Luxury Sedans Go Electric: 2023 BMW 760i xDrive vs. 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60

The luxury sedan market is going electric. BMW recently released its all-new 7 Series lineup, including the first-ever electric i7 xDrive60. This creates an intriguing choice for buyers: get the gas-powered 760i xDrive, or go electric with the i7? We compare these flagship sedans to see how the i7 stacks up to its gas-powered twin.

Powertrain and Performance

The 760i and i7 are closely matched on paper.

Similar Power and Torque

Both sedans produce 536 horsepower and over 550 lb-ft of torque. The i7 makes 549 lb-ft while the 760i churns out 553 lb-ft. This results in potent straight-line performance either way.

The V8 Growl vs. The Electric Whisper

However, the driving experiences are quite different. The 760i features a sonorous twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that provides an audible soundtrack as you surge forward. The i7's electric motors accelerate with eerie smoothness and silence. It lacks the engine noises, vibration, and gear shifts of the gas 7 Series.

Quick, But The 760i Is Quicker

The extra 767 pounds of the electric i7's battery pack means it can't quite match the gas 760i's acceleration. The 760i hits 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, while the i7 needs 4.4 seconds for the same sprint. The quarter mile happens in under 12 seconds in both sedans, but the 760i is over a second quicker at 11.9 sec.

Top Speed Favors Gasoline

The 760i's V8 power enables it to reach a governed 156 mph top speed. The i7 tops out at a still quick 150 mph due to being electric. So if top speed is a priority, the gas 760i has the edge.

Efficiency - Advantage Electric

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the i7 dominates as expected. Our observed 73 MPGe blows away the 760i's 20 mpg. For highway cruising, the i7 managed 94 MPGe to the 760i's 30 mpg. The i7 provides a 310 mile real-world highway range, while the gas tank in the 760i allows 580 miles between fill-ups.

Handling and Braking Performance

BMW fits its latest technology to both 7 Series models, creating a surprisingly agile drive despite their large size and luxury focus.

Impressive Agility for Large Luxury Sedans

The adaptive air suspension with active anti-roll bars keeps body motions controlled. Our test cars wore sticky 21-inch performance tires. We ripped around our 300-foot skidpad at 0.89G in the 760i and 0.92G in the i7. For context, sports sedans like the BMW M3 pull around 1.0G.

Quick Reactions and Short Stopping Distances

These big BMWs feel light on their feet and react quickly to steering inputs. Their huge brakes bring them to a halt from 70 mph in just 160-162 feet. From higher speeds, they need around 330 feet to come to a complete stop - impressive for vehicles weighing over 5,000 lbs.

Virtually No Handling Difference Between Gas and Electric

Despite lugging around an extra 767 lbs, the i7 sticks to the skidpad and carves through corners with poise matching its gas-powered twin. The electric motors' instant torque vectoring enables deft adjustments mid-corner. Overall, the difference in handling dynamics is minimal between the gas and electric models.

Ride Comfort and Noise Levels

When you're spending over $150,000 on a flagship luxury sedan, you expect it to coddle and isolate you from the outside world. Here's how the 760i and i7 compare when it comes to ride comfort.

Magic Carpet Ride Quality

The standard air suspension delivers sublime ride comfort in either 7 Series. Impacts and imperfections are beautifully muted, living up to the luxury promise. Adding active anti-roll bars reduces body roll further without compromising the supple ride.

Luxury-Focused Cabins Shut Out the World

Wind and road noise is kept to barely a whisper inside both cabins. The Levante Full Merino leather seats are decadently soft. The rest of the cabin is lined with lush carpets and sumptuous materials. These are sanctuaries from the world outside.

Electric Motor's Hush Trumps the V8

The i7's silent electric running makes it feel even more isolated than the 760i. With no engine noises whatsoever, it glides along like a magic carpet. The gas V8 remains subdued, but can't match the i7's hushed electric demeanor. For the ultimate sensory deprivation experience, the i7 nudges ahead.

Interior Luxury and Passenger Space

Occupants are immersed in luxury whichever 7 Series they choose. Let's compare the cabins and passenger space.

Identical Interior Dimensions

The 760i and i7 share precisely the same interior dimensions. Rear seat space is generous in both, with 54 cubic feet for passengers to stretch out. The raised battery pack under the i7's cabin only reduces trunk space slightly, from 19 to 18 cubic feet.

