rim. It would have been nice to offer a traditional layout with double circular watch faces and small information grouped between them, but sadly that’s not available.

Overall, the i7 is a great luxury sedan. It is comfortable, luxurious, effortlessly powerful, looks impressive and offers more comfort and convenience features than you can imagine. Of course, all of this goes for its gas-powered 760i sibling, too, which costs $5700 less than the i7’s $120,295 base price.

But the electric powertrain adds an additional element of smoothness and refinement. If you don’t anticipate long trips in the car, that’s the way to go.

Specifications

Specifications

2023 BMW i7 xDrive60
Vehicle type: front and rear engine, all-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE
Base: $120,295

POWERTRAIN
Front motor: Current-excited synchronous AC, 255 hp, 269 lb-ft
Rear motor: Current-excited synchronous AC, 308 hp, 280 lb-ft
Combined power: 536 hp
Combined torque: 549 lb-ft
Battery pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 101.7 kWh
Built-in charger: 11.0 kW
Highest DC fast charging speed: 195 kW
Gearbox, F/R: direct drive

SIZE
Wheelbase: 126.6 in
Length: 212.2 in
Width: 76.8 in
Height: 60.8 in
Passenger weight: 112 ft3
Body volume: 11 ft3
Weight restraint (CD estimated): 5950 lb

PERFORMANCE (CD EST)
60 mph: 4.1 seconds
100 mph: 9.0 seconds
1/4-Mile: 12.5 seconds
Top speed: 130–149 mph

FUEL ECONOMY EPA
Combined / City / Highway: 83–89 / 81–87 / 85–92 MPGe
Range: 296–318 mi


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