An entirely new generation of the 7-series, long BMW's flagship sedan and the brand's most luxurious and advanced product, has debuted for the 2023 model year. The formula doesn’t change much from the current car’s: powertrains include a turbocharged inline-six and a twin-turbo V-8, with a plug-in hybrid joining the lineup later. We’ve driven a thoroughly camouflaged prototype, and found that the 7-series veritably floats down the road. Its handling is a little more lithe than the 2022 car's thanks to some changes to the chassis and suspension, including a new rear-wheel steering system. Its driver-assistance tech provides a semi-autonomous driving mode for highway slogs but the car’s showstopping feature is an optional 31.3-inch rear entertainment display called Theater Screen that drops from the ceiling and streams TV and movies using the onboard Wi-Fi system.
What's New for 2023?
The 7-series has been completely redesigned for the 2023 model year and offers an even plusher cabin, more futuristic technology, and bolder exterior styling. Production is slated to begin this summer with deliveries starting in November 2022.
The 740i will run BMW’s sweetly silken inline-six and is offered only with rear-wheel drive. We expect most buyers will find this version more than suitable, but for those wanting all-wheel drive or extra horsepower, there’s the 760i xDrive, which comes with a twin-turbo V-8. If you plan to be chauffeured in your new 7-series, we'd recommend both the Executive Lounge package (power-adjustable reclining rear seats with massage, among other luxuries) and the cool 31.3-inch Theater Screen rear-seat entertainment system which can stream content via the car's on-board Wi-Fi hotspot. An all-electric variant called i7 will be based on the same body shell; we review that model separately.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A 375-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is standard—models with this engine are designated 740i—and is assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system; rear-wheel drive is the only setup available on this model. BMW estimates that the 740i will run to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. The 760i xDrive is powered by a 536-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and comes standard with all-wheel drive; this engine also uses a 48-volt hybrid system, and BMW claims it will rip to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. We were able to sample the eight-cylinder prototype model during a brief test-drive event in Germany and noted its silky operation as well as powerful acceleration. The new car comes standard with an air suspension, and BMW has incorporated a rear-wheel steering system and adaptive dampers into the chassis as well. As a result, the new car feels more agile than the outgoing model but remains more focused on comfort than athleticism.
