2023 BMW i7

The 2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 is just the latest in a growing line of new BMWs that are as startlingly good to drive as they are startling to look at. Given the company's history, you’d expect any all-new 7 Series to be a great car, but getting the electric version so right on the first go-round is worthy of commendation. And yes, I know enthusiasts may turn their nose away from the new 7 after one glance at that strange schnoz, but don’t think for a minute that it’s going to sink the car. In a week of driving, I received tons of praise for “that sharp car” from random passersby. It may be difficult for those who wish for a return to the old BMW styling, but this bold way forward is catching people’s attention.  Outside of the ill-proportioned light-up kidney grille up front, I’m a huge fan of this new 7 Series’ look. Its general enormous height and length projects Rolls-Royce vibes, which is the highest praise when it comes to full-size luxury sedans. Walk up to the beast, and forget about yanking open a door to get in — just press the button on the recessed door handle, stand to the side, and wait for the auto-opening doors to do their thing. The auto function works well once you get the hang of where you need to stand, as it’s understandably cautious about opening the door into another object or human in its way. This interior has about a million party tricks, and the gorgeous cashmere/wool blend seats are assuredly one of them. Leather alternatives are all the rage these days, but of the ideas presented by various OEMs so far, this one’s the best. The material doesn’t get cold in winter months, nor does it get too hot in the summer. It’s super-comfy, soft to the touch and great to sit on. Plus, it just plain looks cool. Once settled in the comfy but supportive front buckets, you can either press the brake pedal or tap a button to close the door automatically, a clue to the minimal effort this vehicle requires of its driver. Take a look around the dash and center console, and while the design and execution is very different from the Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW’s approach to interior luxury is arguably better. Almost every item you might come in contact with is beautiful crystalline glass, metal or a pleasing-to-touch plastic. The screens are futuristic, but also provided room for interior designers to have some fun with interesting materials such as wood and glass on the dash. The flowing, angular glass that spreads from the doors to the dash is one of the most impressive bits, especially at night as lights make it come alive, feeling far richer and more sophisticated than the myriad strips of LEDs that adorn Mercedes products. The beautifully cut speaker grilles for the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond audio system bring even more panache to a panache-filled interior. Even the incredible …
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