2023 BMW 7 Series and i7 Electric Launched In India; Prices Begin At Rs. 1.70 Crore
The 2023 BMW 7 Series has been launched in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 1.70 crore and it is offered only in the 740i M Sport variant, while the i7 xDrive60 electric sedan is priced at Rs. 1.95 crore. The new BMW 7 Series is underpinned by the new CLAR platform and is a huge departure from its predecessor in every aspect, while the i7 electric sedan is essentially the electric avatar of the 7 Series. So it comes with a new design, upgraded cabin which is loaded to the brim with new creature comforts and tech, and a retuned engine and gearbox combination.
Beginning with the looks, both the BMW 7 Series and the i7 are identical featuring the sharper and slimmer two-element crystal LED headlights. The kidney grille is larger, slimmer and gets an illuminated surround. The face is more upright and the lines are sharper and minimalist, giving the model a bolder look than its predecessor. The i7 differentiates itself with blue accents while the 7 Series gets M Sport specific styling. BMW is offering a choice of wheel sizes on the "7" range from 20-inch alloys to 21-inch M Sport wheels, with darkened exterior accents.
On the inside, the cabin on the 2023 BMW 7 Series gets the latest iteration of the brand's Live Cockpit Plus with the all-new iDrive 8 user interface. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and the 14.9-inch infotainment screen have a curved display and are a single continuous piece of glass. There's a new interaction bar seen on the 7 Series with touch-capacitive control for ventilation and climate control functions. But the 7 Series is more about rear-seat comfort and that's where you see some major upgrades over the older version.
The highlight in the cabin is the optional 31.3-inch 8K theatre screen display that can be added between the front two seats on the 7 Series and the i7. Customers can have the "car theatre" experience on the move with a built-in Amazon Fire TV to provide access to online services. There are also two 5.5-inch tables mounted within the door panels that provide access to each passenger. Complementing the massive screen is the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System that brings in 36 high-quality speakers. The standard version is offered with 18 in-car speakers. Four speakers are integrated into the headliner for a full 4D audio function. Other highlights include the extensive use of sustainable materials in the BMW i7 and the 7Series' cabin. The seats are upholstered in Merino leather while cashmere wool has also been used in the cabin.
Under the hood, the India-spec BMW 7 Series is offered with the 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The diesel iteration of the 7 Series is yet to arrive. The BMW i7 xDrive60 electric sedan comes with two electric motors powered by a 101.7 kWh battery pack. The motor puts out 536 bhp and 744 Nm and does the 0-100 kmph run in 4.5 seconds. BMW says i7 can drive up to 483 km as per the US EPA driving range on a single charge and is compatible with a fast charger of up to 195 kW. The top speed on the i7 is electronically limited to 250 kmph.
The new 7 Series goes up against the likes of the Mercedes S-class, Audi A8 L and Lexus LS among others in India, while the BMW i7 will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan.