The BMW i7 sedan is an all-new battery-electric variant that debuted with the redesigned 2023 BMW 7 Series. As part of the seventh-generation lineup, the BMW i7 sports design cues similar to its gasoline-powered brother’s and can be optioned with all same gadgets and gizmos aplenty. If anything, the most significant difference setting the electric i7 apart from the standard 7 Series is its core, which is a battery. The launch model for 2023 will be an i7 xDrive60.

Coupled with BMW’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the i7 features a duo of electric motors. Utilizing fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the i7 has a front motor that produces 255 brake horsepower (bhp) while its rear motor generates 308 bhp. Combined, the output is 536 horsepower and 549 pound-feet of torque—and without the use of rare-earth metals! Permanent magnets, which rely heavily on rare-earth metals, are widely used to power EVs. Although such metals are plentiful, the majority are located in China. Also, extraction methods dig up plenty of environmental concerns (pun intended).

In the BMW i7, instead of magnets, the motors operate using an electrical charge with a controllable feed that puts the rotors in motion. So, in the 4.5 seconds it takes you to reach 60 mph, you can feel good about the i7 not wasting resources to do so. The preliminary range is estimated to be 300 miles on a full charge.

BMW has not yet provided charging times or voltage rates, but owners will receive three years of complimentary charging sessions through the Electrify America network. Electrify America has one of the largest networks in North America, and the BMW program allows unlimited use in 30-minute increments. This is further supplemented in BMW Maps. When a destination is entered in the i7, the navigation system will produce a route optimized for charging if the car doesn’t have enough range to travel there. You’ll also have other information, such as state of charge upon arrival, charging time, and more.

To help with battery life, the charging software previously used in the BMW i4 and BMW iX has been optimized for the BMW i7. When the battery reaches a higher charge level, the system drops the charging rate at a smoother pace, which hastens charging times and manages voltage.

Replacing the Driving Experience Control is the more aptly named My Modes. With seven settings, My Modes addresses more than just vehicle settings like ride suspension, steering feel, and other tunings. The different modes also affect acoustics, ambiance, and active readouts on the digital display.

In terms of design, the BMW i7 appears nearly identical to the 7 Series. Its broad shape and defined character lines showcase a rather herculean physique. Hints of the vehicle’s zero-emissions lifestyle are the scant blue accents featured on the lower part of the front and rear fasciae as well as a tab on the lower front fender. The BMW roundel also features a blue outline. Although the proportions match, the i7 has less cargo space than the 7 Series. The latter offers 13.7 cubic feet while the former has 11.4, likely due to the rear motor.

Like the standard 7 Series, the electric i7 is available in a multitude of colors, including three additional metallic varieties: Dark Graphite, Sparkling Copper, and Space Silver. The i7 can also be optioned in the new BMW Individual two-tone color theme. The interior of the i7 is equally extravagant in luxury and technology.

Merino leather is standard, although vegan-friendly Veganza is available. BMW Individual options also include a leather-and-cashmere combination. In the i7, ventilated front seats are standard, as are multifunction rear seats. Specific to the i7 is heat pump technology that manages climate control. All of these features and more can be accessed via the 5.5-inch touchscreen panel on the rear doors.

The BMW i7 features the same connectivity and technology as the 7 Series, and it can be optioned with all the available extras as well. The BMW Curved Display, which encompasses both a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, is the main feature.

Powered by the latest-generation operating system, BMW iDrive 8, the massive, fully digital multimedia display vanquishes many quick-access buttons we’ve become accustomed to. You know, like climate control. Those settings and pretty much everything else are managed via the iDrive controller, which just gets better with age, voice activation, and, if you dare, the touch-sensitive panels built into the dashboard and door panels. Honestly, these put the ick in gimmick.

Also unnecessary—but, hey, it’s available—is the 31-inch BMW Theater Screen for rear-seat passengers. Future-proofed with 8K resolution, the system features built-in Amazon Fire TV and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. Not to be left out of live streaming options, front-seat occupants can watch video on demand via YouTube. Expect the available streaming platform offerings to expand in the future.

Not that you can peep your fave YouTuber while the vehicle is in motion, but the all-new i7 does offer hands-free driving. Included in the optional Driving Assistance Professional Package is the new Highway Assistant feature. An advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), Highway Assistant will take over driving inputs like braking, steering, and throttle at speeds up to 80 mph under certain conditions (i.e., safe conditions). Although the driver no longer has to actively touch the steering wheel, eye movement and alertness will be monitored via a camera system embedded within the BMW Curved Display. Also new is an Augmented View Function that projects a live video stream onto the IP for added navigational assistance. It’s part of the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional package.

The all-new 2023 BMW i7 goes on sale later this year, but pre-order books are open now. The BMW i7 xDrive60 starts at $120,295 (including $995 destination).