2024 AAA Car Guide sneak peek: BMW 7 Series sedans

Every year, the AAA Car Guide provides members with useful information about buying and operating a vehicle, plus detailed, objective reviews of dozens of new cars and light trucks. Here’s a sneak peek at the 2 BMW 7 Series sedans we've tested, one gasoline and one electric. 

Among luxury automakers, BMW is taking a dual path toward electrification: As an example, its electric SUV, the iX—the 2023 AAA Car Guide’s top-scoring vehicle—is available only as an EV. But other gas- and electric-powered vehicles in its lineup—the 4 Series/i4 and 5 Series/i5 sedans, for example—use a single platform for both powertrains.

That’s also the case for the completely redesigned 7 Series, the automaker’s flagship sedan. Now in its seventh generation, the new 7 Series is available in gasoline-powered and plug-in hybrid versions, as with the previous generation. But the big news for 2023 is the debut of an all-electric model, the i7.

The Auto Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (ARC) recently put 2 vehicles, the 760i xDrive gasoline version and the i7 xDrive 60 EV version, through their paces.

Exterior

In terms of their sheet metal, both cars are nearly identical. If you spy dual exhaust tips and a grille with actual air slits, you’re looking at a 760i; otherwise, it’s an i7. The interiors are even more similar.

The 7 Series’ raison d’etre remains the same as ever: It’s a tech-heavy limo-like luxury sedan designed to pamper its occupants with a supremely comfortable ride and levels of extravagance above and beyond that of nearly every other car on the road.

So, what’s new for 2023? First, the new 7 Series has a bolder exterior design, distinguished by a blunt front end, the marque’s signature massive (and polarizing) twin-kidney grille, horizontally split front lighting, and a subtly sculpted rear end with slim taillights. This large, hefty car—slightly longer, wider, and taller than the outgoing version—tips the scales at 5,095 (760i) and 5,917 (i7) pounds. 
 

Powertrain

Under the 760i’s hood is a new turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that generates 536 hp and is mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission incorporating a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The i7 is powered by dual electric motors—one at each axle—that deliver an identical 536 horses, plus a 101.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for an EPA-estimated range of up to 318 miles. All-wheel drive is standard on both cars.
 

Interior

Arguably, the 7 Series’ high point is its stylish redesigned cabin, where nearly everything looks richer and more elegant than in the previous model. Trappings in our test cars included an abundance of plush leather, open-pore wood, and crystal accents. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen dominate the minimalist dash. Four-zone automatic climate control is standard.

As is typical for BMW, many desirable features can be had only as extra-cost options or as part of a package. For the 7 Series, these include Rear Executive Lounge Seating, which moves the front passenger seat forward, reclines the rear seat and raises a footrest; a 31.3-inch, 8K resolution theater screen that folds down from the roof, with built-in Amazon Fire TV for entertaining back-seat passengers; doors that open and close automatically; a 36-speaker Bowers and Wilkins surround-sound audio system; Highway Assistant, which, under certain driving conditions, enables hands-free driving at speeds up to 80 mph; and Parking Assistant Professional, an automated parking feature that memorizes up to 10 routes.

Verdict

Does the new 7 Series fulfill its mission? In terms of pure performance, the gasoline-powered 760i and the electric i7 both produce an abundance of speed and power (BMW claims 0-to-60 times in the sub-5-second range for both cars) and—courtesy of the adaptive suspension—a smooth, comfortable ride. Handling is responsive, though not sporty. The Highway Assistant hands-free steering feature works well, responding much like a human driver when the 7 accelerates and decelerates in traffic.

Inside, there’s plenty of room for all passengers, with abundant headroom and legroom. Entry and exit are easy, and the wide, plush seating provides a comfortable, tranquil environment. The reclining right-rear passenger seat works as advertised and truly is “the best seat in the house.”

But we also found a few nits to pick. For one, the infotainment system and HVAC controls are unintuitive, with complicated menus that rely too much on the touchscreen instead of on hard buttons and knobs. Not everyone was enamored with the abundance of crystal trim on the dash, door panels, and shifter. And the automatic doors sometimes hesitated inexplicably when opening and closing.

As for value, that might not be an issue for some 7 Series customers, who are used to seeing comparable prices on vehicles from luxury automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Still, it’s worth noting that the base prices of the 760i and i7 come in at $121,300 and $124,200, respectively. And each test car was equipped with a dozen packages and options that added more than $30,000 to the price. That makes the $995 destination charge look like a real bargain.