The Japan Times - First Drive: 2027 BMW i760 xDrive Review

The BMW 7 Series has entered its second half-century with the most significant refresh in its seven-generation history. The German automaker’s flagship sedan receives extensive updates encompassing design, driving dynamics, and technologies derived from the Neue Klasse, or New Class, initiative currently rolling out across BMW’s model portfolio.

Three distinct powertrains are now available for the all-wheel-drive luxury executive sedan: the all-electric i760 xDrive, the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive, and a V8-powered M Performance model. A recent test drive of the all-electric variant along the Southern California coastline provided insight into these changes.

Despite offering three very different powertrains, the three BMW 7 Series models available in Canada are nearly identical inside and out. This is by design, as BMW’s philosophy for EVs, PHEVs, and ICE vehicles is to provide customers with a choice of very similar vehicles in terms of body and cabin but with a powertrain that suits their specific needs.

The 2027 7 Series features a distinctive exterior with a Rolls-Royce vibe, most notably its blunt front end offset by individual crystal headlights. The iconic kidney grille has been reworked and is more reserved in size and scope than previous versions of this at-times polarizing design element. The grille is also illuminated, giving the large sedan a distinctive signature when viewed in rearview mirrors at night.

The body style of the refreshed 7 Series can be described as monolithic, with a silhouette that appears carved from a block of granite. The sole tweak to the rear end is a new light design, which some may find less cohesive with the rest of the styling updates. However, the new selection of wheel designs, available in 20-inch and 22-inch sizes, fits well.

The interior continues BMW’s trend of using similar components across models. The 2027 7 Series features the same four-spoke steering wheel found in the all-new, fifth-generation 2027 BMW X5. This steering wheel has been criticized for its clumsy design and haptic controls that are not as responsive as they should be. While economies of scale are understandable, this steering wheel does not seem to suit an executive sedan. An elegant wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel would be more appropriate.

Apart from the steering wheel, the rest of the cabin fits the executive bill. All five seats come standard with multifunction electric controls, heating, ventilation, and optional massage functions. Lumbar support for the driver and front passenger is also standard, as are heated armrests.

For those seeking the full chauffeur experience, the optional executive lounge seating features an integrated leg rest behind the front-passenger seat and a quilted and heated center armrest with a high-quality glass insert and integrated, Alcantara-trimmed smartphone tray for wireless device charging. When fully deployed, the seat offers a level of comfort comparable to first-class air service.

For the complete luxury package, the Theatre Screen option is available. This 31.3-inch touchscreen with 8K resolution and an optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos folds down from the headliner, providing rear-seat occupants with an unparalleled viewing experience. An integrated camera in the screen allows for Zoom video calls, while an HDMI connection turns the Theatre Screen into an expanded computer display.

One of the cabin features of the Neue Klasse series is BMW’s panoramic iDrive powered operating system, which makes its first appearance in the 7 Series here. It features a thin display that runs from A-pillar to A-pillar and allows for customization of the information shown. For the first time in the big sedan, there is a standard front passenger screen featuring streaming and gaming apps. Also standard are a panoramic sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series is available as gas, all-electric, and plug-in hybrid models. Details about the gas version, the M Performance M760, are still pending. The all-electric i760 XDrive features a 112.5 kWh battery pack with a maximum charging rate of 250 kW. The dual-motor, or all-wheel-drive, setup provides a combined maximum power output of 536 horsepower and maximum system torque of 549 lb-ft.

BMW cites a WLTP range of between 608 and 725 kilometers, which in real-world terms is probably 500 to 600. For a big and heavy sedan, that is impressive. This is largely due to the all-new, Gen6 cell technology that BMW has developed with Chinese battery maker CATL. Compared to the previous Gen5 prismatic cells, BMW says the energy density of the new cylindrical cells is 20% higher, translating to quicker charging and longer range.

Perhaps the most interesting of the three models, at least from a powertrain perspective, is the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive model. Power comes from a 3.0-litre inline-six with a power output of 313 horsepower, working with an electric motor that boosts the maximum output to 489 hp. All-electric range is estimated to be between 79 and 88 km, though that is using Europe’s WLTP rating. Real-world figures are likely between 50 and 65 km.

The appeal of an all-electric powertrain in a big executive sedan is obvious; EVs are smooth and quiet and provide the kind of ‘magic carpet ride’ sensation and experience that Rolls-Royce engineers have pursued for more than a century. The EV architecture in the new 7 Series achieves just that, with fantastic ride and comfort dynamics.

It is also surprisingly quick, with a sub-five-second zero to 100 km/h sprint. Not really a calling card of an executive sedan, but that kind of acceleration was welcome in Los Angeles freeway traffic. As much as the all-electric powertrain provides much of the oomph in the sedan, the real key to the precise and stable driving dynamics is the Adaptive Chassis Control Professional feature.

Its secret sauce is an active roll stabilization feature that uses a 48V electric motor positioned in the center of the vehicle and active anti-roll bars to smooth out lateral forces inducing body roll through dynamically taken corners. This system, which is all but imperceptible to the driver, improves agility, steering, and handling precision. In addition, active roll stabilization also increases comfort when driving in a straight line by decoupling the fixed connection between each axle’s wheels provided by a conventional anti-roll bar.

Add in the Active Roll Comfort function that actively adjusts the body height on the corresponding side of the vehicle at the same time, and the ride of the all-electric 7 Series is magnificent. One aspect that some may find unnecessary is the new BMW HypersonX, which adds driving sounds, sound effects, and acoustic signals to the experience. Fortunately, you can turn HypersonX off.

The all-electric 2027 BMW i760 is now in Canadian dealerships with an MSRP of $155,500, as is the 750e xDrive with an MSRP of $148,500. Production on the 2027 M760, with an expected horsepower output of 570-plus, starts in April and units are scheduled to arrive in Canada in June of next year.

K.Inoue--JT