Bespoke Options Tailor the Experience

Their common options lists allow fine-tuning the luxury experience. Our test vehicles came loaded with over $150,000 of luxury upgrades. Highlights include:

• $7,250 Rear Executive Lounge seats with massagers
• $6,550 Automatic soft-close doors
• $5,450 Alcantara headliner
• $4,800 Bowers & Wilkins 36-speaker sound system
• $3,750 Heated, reclining rear seats with footrest

Technology Blends Old-World Craftsmanship with New

Modern amenities like heated/cooled seats with massage blend seamlessly with traditional craftsmanship touches. Details like the metal speaker grilles and glass iDrive control knob convey modern prestige.

Overall, the cabins provide identical, sublime luxury experiences. Personal preference of options provides the only differences.

Range and Charging Considerations

For all-electric vehicles like the i7, range and charging capabilities are important considerations. Here is how the i7 stacks up in these areas.

310 Miles of Real-World Range

Our test i7 managed 310 miles in real-world highway driving. This beats its EPA rating of 300 miles. While not class-leading (the Mercedes EQS manages 350+ miles), it's enough range to cover most trips without range anxiety.

Charging Speeds - Good, But Faster Options Exist

On a Level 2 home charger, the 101.7 kWh battery needs 11 hours for a full charge according to BMW. We saw 102 kW average charging speed at a 350 kW DC fast charging station. The battery charged from 10% to 90% in 47 minutes. This lags behind the 200+ kW charging of the Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S.

Charging Infrastructure Improving, But Uneven

The number of DC fast charging stations in the US is rising rapidly. However, coverage remains uneven. Road tripping requires more planning and possible waits to charge compared to gas-powered cars. Metro area and suburban owners will have an easier time finding chargers.

Overall, the i7 provides enough range for most driving needs, but its charging capabilities fall slightly behind the fastest-charging EVs.

Driving Assistance and Safety Technology

Cutting-edge driver assistance tech comes standard in both 7 Series models, befitting their flagship status.

Latest Driver Aids Standard

Every 7 Series includes a full suite of advanced systems:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane centering assist
• Traffic jam assist for stop-and-go driving
• Evasive steering assist
• Front/rear parking sensors and cameras

Available Options Enhance Capabilities

Optional packages provide even greater assistance and autonomy:

• $2,100 Driving Assistance Pro Package: Adds lane keeping assistant with side collision avoidance, Traffic Jam Assistant for hands-free driving below 40 mph.
• $900 Parking Assistant Professional: Provides remote parking via smartphone, more advanced automated parking capabilities.

Over-the-Air Updates

BMW continually pushes out over-the-air software updates to improve driver aids over time, like Tesla does. This ensures they remain cutting-edge as technology progresses.

Five-Star Overall Safety Rating

The latest 7 Series recently earned a maximum five stars overall in Euro NCAP safety testing. Top scores in all crashworthiness and driver assistance parameters affirm its advanced engineering.

In terms of active safety tech, the i7 and 760i are identically equipped to monitor surroundings and intervene if needed.

Verdict - A Tough Choice Between Equals

The BMW 760i and i7 are closely matched luxury flagships. The i7 holds advantages in smooth, silent driving and efficiency. But the 760i's range and charging edge make it better for road trips. With near-identical luxury, performance and driving dynamics, choosing between them largely depends on your needs:

i7 - For Locally-Focused Buyers Who Prioritize Luxury

The silent electric i7 provides the ultimate in isolated, tranquil motoring. never breaking the luxury spell with engine noise. Its 310 mile range covers most local/suburban driving. Home and public charging is convenient. The i7 perfectly suits buyers who:

• Highly value a hushed, luxurious driving experience
• Don't frequently embark on long road trips
• Have easy home or public charging access

760i - For Drivers Requiring Maximum Range and Road Trip Ability

The gas-powered 760i shines for its 580 miles of driving range between fill-ups. Cross-country road trips are effortless with fast gas stops. Performance and engine noises are more prominent, but still subdued. It best fits luxury buyers who:

• Demand maximum driving range
• Frequently drive long distances
• Want confidence of quick gas fill-ups

Either way, BMW's 7 Series continues to define the pinnacle of luxury motoring - now with the choice of gas or electric power to suit your lifestyle. The i7 and 760i remain range-topping equals with unique advantages over each other.

This sums up the in-depth comparison between BMW's all-new electric i7 and gas-powered 760i luxury sedans. Let us know if you have any other questions!

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