BMW's all-new 7 Series limo goes electric and packs tons of tech

MUNICH: The BMW 7 Series has been given a complete makeover for the 2023 model year and the Munich marque's flagship limousine is set to be even plushier and more technologically advanced than any of its predecessors.

The world premiere of the new 7 Series is set for April 20 and the car will go on sale on shortly before the end of the year, BMW said during a test drive event in Munich.

Technical details are still sketchy but the big news is that the 7 Series will be available for the first time as an all-electric car or with a powerful combustion engine. For those who like the best of both worlds, there is a plug-in hybrid too.

Unlike rival Mercedes-Benz, which offers the conventional S-class and the electric EQS alongside each other, BMW is fielding a common limousine with different drive trains.

Among the technical details already revealed is that the i7 electric car will have all-wheel drive with twin motors giving a combined output of 404 kW/550hp. The beefy battery has more than 100 kWh for a range of over 600km.

Charging will take place with up to 200kW, so that within 10 minutes enough electrons will flow to power the car for a good 100km.

Other standard features include 21-inch wheels, air suspension, and rear-axle steering.

The manufacturer has been cagey about pricing but expect to pay six figures for even the entry model.

The Bavarians also want to scrap the previous standard version and offer the luxury saloon in long wheelbase form only. To that end the new 7 Series has been stretched to just under 5.40 metres.

Several versions of the plug-in hybrid model are expected to have an electric range of around 100km. For petrol-heads there will be various six and eight cylinder petrol engines although these will not be offered in all markets.

The interior is a celebration of digitalisation, with a large digital gauge display offering crisp resolution and quick responses.

An optional rear-seat entertainment system will be available and it features a giant 31-inch display that comes down from the ceiling of the car. Thanks to onboard 5G connections, rear-seat riders can stream Netflix films and browse the web while on the move.